Plaque, that bacterial film coating your teeth, is the top cause of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. You can see and feel a lot of it—but not all of it. Some plaque deposits can lodge snugly between your teeth and cause dental disease just as much as the plaque in the open.
The problem with between-teeth plaque is that even a good brushing habit might not effectively remove it. For that reason, flossing should be a part of your daily oral hygiene.
If traditional flossing doesn’t work for you, there are other alternatives. Oral irrigation is a hygiene method for removing plaque between teeth. It is a pressurized water spray. You direct the water spray between your teeth using a handheld wand (which resembles a power toothbrush) and a small hose attached to a countertop pump appliance.
Oral irrigation is ideal for people with manual dexterity problems or who may not bother with traditional flossing. They also make it easier for patients with braces, bridges, and implants.
There are a number of comparable oral irrigation brands on the market to choose from, and we can help advise you on features to look for when purchasing one. Just be sure you’re using some method, oral irrigation or traditional flossing, to remove disease-causing plaque from between your teeth—either will go a long way in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Give Distinctive Dentistry of Clackamas a call at (503) 698-4884. We’d be glad to help.
