air flossing

Flossing is an important part of your dental care routine. It can also be a difficult thing to do properly. Some teeth are hard to reach and don't always get cleaned as they should. Fortunately, there are other methods of flossing besides the traditional piece of string.

In particular, air flossing is a simple and effective way of getting rid of those lingering food particles and keeping your mouth healthy and clean. Here's everything you need to know about air flossing and how it works.

What Is Air Flossing?

Air flossing uses water and compressed air to clean between your teeth. It has a compartment that gets filled with water before using. Align the nozzle of the flosser between two of your teeth and turn it on. It will release a burst of air and water droplets, which dislodge any debris in that space. When finished, turn it off, align the flosser between your next two teeth, and repeat the process. The air flosser can also be filled with mouthwash instead of water to kill bacteria.

Air flossing isn't designed to be a total replacement for manual flossing. String might still be required, particularly to dislodge larger pieces of debris. However, it's a great supplement which can help you get your teeth cleaner.

Air flossing can also help reduce gum bleeding. Particularly if you don't floss often, or if you have a buildup of plaque, gums can become inflamed and bleed during flossing. Air flossing is gentler on the teeth, as well as helping to reduce plaque, both of which reduce the risk of bleeding.

Air Flossing Vs. Manual Flossing

As mentioned already, the main drawback to manually flossing is that certain places in your mouth are difficult to reach. Even if you’re able to use string to clean between every tooth, it still might not be enough.

If you have gum disease, pockets can form between your teeth and gums. Food often lodges in these pockets, and manual flossing can't reach them. However, air flossing can get into your gum pockets and get rid of that debris. It's also great for cleaning underneath dental bridges and around braces, both of which string floss also has a hard time reaching.

Though an air flosser costs more than a box of manual string floss, the benefits you get from air flossing make it well worth the price - particularly since inadequate flossing can lead to expensive dental problems down the line.

Air Floss Upkeep

Your air flosser must be properly maintained in order to keep it at peak effectiveness. First, you need to make sure it's charged regularly. It comes with a charging base that the device locks into, to provide it with power. The flosser should be charged for 24 hours before its first use, and every two weeks after that.

The nozzle of the flosser also needs to be cleaned periodically, to keep it from getting clogged and losing its effectiveness. Remove the nozzle and rinse it thoroughly, then rinse out the reservoir with warm water. You should also replace the nozzle every six months, to keep your flosser working effectively.

With regular usage and proper maintenance, air flossing is a simple and effective way of keeping your mouth clean, even in hard-to-reach places. To learn more about air flossing, contact us at Kanehl Dental Group.