Dental patients who live in the Mt. Vernon and Alexandria area want to keep their mouths as healthy and clean as possible. However, they are also looking for convenience, and that’s why many of them turn to floss picks instead of old-fashioned dental floss.
These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are inexpensive and can be used more discreetly than floss.
While this may seem like a dream come true for those hoping to make flossing a more regular part of their oral health routine, floss picks are still a step below actual floss in effectiveness.
The American Dental Association has only approved dental floss for cleaning in between teeth. One issue is that floss picks can’t curve and form the angles needed for superior cleaning.
So, what is a responsible dental patient to do? The first thing is to meet with your Alexandria, Virginia dentist and see what their opinion is. If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient, but still try to use regular dental floss daily.
If you are in the process of looking for a new dentist, we hope that you consider Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry. We have been serving the Mt. Vernon area since 1983 from our Alexandria practice.
Our knowledgeable staff would love to answer any pressing questions you have regarding flossing and other dental health concerns, as well as questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.
Call 703-360-5881 today to schedule an exam or consultation.
Drs. Geren & Mady
Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
703-360-5881
The following website was used as source material for this blog: http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners, accessed on August 1, 2014
