Spirit Dental Resources

You’ve seen the various ads warning you about the adverse health effects of smoking—some of them are pretty disturbing, aren’t they? And you likely already know that smoking can do damage to your teeth and gums. But what, exactly, are smokers teeth, anyway? What will smoking do to your pearly whites and your gums if you don’t quit the addiction? Smoking Takes a Major Toll on Your Gums Smoking doesn’t only give you bad breath. In fact, bad breath is a small side effect compared to the serious effects of this unhealthy habit. First off, when you smoke, your immune system is weakened. How does this affect your mouth, specifically? Well, it becomes more challenging for your body to fight infections in your gums. Your gums become increasingly more damaged every time you smoke, and they become less and less capable of healing as well. What are some of the symptoms of gum disease? They include pain when you chew, as well as gums that are red, tender, swollen, or bleeding. You might notice that your gums are beginning to pull away from your teeth, too. And teeth typically become sensitive or loose as gum disease progresses. Yikes! Your risk of developing gum disease only increases the more you smoke. In fact, your risk for this oral health problem doubles when you smoke. And, if you do develop it, the usual treatments that would work for other patients might not be as effective on you because of your smoking addiction. So, the sooner you quit, the better it’ll be for your gum health. Side note: No, e-cigarettes aren’t any better arguably! Your Teeth Suffer, Too! Smoking stains teeth—hence, the term, “smokers teeth.” So, if you smoke, you might find yourself splurging on over-the-counter whitening treatments or asking your dentist for a professional whitening session. Basically, your chompers can become pretty unsightly, with yellow stains that may develop more quickly than you might expect. And the more you smoke, the darker the stains. Over time, your white teeth will turn into an unattractive shade of dark yellow or brown. Yuck! As if the stains weren’t bad enough, smoking does even more to further damage your teeth: it can boost the risk of tooth decay through a rise in the buildup of plaque and tartar. And when your dentist fills your teeth, the smoking will continue to discolor your once pearly whites, as well as the fillings themselves, so even restorative treatments might leave you disappointed with the results. Speaking of fillings—composite fillings, in particular—smoking won’t only stain them; it will also cause them to wear out before they should. So if you want your composite fillings to continue looking good, and you want them to last as long as possible, quitting smoking is the way to go. Remember when we mentioned above that smoking reduces the strength of your immune system? This also means that, if you have to undergo oral surgery or a dental procedure like a tooth extraction, your mouth will take longer to heal. And if you need to get a dental implant to replace a lost or damaged tooth, the success rate might also be lower for you if you’re a smoker. This Is Super Serious: Smoking Increases Your Risk of Oral Cancer! When you smoke, you aren’t just doing harm to your teeth and gums; you’re also harming your entire mouth, increasing your risk of oral cancer. If that isn’t frightening, we don’t know what is. To put things in perspective, and to illustrate the severity of a smoking addiction: the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, tongue, throat, and lips is six times higher compared to people who don’t smoke. Wow! It’s clear that the effects of smoking extend far beyond stained teeth and swollen gums. Need Extra Advice? Have a Chat with Your Dentist! If you’re a smoker, your dentist can point out the damage that your habit is doing to your mouth. Beyond that, however, you can also ask your dentist for advice on how to quit. Perhaps talking to a dental pro and learning about the risks to your teeth and gums will give you the motivation that you need to take your first step towards quitting this addiction for good. Although you might immediately think of “smokers teeth” as the negative effect on the appearance of your chompers, smoking does much more damage than you might realize at first. From being one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults, to contributing to the risk of mouth cancer, there’s no denying that smoking is a nasty habit that’s worth quitting.   Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html https://www.dentalhealth.org/smoking-and-oral-health https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/effects-of-smoking-on-teeth https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/smoking-oral-health#1

Updated Nov. 2021 You hear about gum disease a lot. Commercials on TV talk about it, your dentist probably mentioned it at some point during your past checkups, and you might know someone who has this condition.  But what is gum disease, exactly? What are the symptoms of this oral health problem, and are there any treatments available to tackle it? The answers to all of these questions can be found below. A Few Things You Should Know About Gum Disease Gum disease starts as gingivitis. So, if you’re experiencing the symptoms of gingivitis (e.g. red, swollen, bleeding gums), it’s best to tackle the problem with the help of your dentist so it won’t advance to gum disease.  Gum disease can impact the structures that support your teeth. As the condition worsens, you may notice that your gums start to separate from the teeth, and this puts you at risk of losing your pearly whites. Yikes!    Another awful effect of gum disease: bad breath. If you’re noticing that you can’t get rid of your bad breath no matter what you do, gum disease might be the culprit.  But what’s also scary is that, in addition to affecting your mouth, gum disease might even have an impact on other aspects of your health. This is a condition that’s associated with damaging inflammation, and there might be a link between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, if you’re pregnant, gum disease might increase the risk of having a baby prematurely or having a baby with a low birth weight.  For all of these reasons, keeping track of the health of your gums, and getting advice from a dentist on how to keep your whole mouth healthy, is ultra-important. The Usual Symptoms of Gum Disease Now that you know a bit more about gum disease and its effects on oral health, you might be wondering what symptoms would alert you that something is wrong. Well, the first thing you should keep in mind is that, sometimes, there might not be symptoms that make it easy to spot this problem.  As mentioned above, the earliest stage of gum disease is the development of gingivitis. This is when the gums become inflamed, so you might notice that they’re tender and bleed easily. Caused by bacteria in plaque, this is a problem that can be reversed more easily than gum disease. Your dentist may give you a professional cleaning, and you can work on keeping your teeth and gums as clean as possible by brushing and flossing daily at home.  If you notice the following symptoms, it’s best to talk to your dentist to figure out what’s wrong, as you might have gum disease: Your gums are swollen, sensitive, and red. There is bleeding from the gums when you brush or floss. Your gums are starting to recede or you’re noticing deep pockets between the teeth and gums.  You have bad breath that won’t go away, or there is a bad taste in your mouth.  Your teeth are sensitive, or you’re experiencing pain when you chew.  Your teeth are shifting or loose. The Treatment Options to Fight Gum Disease Seeing your dentist for checkups can help you find out about problems like gum disease before they progress, especially if you aren’t experiencing symptoms.  If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist might recommend the following treatments to help prevent further damage and tooth loss: A professional cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline, so this might be the first step that your dentist recommends. For a deeper cleaning of the teeth and gums, you might need to undergo what’s known as scaling and root planing. This will clean the roots and smooth them to help the gums heal and reattach to the teeth. To work on removing bacteria and inflammation, your dentist might prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. For example, an antibiotic gel might be placed under the gums to provide targeted treatment.  Depending on the severity of the gum disease, and the damage that’s been done, surgery might be necessary in some cases. Examples include bone grafts, tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and flap surgery.     Work with Your Dentist to Keep Your Gums in Tip-Top Shape! Ultimately, seeing your dentist on a consistent basis is important if you want to catch the earliest signs of gum problems. There’s only so much that you can do at home to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, so it’s wise to visit the dentist for professional cleanings, checkups, and X-rays. And with the right dental insurance, you’ll have the support you need to pay for high-quality care if you’re ever diagnosed with gum disease. Sources: https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-symptoms.htm https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease#1 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/symptoms/ https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/gum-disease/spot-the-7-signs-of-gum-disease https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/early-signs-of-gum-disease/

You might think that your baby’s pacifier is a godsend, especially during those moments when nothing else will calm your child. Unfortunately, though, like anything else in life, pacifiers do come with their own set of drawbacks that are worth thinking about. Those drawbacks include what’s known as “pacifier teeth.” What are pacifier teeth? We cover what you need to know below to help you make smart decisions when it comes to using a binky to soothe your little one. Pacifiers Might Affect the Way Your Baby’s Mouth Develops In the same way that thumb sucking might lead to oral problems, such as misaligned teeth and the improper development of the roof of the mouth, pacifiers could end up doing more harm than good when their use isn’t controlled. The term “pacifier teeth” refers to the damage that’s done by a pacifier. If your growing baby continues using a binky: The teeth might end up growing in crooked The position of the teeth might change The jaw might not be properly aligned There might be bite problems The upper teeth might protrude forward In other words, a binky may end up having a big impact on the way your child’s teeth grow in, adversely affecting their alignment and resulting in a need for braces. Beyond that, however, the actual shape of your child’s mouth might also be affected by the prolonged use of a pacifier. What seemed, at first, like a harmless tool that you could use to appease your baby might actually end up doing quite a bit of damage as your child grows. Wow! Alert: Dental Decay Is Another Potential Problem Do you add some sweetness to your child’s pacifier by putting sugar or juice on it? Bad idea! Just think about it: you’re giving your baby something that’s covered in sugar, and letting him or her suck on it for a long period of time. As you probably already guessed, this may lead to the development of tooth decay, which you certainly don’t want. So, when it comes to pacifier teeth, it isn’t just about how the teeth grow in and how they look; the actual health of your baby’s teeth might be jeopardized by excessive pacifier use, particularly if you aren’t using a clean, unsweetened binky. Preventing Pacifier Teeth: It’s Easier Than You Might Think! Pacifiers aren’t totally bad, especially for babies up to six months old. You can definitely let your child use a pacifier, while also taking the appropriate steps to avoid pacifier teeth. The goal should be to get your baby to stop using a binky by the time he or she is two years old. That’s because, by the age of two, you might already begin seeing negative effects on the mouth and teeth. However, if any teeth issues do occur before the age of two, they might end up self-correcting in the months after your toddler stops relying on the pacifier. The longer your child uses a binky, the worse the effects will be. If your kid is still using a pacifier after his or her second birthday, there is a greater risk that the front teeth will end up tilting or slanting in an unattractive way. And, if he or she is still using a binky at four years and older, the permanent teeth might be affected. Yikes! Break the Binky Addiction Pacifiers have their place, but only temporarily. Before long, it’ll be time for your baby to ditch the binky, and it will be your job to help him or her break the habit. Experts recommend using positive reinforcement to encourage your baby to rely less on the pacifier to feel good. Avoid scolding your toddler when he or she uses the pacifier. And when your child doesn’t use it, you can give praise or a small reward. It’s a good idea to start transitioning your baby off the pacifier when he or she is older than six months. To start, you might take the pacifier away during the day, but allow your child to use it while he or she sleeps.   For change to occur, consistency is key. Don’t give in to your kid’s demands for the pacifier. And make sure everyone in your family, as well as babysitters, are aware of the rules for binky use. If your child is stressed or anxious, try implementing other calming techniques and products that can replace the binky. Help Your Baby’s Teeth Grow in Beautifully! Sure, pacifiers are great, but there’s a time and place to use a binky before it becomes more damaging than beneficial. In addition to understanding the pros and cons of pacifiers, as well as when it’s best for your baby to stop using one, it’s also a great idea to consult with a dentist who can keep an eye on your child’s mouth as it grows. And, in addition to that, keeping your baby’s teeth and gums clean at home can also help maintain strong and healthy chompers as they grow in. Then, before you know it, your little one will have a full set of teeth and a gorgeous smile! Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/pacifiers/art-20048140   https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_77.pdf?la=en https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/infant-oral-care/will-my-baby-develop-pacifer-teeth https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/using-pacifiers#1 https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/bye-bye-binky-ending-the-pacifier-habit/

Amalgam fillings go by other names, such as silver fillings and mercury fillings. This material has been used by dentists around the world for more than 150 years to help people keep their teeth when a cavity develops. Rather than having to yank a tooth because of decay, dentists can fill it and restore its strength. You or someone you love might even have a mercury filling in one or more of your teeth already. Unfortunately, despite their long history and widespread use, there is quite a bit of controversy and concern surrounding the use of mercury fillings. So, what are some of the things that you should be aware of so that you can make more informed decisions when you’re at the dentist and told that you have a cavity? Check out the info below to learn more. What Are Amalgam Fillings? Do amalgam fillings contain mercury? The answer is yes, they do. But there’s more to it. Beyond mercury, which makes up roughly half of the filling, other metals are used to create a durable material that will last a long time and withstand pressure from chewing. Those metals include copper, silver, and tin. Because these fillings are visible, thanks to their silvery appearance, many people today opt for composite fillings instead because they’re tooth-colored and, therefore, not obvious when you open your mouth. But newer fillings can be more expensive, and they may not be appropriate in all cases, so amalgam is still commonly used.    Why the Big Fuss Over Mercury Fillings? According to the FDA, if you get an amalgam filling, the great thing about it is that there’s a lower chance of it breaking compared to other materials. Plus, it’s the most affordable of the options available. But experts do admit that there are some potential risks to consider before you and your dentist decide to go with amalgam. So, here’s the thing: because these fillings have elemental mercury in them, a low level of mercury vapor is released. And that vapor can, indeed, be absorbed by your lungs when you inhale. Okay, that’s kind of scary, right? But it gets worse: if your body is exposed to high levels of this vapor, the kidneys and brain might also be affected. It’s no wonder that there are so many concerns about mercury fillings! Then there’s a little something known as bioaccumulation, which is the term used for the buildup of a chemical within the body. You guessed it—mercury, even from a filling, is considered bioaccumulative. Basically, the vapor from these fillings can build up in certain tissues, including those in the brain and kidneys, even though the vapor is absorbed mostly by the lungs.   But, Wait, You Can Rest Easy About Amalgam Fillings After All That’s a lot of bad news about amalgam fillings, huh? But there’s something else that you should know: the FDA has stated that they’ve reviewed available evidence in an effort to figure out if a low amount of mercury vapor from a filling would really be harmful to human health. Bottom line: experts have concluded that these fillings are safe after all. In fact, children from age 6 and above, as well as adults, of course, can get a mercury filling without having to worry about it having an adverse effect on their health. On top of that, clinical studies in kids and adults haven’t been able to find any link between health problems and the mercury in dental fillings. Phew! And you know how it could bioaccumulate? Well, studies haven’t been able to prove that this causes any actual damage to the body’s organs. That’s a relief, right? Allergies to Mercury? Yep, It Can Happen It’s worth noting that some people may be sensitive to mercury, or they might even be allergic to it. Beyond that, some individuals might not be the right candidates for an amalgam filling because they’re allergic to the other metals within it. Symptoms of an adverse reaction to an amalgam filling include contact reactions and oral lesions. Ouch! The best way to avoid these reactions is to let your dentist know if you’re allergic to any of the components in the fillings. Don’t worry, modern dentistry offers so many great alternatives that will help you get your teeth strong and healthy again. Should You Bother Having Your Mercury Fillings Replaced? With newer filling materials available, you might be thinking, “Should I just replace my old amalgam fillings?” According to experts, the short answer is, no, you don’t really have to, unless you’re sensitive or allergic to the mercury or the other metals in the amalgam. Also, if your fillings aren’t holding up anymore, or if there is decay under a filling, you can have an old filling removed and replaced with a different material, such as a composite filling. But if your fillings are still in good shape and your teeth are fine, there’s likely no need to go through the trouble—and expense—of having them replaced. Plus, when you have an amalgam filling removed, more vapor will be released in the process. And your dentist will have to remove more healthy tooth, too. So, as you can see, it might not be worth it. But, ultimately, this important decision will be up to you and your dentist. Still Have Questions About Mercury in Dental Fillings? If you’re still concerned about mercury in fillings, or if you’re pregnant and you need to have dental work done, it’s best to consult with your dentist to learn about the pros and cons of amalgam. You can even let your dentist know that you’re interested in learning about other, newer filling materials that contain less mercury or no mercury at all. No matter what, you have options, whether you choose to go with good old amalgam or an alternative filling material to restore the health of your teeth. Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/mar/25/should-amalgam-fillings-be-removed https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml

They say you are what you eat, but did you know about the impact that nutrition has on your pearly whites, in particular? A lot of people don’t realize that food not only promotes the health of your skin, bones, and organs, but also the health of your teeth and gums.   Nutrition: It’s More Important Than You Thought for Your Teeth Eating a nutritious diet isn’t only good for your waistline; it’s also great for your dental health. If you aren’t getting the right amount of vital nutrients from your food daily, your risk of gum disease might increase, and that may eventually result in tooth loss. Yikes! On top of that, the wrong foods may also boost your risk of developing cavities—and no one likes getting fillings or, worse yet, a root canal! Thankfully, establishing a diet that will support your dental health isn’t hard at all. It’s best to fill your plate with lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. If you consume dairy, stick with low-fat or fat-free options. This type of balanced diet can help you get the right amount of nutrients to support the strength of your chompers. Interesting fact: Researchers have found that individuals who’ve lost teeth don’t consume enough veggies and fruits. So, if you want to take steps that can help reduce your odds of ever needing dentures, aim to consume a nutritious diet daily. Why Sugar Is Such a Bad Guy When it comes to dental health, making it a point to consume less sugar would be a smart move. From sugary fruit juice and soda, to candies and sweet desserts, you might not realize at first just how much sugar you’re exposing your teeth to. What’s the big deal about sugar, anyway? Well, if bacteria in your mouth are exposed to sugar, acid will be produced. And that acid will end up attacking your teeth, damaging them and causing decay over time. Plenty of nutrient-rich foods, such as whole fruits, contain natural sugars, so you can’t avoid all sugar all the time. Instead, experts recommend reading labels closely to avoid foods and beverages that contain added sugars. Ready to Make Changes? A Step-by-Step Approach Will Get You There! Here are a few tips to help you start eating in a way that will allow you to improve and maintain your oral health: Did you know that snacking too often isn’t so good for your teeth? It’s true! Basically, the more often that you snack between meals, the greater the odds of acid wreaking havoc. This doesn’t mean you can’t snack at all, though. Just make wiser choices by opting to snack on foods like raw fruits and veggies. And, whenever possible, brush your teeth, or at least rinse with water, to help remove food particles. Add foods that are rich in vitamin C to your daily diet. This nutrient can help support the health of your gums. A few tasty examples include tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, potatoes, peppers, and citrus fruit. Another nutrient that can help you maintain strong chompers is phosphorus. You can get it from a variety of foods, such as beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, lean meat, and fish.   Calcium helps when it comes to maintaining strong bones and teeth, and you can get more of this important nutrient by eating foods like dark leafy green veggies, almonds, dairy products, soy milk, and tofu. Drink water throughout the day. Also, reduce your intake of sugary drinks, as well as carbonated drinks and acidic beverages that may increase the risk of tooth erosion. Pro tip: Some foods that would be considered part of a nutritious diet are acidic and can, therefore, be detrimental to dental enamel. These include citrus fruits and tomatoes, as a couple of examples. Rather than eating these on their own, it’s a good idea to enjoy these foods as part of a meal so that you can reduce the effects of the acid on your teeth. Simple enough, right? Your Diet, Your Dentist, and Your At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine Beyond eating the right food for healthy teeth, brushing and flossing daily is also a major component to maintaining that beautiful smile. And, of course, seeing your dentist regularly is necessary too. Regular trips to the dentist will give you the opportunity to have your mouth thoroughly examined and cleaned. Plus, your dentist can tell you if you’re doing a good job or if your diet still needs some tweaking. No matter what diet you follow, there are so many delicious and nutritious foods and beverages that you can consume on a regular basis in order to get the optimal amount of nutrients that will help your teeth and gums remain strong and healthy. Your mouth, and your body, will thank you for the simple act of eating right! Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/healthy-nutrition-for-healthy-teeth https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diet-and-dental-health https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhnutritionrotator&utm_content=food-tips  

Flossing is an integral component to any great oral hygiene routine. If you are brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you’re on the right track towards maintaining healthy gums, strong teeth, and fresh breath. When it’s time to floss, even though you might think that you need to reach for good ol’ string floss, you do have another option that might appeal to you more: the Waterpik. This is the most well-known water flosser brand on the market, and there are quite a few different Waterpik products to choose from. How does a Waterpik stand up against regular floss, and is it worth your hard-earned cash? We cover the pros and cons of these two products below. Waterpik: An Easy and Modern Way to Floss If you find it a little challenging to use string floss the right way, you aren’t alone. Many people struggle with using the floss correctly to thoroughly clean between their teeth and beneath the gumline to remove plaque without causing irritation in the process. So this is where the Waterpik can come in really handy. Here are some of the reasons why the Waterpik has grown in popularity and become a highly recommended alternative to traditional flossing: It’s easy to use! Just fill it with water, turn it on, and move it slowly along your teeth to remove debris and plaque from between your pearly whites and along your gumline. A study found that the Waterpik is 29% more effective, compared to string floss, when it comes getting rid of plaque. It is also 33% more effective at removing plaque on marginal surfaces, and 29% more effective at cleaning approximal surfaces. In other words, every surface of your teeth could be cleaner when you use a Waterpik correctly.    If your gums tend to bleed, a Waterpik might be able to help. In a study, experts discovered that, after 14 days of use, the Waterpik was twice as effective, compared to regular floss, when it came to reducing bleeding from the gums. And, after 30 days of use, there was even more improvement. Not bad, right? If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis, switching from string floss to a Waterpik might be a wise move. In another study, experts found that the Waterpik is 52% more effective at reducing gingivitis when compared to string floss, regardless of what type of toothbrush is used. And they also determined that the Waterpik is up to 93% better at reducing bleeding. String Floss: Tried-and-True Effectiveness When it comes to regular string floss, you do have a few different options to choose from. For example, there’s waxed floss, which has a light coating of wax that makes it more durable, and there’s unwaxed floss that makes it easy to clean tight spaces between teeth. Other options include polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE), which is less prone to shredding and can easily slide in between your chompers, and dental tape, which is flatter and broader to provide comfort to those who have more space in between their pearly whites. No matter what type of string floss you opt to use, there are certain steps to follow in order to be sure you’re making the most of your flossing routine: Begin by taking out roughly 18” of your string floss. Wind the majority of it around both of your middle fingers, but leave about 2” that you can hold between your index fingers and thumbs. Slide the floss in between your teeth, curving it around the base of the teeth and moving it up and down to remove as much plaque as possible. Make sure that, when you get to the base of a tooth, you gently go just below the gumline with the floss, too. When you’re ready to move to the next set of teeth, shift the floss in your hands so that you can use a clean section. Repeat until you have cleaned in between all of your teeth. Waterpik vs. Floss: What If You Wear Braces? Those who wear braces have to take extra steps to ensure they keep their mouths clean, and flossing is a must. But string floss might not be able to get into all of those hard-to-reach places under and around your braces, so a Waterpik might be a nice addition to your hygiene routine. Basically, the stream of water produced by a Waterpik could help remove any leftover food particles and plaque that your toothbrush and regular floss didn’t reach. It’s a good idea to talk to your orthodontist to learn how to thoroughly clean your braces, and to find out if a Waterpik is the right product for your needs. It's also a good idea make sure you have dental insurance that covers braces so you can save money and get the coverage you need. Hate Flossing? You Might Want to Give the Waterpik a Try! Do you tend to avoid flossing because you just can’t stand using string floss? Then it’s worth considering switching to a Waterpik. You might find that, because it’s so much easier to use, and because it allows you to floss your teeth more efficiently, you’ll be more inclined to stick to this extremely important part of your oral hygiene routine. Then, when you make an appointment for your next checkup, you might even impress your dentist with how much cleaner your mouth is, especially in between your teeth! Sources: https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/blog/dental-floss-vs-water-flossers/ https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/clinical-research/Goyal-Waterpik-vs-String-Floss-for-Plaque-Removal-2013/ https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/clinical-research/dental-floss-vs-water-flosser-reducing-gingivitis-plaque-barnes-2005/ https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/clinical-research/dental-floss-vs-water-flossing-reduce-gingival-bleeding-rosema-2011/ https://www.orthodonticslimited.com/teeth/regular-floss-waterpik/ https://oralb.com/blog/dental-floss-types-the-pros-and-cons/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-floss