If you care about saving and protecting your teeth and gums, it is very important that you floss properly. This is especially true if you have Diabetes.
Although the array of flosses and flossing products can seem daunting, choosing dental floss does not have to be difficult. You may be new to flossing or you may want to recommit to making it a daily part of your regular oral care routine.
But no matter what reason you have for choosing dental floss, the most important point to remember is that the best one for you is the product that you will use every single day. Results from a recent study showed that there was no difference in the plaque-removing ability of four different types of flossing products.
In this study, 25 people were assigned to use four different products: an electric flosser, an unwaxed floss, a woven floss, and a shred-resistant floss. All four products showed significantly greater plaque removal compared with tooth brushing alone, and the electric flosser showed the highest average plaque reduction after one use.
Are you curious about electric flossers but worried about whether they are safe? A study published compared the safety and plaque-removing ability of an electric style and a standard dental floss.
In this study, 78 people were assigned to use either a standard dental product or an electric flosser. After 30 days of use, both groups had significantly less plaque on their teeth than before they began their daily flossing routines, and the electric flosser and the standard were equally effective at removing plaque.
In addition, both flossing methods were found to be equally safe. No signs of trauma to the hard or soft tissues in the mouth were associated with using either product.
Since research shows that the electric ones are as safe and effective as the standard, should you choose an electric one? Many people can benefit from them, especially older adults who may have trouble manipulating the standard kind with their fingers.
Older children and teens may be more likely to use electric ones than regular because they find them fun, especially if they like using electric toothbrushes. But you need not choose only one type.
Different members of your family may need or prefer certain types of products, and these needs and preferences will change over time. Young children may start with specialized child-sized non-electric ones, and then graduate to an electric, or a spongy style that fits around braces or other dental hardware.
If you're uncertain about which type is best for you or a member of your family, as your dentist or dental hygienist for advice. Many people keep standard floss on hand for traveling, and use an electric style at home.
If your spouse prefers, say, mint-flavored unwaxed while you prefer a coated dental tape, you can't go wrong by keeping some basic stuff on hand that everyone can use. Just remember that when it comes to dental floss, using it every day is the most important choice you and your family can make.
Flossing your teeth every day is important to help promote overall health, even for the healthiest people. But people with diabetes should be especially vigilant about it as well as brushing their teeth.
The high blood sugar that accompanies diabetes can take a toll on teeth and gums in several ways.
Remember that the bacteria in your mouth may cause the buildup of plaque on your teeth, which can lead to tartar.
Tartar, in turn, can irritate the gums. The bacteria in plaque can also lead to gingivitis.
Untreated gingivitis can become periodontitis, a serious infection of the gums and the bones that surround your teeth. Periodontitis can cause your gums to recede and, in more advanced cases, your teeth to loosen and fall out.
According to the Mayo clinic, studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes are three times more likely to develop gingivitis than people who don't have diabetes. People with diabetes can be more susceptible to infections and they may take longer to heal.
And poor oral hygiene can make your diabetes more difficult to control, too. If you develop an infection due to gum disease, it can affect your insulin needs.
But you can maintain good oral health despite your diabetes by brushing and flossing regularly. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes and schedule regular check-ups for thorough dental cleanings.
During these visits, your dentist or dental hygienist can identify early signs of gum irritation and help you prevent infection. Take care of your mouth and it will take care of you!
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick is a former dental assistant, has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and has worked for an Scottsdale dentist. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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