Dentist Shares “Unusual” Flossing Habits

It is easy to think at times that everyone takes care of their teeth just like you do. Your oral hygiene routine is probably completely normal, right? To learn more about what people actually do, the American Dental Association recently conducted a survey, and it revealed that America actually has some very strange and potentially dangerous flossing habits. What are they? Do you practice any of them? Read on to learn more about what they discovered.

Strange Flossing Habits

The survey asked 1,005 adults about their oral hygiene habits, and one of the most interesting findings was just how many people have used common, yet unusual items to remove food from between their teeth. Some of the most popular included:

• Fingernails (61%)
• Folder paper or cards (40%)
• Cutlery (21%)
• Safety pins (14%)
• Strands of hair (7%)

Other items included things like twigs, toenails, matchbooks, loose electrical wires, screwdrivers, and pocket knives.

This practice mostly stemmed from two things. One, the people were away from home and did not have floss or a more traditional interdental cleaner with them, or they simply do not floss regularly and never keep floss at home, so they just improvise when they need to clean between their teeth.

What Does Your Dentist Think About This?

While these findings may be somewhat amusing, the issue is that many of these items are unsanitary, can easily damage the gums, and actually do not effectively clean between the teeth. Tools like floss, wooden plaque removers, and Waterpiks have been lab tested and approved by the ADA because they are both safe and effective, so the takeaway for patients is that if they need to remove food from between their teeth, they should only use an ADA approved product, which should feature the seal prominently on its packaging.

Fortunately, many of these kinds of products have “on-the-go” versions that are easy to travel with so you can easily clean between your teeth while you are away from home. A package of floss is extremely small and easy to fit in a purse or pocket, and there are even pre-strung interdental cleaners you can take with you. In fact, it is also a good idea to have a travel toothbrush with you at all times as well so you can thoroughly clean your teeth whenever you are out an about. That way, you will not have to use whatever is within arm’s reach and potentially injure yourself.

So, the next time you are at the store, be sure to pick up some floss for when you are away from home and a toothbrush for good measure. With them, you can enjoy a nice clean smile wherever you are, as well as avoid the awkwardness of having to pick your lunch out of your teeth with your fingers!

About Applegate Dental

Applegate Dental is a full spectrum dental practice that features a team of four highly-trained and experienced dentists. They are able to provide a wide range of services all from one convenient location here in West Seneca, NY, and they are always happy to give you tips on how to take care of your teeth away from home. To learn more dental tips you can use every day, please contact us today.