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This story is part of Show your teeth, a package in which Allure takes a look at dental care (or the lack of it) in the United States and what we can do at home to take better care of our teeth.
Just like wearing sunscreen, good oral health should be a pretty big part of your daily personal care routine. We not only want you to go to your next dental appointment with confidence, but also to recognize that oral health isn’t just about brushing. In fact, strong, healthy teeth and fresh breath greatly depend on healthy gums.
“Flossing is an extremely important part of preventive dental care,” says dentist Ira Handschuh, based in White Plains, New York. “This is really the only way for patients to clean between their teeth, because a toothbrush cannot fit between the contact areas of the teeth.”
It’s still a lot easier said than done. New York-based cosmetic dentist Greg Gelfand understands the struggle. “The truth is, most people don’t floss and can be ashamed of their less than ideal oral care routine,†he says. “It can be difficult for some not to use dental floss to revamp their entire routine. But the extra step has big long-term benefits.
That’s why Gelfand advises people to floss easily and grow taller over time. “Maybe start with the front teeth and add more teeth to your routine as the week goes on,†suggests Gelfand. “With this step-by-step approach, you can go from not flossing to hopefully making a habit of flossing.
According to Handschuh, a good flossing routine means daily cleaning between the teeth. “I suggest that all of my patients floss once a day in conjunction with brushing two to three times a day.”
Flossing practices aside, a good place to start is finding your favorite dental floss, which most experts we’ve spoken with agree that it’s just about flossing. ‘a preference. “There are so many flossing options on the market,†says New York-based cosmetic dentist Sharon Huang. “The best dental floss is the one you enjoy and will use every day.”
To help you narrow down your options – and more importantly, to ensure that you find one you like – we’ve rounded up nine different at-home dental flossing products, recommended by the pros. There are some basic but effective classic options, proxa brushes, and even a Waterpik in the mix. Keep scrolling to see what dentists suggest for home oral care.
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