Have you noticed that your gums bleed, especially when you brush or floss? If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, you aren’t alone.

Although this is a common problem, it’s important to know that the reason for it may be serious, so keep reading to learn about a few of the main causes of bleeding gums, along with what you can do to remedy this oral health issue.

Stained teeth are unattractive, so it’s no surprise that there are so many whitening products and techniques available today. Whether you want to take a DIY approach at home or you prefer to leave it up to the pros at your dentist’s office, whitening your teeth to the perfect shade is possible.

To help you discover more about what your options are, we’ve compiled a list of the latest teeth whitening trends. Check them out below.

To use a water flosser or string floss: that is the question. And it’s an important question because you want to take the right steps daily to keep as much plaque off of your teeth as possible.

The right flossing technique can help keep tooth and gum problems at bay, but there are pros and cons associated with using a water flosser vs. string floss. That’s why we’ve broken it all down for you below.

String Floss: The Pros

• As the name implies, string flossing involves the use of a thin string that you gently pass in between all of your teeth. Using a semi-circular motion helps you target the sides of each tooth, as well as the gums, so that you can effectively scrape away damaging plaque, as well as remove small particles of food that you might’ve missed while brushing. Simple enough, right?
• Another reason why string floss is so popular is because it’s inexpensive. Simply purchase some string floss while you’re grocery shopping! A single package could last quite a while, too, which is definitely a plus.
• You could purchase floss picks, so you don’t have to worry about cutting enough string and wrapping it around your fingers as you make your way throughout your mouth. Plus, with a floss pick, which consists of a small amount of string on a plastic handle, you might even find it easier to reach your back teeth.
• There are different types of string floss that you can choose from. For example, waxed floss might be easier to use if regular floss tends to get stuck in between your teeth. Or, you could look for floss that’s specially designed for those with tight teeth. Now, that’s a relief!
• With some string floss handy, you can floss anytime and anywhere!

String Floss: The Cons

• Flossing with a string might cause bleeding, especially if you’re too aggressive or fast. The more you floss, though, and the gentler that you are, the less likely it might be that your gums bleed. In the event that your gums continue to bleed, or you experience gum sensitivity, despite a consistent brushing and flossing routine, it’s best to consult with your dentist to rule out conditions like gingivitis.
• Some people find it really difficult to floss in between their back teeth, whether they use regular string floss or a floss pick. That’s a problem!
• Using the same string between multiple sets of teeth (as would be the case when using a floss pick) might actually lead to the distribution of bacteria or food particles. You definitely don’t want that.
• It could be difficult to figure out how to hold string floss properly, and that can make flossing more time-consuming or frustrating than it needs to be. Some people never really get the hang of it, and that might even discourage them from flossing at all. Not good!

Water Flosser Pros

• When most people think of flossing, they think of string floss, but there is another option to get the same job done. Also referred to as water picking, water flossing uses an electronic, handheld device that shoots a stream of water with the right amount of pressure. Directing this stream into the areas between your teeth can help remove plaque and food particles just like string floss would.
• The massaging action of a water flosser might help boost the health of your gums, provided that you use the product correctly and avoid causing irritation.
• You might find it easier to reach every area of your mouth when you use a water flosser. It may even be a better choice for those have braces, as well as those who have bridgework.  
• You might discover that you’re able to spend less time water flossing than string flossing. There’s no need to fumble with wrapping string around your fingers while ensuring that you use the right motions to scrape the surfaces of the teeth and gums. Plus, water flossers could be a better choice if you have arthritis.
• Here’s a big one: when researchers compared water flossing to string flossing, they found that water flossing was more effective at reducing plaque. Experts also determined that water flossing could be more effective at reducing gum bleeding and gingivitis. Wow!

Water Flosser Cons

• Unlike string floss, which is easy to find and inexpensive, water flossers can be pricey. Plus, because there are so many different types of water flossers to choose from, the buying process could become daunting or confusing.   
• Water flossers come in a range of models, some of which are larger than others and require more storage space in your bathroom. Also, water flossers need to be plugged in or charged up for use. If your flosser uses a rechargeable battery and you forget to charge it, you won’t be able to floss. Yikes! And packing your water flosser when you have to travel might be a hassle as well.
• You may feel as though you don’t have as much control when using a water flosser, as opposed to string floss, particularly if you’re trying to target a specific area.
• When using a water flosser, you’ll need to lean over the sink and move the flosser along your teeth, ensuring the stream gets in between them, while allowing the water to flow out of your mouth. It might take a bit of time for you to get used to how the pressure feels, and it might get messy as you learn how to avoid splashing water everywhere.

Daily Flossing: You Have Options!

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a good start when it comes to removing plaque, but your brush will really only work on the surfaces of your chompers. To get to the areas in between your pearly whites, flossing is a must. Your dentist or dental hygienist can teach you how to do it right. And the best part is that it only takes a couple of minutes to floss your whole mouth, so you can easily do it once or twice a day as part of your oral hygiene routine.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into the advantages and disadvantages of the types of flossing tools available. You might decide to try string flossing before purchasing a more expensive water flosser to see if you like it better. Ultimately, though, your dentist will be able to tell you whether or not your flossing is on point, and he or she can also help you choose the right tool for your particular oral health needs. So don’t forget to schedule those dental checkups!

Sources:

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315992.php
• https://www.watertowerdentalcare.com/blog/the-dentist-recommends/floss-picks-vs-traditional-string-floss/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24282867
• https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/water-flossing-vs-traditional-flossing-0117
• https://www.deltadentalwa.com/blog/entry/2018/06/floss-vs-water-flosser
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/dental-floss/faq-20058112
• https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/waterpik-vs-flossing#takeaway
• https://www.oglf.org/waterpik-vs-flossing/

If you’re pregnant, you might wonder if it’s safe to receive oral health care from your dental hygienist and dentist. Should you stick to your appointments for checkups and cleanings? Is there an increased risk of developing certain oral health problems while pregnant? And is it a good idea to receive more advanced dental treatments while you’re expecting?

These are all valid questions, so we’ve compiled a few dental care during pregnancy guidelines to outline what steps you can take to keep your mouth, and your growing baby, healthy until your due date.

Dental fillings are super common, yet a lot of people aren’t entirely clear on what fillings are made of, how fillings are placed in the teeth, and when they can be used to fix a tooth.

Edentulism: it’s a term that you may not have heard of, but you might know someone who has been diagnosed with it. Check out the information below to learn about this oral health condition, and to access some tips on how you can prevent it.

An overbite is a type of malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth. Basically, the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively when the mouth is closed. The overlap might even be so severe that the lower teeth touch the gums behind the upper teeth.

Braces are amazing because they can give you the perfect smile that will make you feel more confident. But they do require extra maintenance when it comes to keeping them clean. Get ready to spend a little more time in the bathroom, making sure that all of the tiny spaces within your braces are thoroughly cleaned of food particles that could get trapped in there and lead to damaging plaque and bacteria.

Even as an adult, a trip to the dentist can cause some anxiety. But, for kids, it could be downright frightening. So what can you do to ease your child’s fears when it’s time to have their teeth checked or when a cavity needs to be filled?  

Oral cancer will affect more than 50,000 people in 2018 alone, and it’s estimated that more than 10,000 people will die from this terrible disease. Knowing the most common risk factors for this type of cancer might help you feel more in control, as you can take steps to reduce your odds by leading a healthier lifestyle.

When it comes to aligning teeth, you might immediately think of braces. But, these days, there are a lot of options to choose from, especially when you’re searching for the perfect solution for your teen’s teeth.

One of the most popular products available is Invisalign. But how does it stack up against traditional braces?  Keep reading for a comparison of Invisalign vs braces so you can make the right decision.

Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? Well, you certainly aren’t alone. This common condition can make it difficult for you to enjoy your favorite hot and/or cold foods and drinks, which is a real bummer.

Determining the reason for your sensitivity can be your first step in getting relief. To learn more about what might be to blame, check out this list of some of the main causes of tooth sensitivity.

Also known as baby bottle tooth decay, bottle rot is a serious problem that can affect the teeth of a baby or a toddler. Put simply, it’s the formation of cavities in a baby’s teeth.

Sure, your child will eventually lose all of those baby teeth and replace them with adult teeth, but those temporary chompers are necessary not only for proper chewing and speaking, but also to help ensure the permanent teeth will grow in beautifully. So check out the information below to learn more about the causes of bottle rot and what steps you can take to prevent it.

Think you know all there is to know about gum disease? Well, there are quite a few little known facts that you should be aware of so you can take the right steps towards keeping those gums clean and healthy.

Want to know just how important gum health really is, and how scary gum disease could be? Read on!

Did you know that what you eat could have a big impact on the health of your teeth and gums, even if you do your best to brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly?

The foods that are most to blame for the buildup of plaque are those that are high in—you guessed it—sugar. So making it a point to cut back on your sugar intake, and to limit foods that contain added sugars, is a smart move.

TMJ: it’s painful, uncomfortable, and possibly related to the fact that you wear dentures. Wait, what? That’s right; dentures and temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) could be related. But, before you get too upset, the good news is that there are also dentures that could actually help relieve TMJ symptoms. Dive into the facts on dentures/TMJ below to learn all about how one could affect the other.

First-time parents are often focused on the oral care that they need to provide to their babies. But what about when your baby has grown into a toddler?

It turns out that toddler oral care is also extremely important and shouldn’t be neglected. To learn about what it takes to ensure your child’s mouth can be clean and healthy, keep reading for a few simple guidelines that you can follow.

You already know that brushing your teeth is key when it comes to keeping your pearly whites clean and sparkling. But what about tongue cleaning? Is it something that you really need to worry about? As it turns out, yes, you should be taking just a few moments every day to clean your tongue, and the info below will explain why.

Smokers who are looking for a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, and individuals who are hoping to wean themselves off of their nicotine addiction, have been turning to electronic cigarettes. But could e-cigarettes be linked with gum disease? Before you start vaping, check out the information below to discover more about this important oral health topic.

Root canals and extractions: neither of these is pleasant, but sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

Both of these treatments are available when a tooth has suffered from an extensive amount of damage that can’t be remedied by a simple drill and fill procedure. But what are the differences between these two options, and what can you expect when you undergo each one? We’ve compiled some information below to help you understand what a root canal entails, as well as when a tooth extraction might be necessary.