Everyone involved in the dental profession knows one of the key components of periodontal health is proper cleaning between the teeth. Keeping the interproximal areas clean and healthy is important. Especially because of all the discoveries of oral-systemic links to disease.
The easiest way to clean interproximal areas is flossing, but it can be challenging for patients. Probably one of the most difficult things in dentistry is motivating people to floss. Isn't there a better, easier way? The good news is that, yes, there is a better and easier way. Oral irrigators that clean between the teeth are becoming more and more popular.
While a device that does this is, obviously, more expensive than traditional 'kite string' floss, most patients are much more likely to use an irrigator than try to floss. In our office, we recommend irrigators routinely and patient acceptance is pretty high. We do *not* sell the devices in the office. Patients purchase them based on our professional recommendation, which I think is a pretty good indication of their acceptance of the idea. Most patients don't like to floss, but using something like the Philips Sonicare Power Flossers is easier and appeals to them.
These devices have been proven to clean just as well, if not better than floss. If you need even more info on what they can do, a special issue of Compendium has several articles dealing with the Philips Sonicare Power Flossers. There are several studies that definitely deserve to be read on the subject.
Motivating patients is only half the goal. Patients need a solution that they will actually use. I highly recommend reading them.
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