Tips to a Healthy Mouth, Without Flossing

Keeping your teeth clean shouldn't be a chore, and it doesn't have to be. After 28 years of observing what works and what doesn't, I've discovered directed water irrigation to be the most effective method of plaque and toxin removal. Combined with brushing, it works far better than brushing and flossing alone, and is a heck of a lot easier.

Follow these simple 5 steps: 1. Use as warm of water as you can comfortably tolerate. 2. Put the water pressure all the way on high. 3. Aim the water jet directly in between your teeth (not at the gums) Shoot the gap between your teeth. 4. Hold the water jet stream still for a minimum of five full seconds. Five seconds is longer than you think. Count out your seconds. This step is very, very critical. 5. Move on to the next space and repeat the process. Don't forget to do the back of the last tooth, or on both sides of a tooth that might be standing alone.

If you're using this by the sink, don't look in the mirror. If you do, you'll make a mess. Look at the bottom of your sink. You can now see all the debris going down the drain you thought you had already removed. It's scary what you left.

Flossing, on the other hand, can be much more challenging. People are inconsistent and quite frankly, it's very technique sensitive and less forgiving than water irrigation. People don't like putting their fingers in their mouth, the floss shreds, the gums bleed, your fingers get sore, and you can cut the corners of your mouth.

To properly floss, it's necessary to place the floss in between your teeth, wrap the floss 180 degrees around one tooth, slide it up and down a few times, then wrap it around the next tooth and do the same thing, then move on to the next space. Most people don't take the time to do this.

There are very convenient water jet appliances you can buy for your sink or your shower. If your daily routine already includes a shower, it's easy to incorporate directed water irrigation into your existing routine. In fact, why not brush your teeth in the shower as well. Personally, I use an electric toothbrush in the shower. They're made to get wet. It's okay. When I'm finished brushing, I go directly to the shower water irrigator. It's convenient. When I step out of the shower my dental hygiene is complete.

If you take a bath instead of a shower, the sink water irrigator will be perfect. Use it immediately after you've brushed your teeth, just like in the shower Brushing will help loosen the bacteria and toxins, but the directed water irrigation will remove the debris from your mouth.

Either way, you'll be amazed at how healthy your mouth will feel in just a few days. You'll even have fresher breath.

About The Author-- Charles Reinertsen, DMD, observes what works in dentistry and what doesn't. Sharing his findings will help you keep your mouth cleaner and healthier. Find out the easiest tricks for a lifetime of healthy smiles at http://www.ihateflossing.com

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