Although dental floss has been a common drugstore item for decades, statistics indicate that the behavior is not so popular. Statistics from Kelton Research flossing is considered to be an act of desperation to remove stuck food or freshen bad breath. The theory is supported by the fact that while dental care professionals say that an average of 2190 yards of dental floss should be used annually, Americans only purchase around 122 yards of the stuff per year. Air floss may help those who cannot stomach the string.
In 2011, dental care product manufacture Phillips introduced a new dental care tool to the consumer marketplace called "Sonicare AirFloss." According to their website "When combined with brushing, Sonicare AirFloss removes up to 99% more plaque" than only brushing with a manual toothbrush (http://www.usa.philips.com/c/airfloss/287417/cat/en/). The tool relies on bursts of air mixed with a bit of water or mouthwash to force out the debris (including dental plaque) from between teeth. This process only takes about a minute and participants in a study produced by the manufacture have indicated that 86 percent of users found the device easier to use than dental floss.
The first oral irrigation device first made it onto the scene in the early 60s. Since then a myriad of studies have been conducted to test how well the devices work. According to research conducted at the University of Southern California, oral irrigation delivered by a three second treatment of pulsating water (1,200 per minute) at medium pressure (70 psi) successfully removed 99.9 percent of plaque biofilm from treated areas (Gorur, A; Lyle, DM; Schaudinn, C; Costerton, JW (2009). "Biofilm removal with a dental water jet". Compendium of continuing education in dentistry 30 Spec No 1: 1–6. PMID 19385349.)
Oral irrigation systems have been developed to be powerful enough unsettle plaque and bacteria three to four millimeters beneath the visible gum line, courtesy of a pressurized water stream and good aim. The devices are easy to use around dental work, can help dislodge bacteria snuggled between taste buds and research has shown that using a water flosser was "...93 percent more effective at improving gum health than tooth brushing and string flossing," (http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/dental-health-tools-floss-teeth).
There are pros and cons to each product dedicated to removing dental plaque. Regardless of the preferred option, individuals must choose one or another in order to remove dental plaque, or risk it hardening into dental tartar. Once that has occurred, the compound is extremely difficult to remove and typically will only budge under the hands of a professional dental care provider. If it appears that seeing a dentist is the only way for YOU to lower your levels of dental plaque and tartar build up, simply call, 1-800-DENTIST, 24/7 to get the name of a local dentist happy to help you.