It is essential to develop a dental hygiene routine that is right for you. Knowing the benefits of using a water flosser will help you make an informative decision. You may have a good smile, but it is crucial that your gums and between each tooth are properly hygienized to encourage overall dental health, like avoiding gum disease and ensuring teeth and gum health.
Even in ancient antiquity, people used various tools to clean their teeth. However, the dental floss everyone is familiar with was a relatively new invention in the latter half of the 1800s, and it did not become popular until after World War II.
In the 1960s, the first water flosser, also known as an “oral irrigator,” was invented by a Colorado dentist. Water flossers utilize a pressurized stream of pulsating water to clean away food particles and bacteria and remove plaque between your teeth and under your gumline. The following provides additional information that will be helpful for you in making a personalized decision based on your need, though it is always recommended your doctor makes the final call on what kind of dental care is appropriate for you.
Is a water flosser as good as flossing?
Water flossers and traditional or regular flossing have various pros and cons.
Water flosser benefits:
- Ease of use in comparison to flossing
- Access to difficult-to-reach places in your mouth
- Able to clean in-between tightly spaced teeth
- Reduces time spent flossing
- Pressurized stream of water to fit your needs
Water flosser drawbacks:
- Possible that it does not remove all plaque
- The cost is much more than regular flossing
- When flossing, you may get messy and wet
Regular flossing benefits:
- Maximized control for focused flossing
- Ability to clean each tooth more thoroughly
Regular flossing drawbacks:
- Unable to reach some areas
- May cause your gums to bleed
- Difficult to use for those who lack manual dexterity
- Takes longer to floss
Do dentists recommend water flossers?
Dentists recommend water flossers as an addition or supplement to your current dental health practices. Water flossers are not meant to be a substitute for brushing or flossing. For thoroughness in flossing, it may be recommended to use both methods. This is a great way to maximize your efforts. Getting the back of your molars is the easiest with a water flosser. It needs to be considered that water flossers are always going to be more expensive. If you have limited dexterity, it is likely that your dentist will encourage you to supplement your dental routine with the use of a water flosser.
If you have braces, need deep cleaning for periodontal pockets, or have had a crown, bridge, or denture procedure, your doctor may be more likely to recommend a water flosser.
What’s the difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser?
The term “Waterpick” is interchangeable with the term “water flosser.” Waterpik is a particular brand of a specific type of water flosser. It has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance by meeting stringent standards for safety and efficacy. Waterpik comes in countertop and cordless models.
Do water flossers remove tartar?
Water flossers, though they have massive benefits, can only prevent tartar from building up. If tartar has already formed, a water flosser may not remove it all. Water flossers should be understood as preventative, not as substitutes for professional dental cleanings. Consult with your dentist to determine what plan is best for your dental health, considering tartar removal.
Can you use tap water in the water flosser?
You may use tap water in the water flosser. However, it is often recommended you use distilled water in your dental unit rather than tap water. This is for a couple of reasons. Tap water may be contaminated with harmful biological contaminants. Extended use of tap water will cause mineral build-up and calcification in your unit, ultimately costing you money by blocking the flow of water in your water flosser and the various tips used. Distilled water has gone through the most thorough sterilization process available and will better help prevent mineral buildup.
Improve Your Dental Health Routine with AZ Family Dental
From preventative care to emergency dental procedures and cosmetics, we offer the best the industry has to offer in oral hygiene, diagnostics, and treatments.
Our full spectrum of dental services include:
- General Care
- Preventative Care
- Cosmetic Services
- Removals
- Periodontal Care
- Orthodontics
- Tooth Replacement
- Prosthodontist Care
Schedule an appointment for you and your family today to get started!