Water Flossers: Is This Dental Health Gadget Actually Effective?

For ideal oral health, brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste before and after the bed is recommended by dentists. Such oral care practices help to keep your mouth clean, but they still aren’t enough for optimum dental care since there are areas in your oral cavity that are hard to reach. Without proper cleaning, such parts become a harbor for oral bacteria, which results in plaque formation, and eventually, tartar is formed. Due to such reasons, your dentist will recommend interdental cleaning to help get rid of plaque and food particles that stick between teeth. If you find traditional flossing a bit uncomfortable, you can always try water flossing as an alternative.

What is a Water Flosser?

A water flosser is a modern-day alternative to string flossing. It comprises a handheld gadget that targets plaque and particles stuck between teeth. To use this handheld device, first, fill it with water, then put it in your mouth, a little bit above your gumline, then switch it on. It will release a steady water stream that gently cleans those hard-to-reach areas.

How It Works

Similar to regular dental floss, a water flosser eliminates harmful oral bacteria that lingers in the spaces in between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. It also helps reduce the risk of gum disease and bleeding gums.

You should note that water flossing is not a permanent substitution for your toothbrush. You still have to brush your teeth twice daily and maintain regular dentist visits for dental checkups.

For effective flossing, you need to know how to use the water flosser and the cleaning technique as well. Here is how to. The first step is to fill the water flosser’s reservoir with adequate lukewarm water. Next, place the flosser tip inside your mouth, lean over to the sink, press the switch and start to clean. Hold the device at a 90 degrees angle to your teeth, then spray. Water will flow out in a steady stream, cleaning the spaces between teeth.

Begin the flossing at the back of your teeth, working your way around the entire mouth. Focus on the small spaces between each dental, the top and back part of your teeth, not forgetting your gum line. This whole process should you around 2 minutes. Remember to empty the extra water remaining in the reservoir to prevent bacteria from growing inside.

Are Water Flossers Effective?

The American Dental Association approved the use of water flossers that comes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, saying they can get rid of plaque. Different studies have, however, shown that compared to traditional floss, water flossers are not as effective as the latter. So, it would be wise not to discard your traditional floss. Furthermore, most dental experts consider regular teeth flossing the best option to clean between teeth. This is because this old-fashioned string allows you to scrape your teeth up, down, and on the sides, thus effectively removing plaque. If the string gets attached to the spaces, try dental tape or waxed floss.

You may find flossing a bit uncomfortable if you are a beginner, but it gets easier as you practice more. If you experience trouble using traditional floss or have dental work such as fixed or permanent bridges, water flossers may be helpful.

Campbell & Williams Family Dental is a dental clinic in Highland Village that you can visit to get a water flosser.

Benefits of a Water Flosser

• Water flossers are ideal if you have traditional braces – If you recently had braces fitted, you may find it quite challenging to floss with a regular flosser. The steady water jet released by a water flosser efficiently cleans behind the wires flushing out particles with ease.
• Water flossing is gentle – A water flosser is less abrasive and very gentle in comparison to regular floss and is less likely to cause gum irritation.
• Can clean deep between teeth– Dental experts will recommend water flossing over traditional flossing to people who have previously had gum disease. Unlike regular floss, a water flosser will clean deep into teeth as it is able to penetrate periodontal pockets removing food and plaque stuck between the spaces.