Brushing your teeth twice daily is a good start to maintaining good oral health. However, you might not reach some areas of the mouth by just brushing, making interdental brushing an essential part of dental health. It removes food particles and plaque between your teeth. But did you know that flossing isn’t the only way to clean between your teeth?
Water flossing is slowly becoming a popular way to clean between teeth. Here’s why you should check it out.
What is Water Flossing?
Water flossers work the same way as traditional floss to remove food between teeth. The only difference is this handheld device uses steady pulses to spray water.
Water flossers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been proven safe and effective in removing plaque, the sticky film coating your teeth that increases your risk of gum disease and cavities. You can also check water flosser reviews online to see what others think of it and if they have any negative experiences using their water flosser.
Water flossers are a great option for people who struggle to use traditional floss and those with dental work like braces or dental bridges.
Types of Water Flossers
There are generally four types of water flosser available on the market, including:
Countertop
Countertop water flossers are the heaviest and bulkiest type of water flossers around. They plug into an electrical outlet and sit on your countertop. They also have an irrigation tank that you need to refill.
Faucet Flosser
Faucet flossers are the most popular type of water flossers. They are similar to shower flossers but have a cord that attaches directly to your water basins. They are, however, difficult to maneuver.
Cordless or Battery-operated
Cordless and battery-operated flossers are typically small, lightweight, and easy to transport. They are ideal for travelers and offer the greatest flexibility. However, they may not be as strong as their countertop counterparts.
Shower Flosser
Shower flossers attach directly to your shower head so you can floss after or before you shower. They don’t need electricity or batteries; you can use them without refilling them. However, they are more difficult to use than other water flosser types.
You may be wondering about the difference between Waterpik and water flosser. Waterpik is one of many water flosser brands available in the market.
Why Use A Water Flosser
Water flossing is not meant to replace regular brushing and flossing, but it’s a great addition to your daily oral hygiene routine. A water flosser is also useful in situations like:
Food Frequently Stuck Between Teeth
Some people are more vulnerable to food getting stuck between their teeth. It could be due to the shape or alignment of their teeth or dental work like bridges or implants. Water flossers can clean these problematic areas and can eliminate plaque.
Brace Maintenance
Food can easily get caught behind the wires and brackets of braces. Water flossers can reach these places and prevent plaque accumulation, gum disease, and other dental problems. Ask your dentist or orthodontist for their recommendations on water flossers for braces.
Bleeding Gums
Your gums may bleed for several reasons. Gum disease is the leading cause of bleeding. A bacterial infection of your gums can lead to tooth loss if you leave it untreated. Your gums may also bleed if you over-floss. Oral irrigators are a great way of cleaning problem areas without the risk of over-flossing.
Dry Mouth
Saliva naturally cleans your teeth and prevents plaque buildup. However, some people can’t produce enough saliva due to their genetics or medications, which could result in gum disease or cavities. Adding moisture and removing sticky plaque are just some benefits of water flossingfor people with dry mouths.
How To Use a Water Flosser
You can use a water flosser before you brush and floss to loosen any leftover food remnants and make it easier to use string floss later. You can also use it after brushing to remove any food particles in hard-to-reach places.
Here’s how you use a water flosser at home:
- Find a source of water. You can connect your water flosser to the faucet or fill its reservoir with lukewarm water.
- Place your water flosser’s nozzle in your mouth, then start with your molars. Work your way down while pointing the irrigator away from your gums and teeth. Lean over the sink to avoid getting your countertop wet.
- Select your pressure setting of choice, then turn it on. There will either be an on-button or a dial that you can use to adjust the water pressure. Start at the lowest setting, then work your way up until you reach the pressure that’s high enough and comfortable. You can close your lips to avoid splashing your countertop, but make sure you can still drain the water into the sink.
- Direct the water at your gum line and between each tooth. Aim for the tops of your teeth, the baseline of your gums, and the spaces between each tooth. Direct the water to your teeth for two seconds and repeat on the inside and outside of your teeth. Continue until you’re finished with your whole mouth.
- Empty the reservoir when you’re done; stale water can lead to bacterial growth.
- Clean your device.
Is Water Flossing Effective?
Water flossers rely on the movement of water to clean your teeth. Research published in Dentistry Journal shows that it can effectively remove plaque and bacteria while gently cleaning the gum line. However, it’s not as effective as traditional flossing.
Good oral hygiene includes interdental cleaning at least once a day and brushing twice daily. Your dental hygienist can help you determine the best way to clean your teeth and ensure your healthy smile. If traditional floss is too difficult, you may opt for water flossers.
Key Takeaway
Water flossers are a great addition to your oral care routine. They come in different types and are helpful for people who find string floss difficult to use and reach hard-to-reach places in your mouth to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. However, they may not be as effective at removing plaque between teeth as traditional flossing; they are better additives than replacements.
Take your oral care to the next level with Century Dental.
Aside from advice on finding the best water flosser, ourdentist in St. Pete Beach, FL, provides general dentistry services that keep your teeth and gums healthy. Call us today, and we’ll gladly help you with any questions or inquiries you may have about water flossing and more.
