When you look at the dental products available today, you’ll find a whole lot more than just toothbrushes and traditional string floss. But sometimes more options can just leave you feeling more confused about what you need to take care of your oral health. One product, in particular, you may be wondering about is a Waterpik®, which is a type of water flosser. Here’s the lowdown of how water flossing works and if it would benefit your oral health.
How Water Flossing Works
Normally with flossing, you’re using a piece of floss or thread to clear away the food and plaque that gets stuck between your teeth and under your gums. A water flosser, on the other hand, uses water pressure to push debris out. A Waterpik is a helpful tool for anyone, but a particularly convenient option for people who find it difficult to properly handle traditional floss for one reason or another. For example, someone with arthritis or teeth that are very close together. It’s also a good alternative for those who have certain dental appliances that create more hard-to-reach areas like braces, dental crowns, dental bridges, or a permanent retainer.
Evidence-Based Flossing
If you want some conclusions from clinical studies to help make your decision on water flossers, these are some worth considering: A 2005 study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry found that the Waterpik water flosser was 51% more effective at reducing gingivitis than string floss. Then, there was a 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry which found that the Waterpik water flosser was 29% more effective at plaque removal than string floss.
The Verdict
While we don’t recommend fully replacing traditional string floss with a water flosser, a Waterpik can make for an excellent addition to your daily dental routine. Especially if it encourages you to clean between your teeth every day! With regular use, you will very likely experience improved gum health.
Consult with Our Expert Team!
If you want to learn more about the benefits of incorporating water flossing into your dental routine, contact us today at Helotes Family Dentistry.
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