Having an oral care routine is a surefire way to have healthy teeth and a gorgeous smile. Taking care of your teeth involves more than brushing your teeth twice daily.
According to dentists, toothbrushes aren’t able to thoroughly clean in between the teeth. The build-up of plaque and food remains in between your teeth can increase the odds of you developing gum disease and cavities.
Studies have shown that gum disease can affect our heart health. Even more, it may cause issues like premature birth in pregnant women.
Flossers and Waterpik are ADA-approved dental products for cleaning between the teeth. While both of them are effective, it is important to consult your dentist before making a final decision.
While the waterpik and floss are designed to do the same job, they aren’t the same. Learning about what sets them apart and the perks they offer will help you narrow down the best one for your needs.
This article is going to shed light on everything you need to know about flossing and Waterpik.
Flossing
Dental floss has been around since the 18th century. Asahel M. Shurtleff designed dental floss in portable packaging in 1869. They came with a cutter that is similar to the ones we use today. Back then unwaxed silk was used in making flossers.
Presently, floss is offered by many dental brands and is available in long strands you can cut on your own. Some are available in precut holders. You can now get floss in various flavors.
Perks of Flossing
Easy to use
You can get rid of the plaque and food that remains stuck between your teeth effortlessly with good floss.
Flexibility
Using floss will give you the freedom to carefully clean each tooth thoroughly. You can move it up and down to clean between your teeth.
Downside of Flossing
Gum bleeding
You are going to have an excellent experience flossing if you floss carefully. However, if you go too hard or floss too close to your gumline, your gum may start bleeding
Not for people with manual dexterity
Individuals with limitations using their hands may not be able to clean their teeth properly with a floss.
Difficulty cleaning some areas
Flossers are great, but they have but they have some limitations. Using them to clean some areas of your mouth may be difficult.
Waterpiks
Waterpiks, which are also known as oral irrigators are an easy-to-use dental product that is effective for cleaning the teeth. It was invented in the mid-1900s by a dentist and his patient who happens to be a hydraulic engineer.
Waterpiks is designed to clean food remains and plaque with pressurized water from the device.
Who should use Waterpik?
Anyone can use a Waterpik as long as your dentist gives you the go-ahead. If you presently use floss, you should consider switching to a Waterpik if you have the following issues.
- Your bridge work is non-removable
- You have dental implants
- You wear braces
- You have crowns
People with arthritis and other conditions that limit movement in joints and hands should also consider switching to a Waterpik.
Perks of Waterpik
Effective
With a good Waterpik, you won’t have a hard time cleaning between tightly spaced teeth and hard-to-reach areas in your mouth.
Easy to use
You don’t have to be tech-savvy to use a Waterpik. The device has straightforward controls and is easy to use. To get the best result, you should start from the back of your teeth and work your way to the front.
Downsides of Waterpik
Expensive
Waterpik is way more expensive than regular floss.
May not be able to remove all plaque
Needless to say, the Waterpik is great and effective, but it may have a hard time removing plaque on the teeth’s surface.
Final note
Floss and Waterpik are excellent tools that can clean in between the teeth. To narrow down the one that is best for you, you may have to consider everything from your present dental health conditions to your unique needs. People with braces, crowns, and dental implants should opt for Waterpik, as it is easy to use. Traditional floss is an excellent pick for people looking for something effective but are on a tight budget.