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Dentists recommend water flossers for a wide range of reasons. From being a suitable option for people who wear braces or have crowns to facilitate deep cleaning, there are several benefits of using water flossers. Research shows that they are considerably more effective than conventional flossing.
Flossing is an essential component of any dental hygiene regimen. Although brushing can remove particles of food and plaque from most of every tooth’s surface, it is important to floss to access the areas that the toothbrush cannot. People who do not floss regularly are unable to clean the teeth thoroughly.
Unfortunately, several people experience irritation along their gumlines when they use traditional flossing techniques. This may lead to ongoing bleeding and heightened gum sensitivity. As a result, an individual may stop flossing altogether, increasing the risk of developing oral health issues such as gingivitis and cavities. Under these circumstances, it would be advisable to opt for a water flosser.
Like the popular Waterpik, water flossers are types of appliances used to maintain good oral health. They release a spurt of water to eliminate bacteria, food debris, and plaque from beneath the gum and in-between teeth. Instead of scraping the teeth’ surface to remove plaque, this process involves using water pressure to push particles away from the teeth and soothe the gums.
Significance of Water Flossers
A healthy, attractive smile is excellent but taking proper care of your entire mouth goes beyond maintaining your physical appearance. Lack of good dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, pain, and discomfort. Gum disease is a significant concern because it can harm cardiovascular health, and bacteria can infiltrate the bloodstream.
Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day is an important starting point, but it may not be sufficient for cleaning out the teeth thoroughly. This is because the bristles of the toothbrush are not tiny enough to reach tighter areas. Flossing is often recommended by dentists, which is generally once each day, can effectively prevent plaque from turning into tartar that causes gum disease.
If you are trying to determine whether a water flosser is an ideal cleaning solution, there are various factors to consider. The good news is that dentists encourage their patients to use appliances such as water flossers to sustain their oral health effectively. It is essential to understand how this tool works and what it does to maximize its benefits.
Reasons for Water Flossing
Dentists recommend water flossers for numerous reasons. Water flossing is more comfortable, especially for individuals with dental work, such as permanent bridges or braces. Its massage mechanism makes it possible to go around the teeth and enhance gum health. Also referred to as an oral irrigator, this appliance has a plastic tube that provides a stream of water that blasts away particles of food from along your gums and around your teeth to prevent decay. Once it is plugged in, an ongoing water jet helps remove the debris that piles up in your mouth.
Some people may be skeptical about whether or not a water flosser works compared to traditional flossing. However, dentists and years of research recommendations are all the assurance you need regarding water flossing effectiveness. Additionally, it is a quicker, simpler, and more comfortable alternative to standard flossing.
While virtually anyone can benefit from water flossing, it is particularly useful for some people, including those who have orthodontics and find it difficult and tedious to use string floss. Water flossers are also beneficial for people with medical conditions that range from arthritis to Parkinson’s and struggle to deal with string flossing. Water flossing is helpful to any person who avoids regular flossing because string flossing is uncomfortable or an unpleasant task for them.
If you are worried about not flossing as often as you should or feel that you may not be flossing correctly, it may be time to consider moving on to a water flosser, which dentists recommend as an effective oral hygiene product.
Benefits
Dentists recommend water flossers due to various benefits that include the following:
- Easy to Use: Implementing the standard flossing method is a manual process that consists of placing your fingers directly in your mouth. On the other hand, a water flosser requires less effort to yield the desired results of a clean and fresh mouth. In addition to the convenience of some devices being portable, you enjoy the benefit of cleaning your mouth faster and more effectively.
- Suitable for Orthodontics: Fixed orthodontics such as braces can make it hard to maintain oral hygiene because they obstruct conventional cleaning appliances. Dentists recommend a water flosser or irrigator as an effective alternative that enables individuals who wear braces to use a stream of water to clean behind and around the wires easily and remove leftover particles of food and bacteria that cause plaque to form. Good dental hygiene is also necessary for sustaining the longevity of dental implants. Adjusting your water flosser’s angle and the water pressure allows you to clean the gaps in your teeth without the risk of string floss getting stuck in dental appliances.
- Better Cleaning: Several dentists advise their patients to use a water flosser when they have started developing gum disease. While standard floss is limited regarding accessing the depths of periodontal pockets, a water flosser is designed to go deep and remove the food particles and plaque that regular floss cannot.
- Healthier Gums: Using a water flosser lets you remove the bacteria, grime, and plaque that linger in your mouth places that are harder to reach. Cleaning these areas that are usually neglected is essential for minimizing the risk of developing gum-related conditions like gingivitis. The water pressure that comes out of the flossing device allows you to go below your gumline and get rid of more bacteria.
- More Gentle: For some people, traditional flossing can be quite rough, especially when their gums are sensitive. Water flossing provides a gentler way to keep your gums clean without worrying about bleeding, swelling, or pain. It is also an effective way to clean the teeth without interfering with dental procedures after receiving treatment.
- Eco-Friendly: Including a water flosser in your dental hygiene routine is not only good for your oral health but great for the environment as well. They do not contribute to harmful plastic waste, and you can use them repeatedly, which is important for conserving the environment.
Using a Water Flosser
A water flosser such as Waterpik can be used to ease the flossing process for different people. Dentists recommend it for those who find it challenging to use string floss, such as individuals with conditions like arthritis that may make it harder to move the floss around. People who have dental implants, crowns, bridges, or braces can benefit from choosing to use a water flosser instead of regular floss.
In general, a water flosser makes it easier to clean the teeth as it accesses spaces that are hard to reach, is simple to use, and works well for teeth that have tight spaces. Using a water flosser is particularly beneficial for ensuring that you keep all parts of your teeth clean. This helps to maintain fresh breath for a longer time.
Since water flossers are easy to use, they transform from a chore to an enjoyable and fulfilling activity, which is crucial for sticking to your oral health routine. All you have to do is determine the right power setting and water temperature according to your persona preference.
General Water Flossing Tips
Like any other type of device, you should spare some time to go through all the directions and ensure you understand them. The steps are typically the same, even though the tools may vary slightly. This process usually takes approximately 2 minutes. You have the option of flossing before or after brushing your teeth.
Please turn on the appliance after placing its tip inside your mouth and gently move it along your gumline in slow motion. It is a good idea, to begin with, the back teeth before gliding towards the front teeth. Keep doing this until both the inside and outside of your lower and upper teeth are clean.
Take brief pauses between each tooth to let the water flow out of your mouth. Remove the tip before turning off the appliance when you are done and clean it according to the directions.
Waterpik- An Outstanding Flosser Brand
A Waterpik is a specially designed tool that produces a stream of water used to clean along with the gum line and between the teeth. The prices of this particular brand’s models vary according to certain factors and features. For instance, some have orthodontia tips that are tapered to clean the teeth and around the pockets easily compared to regular tips. Since the stream of water efficiently cleans your mouth, you only need a couple of minutes to clean your mouth when you utilize it.
Back in 2017, the Waterpik flosser was the first dental cleaning device of its kind to receive the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association (ADA). This was attributed to its ability to reduce plaque and gum disease in the most challenging areas for consumers to reach. As a result, consumers can rest assured that they use a safe and efficient product for their oral care needs when they use Waterpik.
Selecting a Water Flosser
Picking the right water flosser can have a positive impact on your overall oral hygiene. People have different needs and preferences, so it is essential to consider your circumstances and the features that matter to you the most.
One of the first things you should be on the lookout for is approval from ADA. Selecting a product that has been endorsed by a reputable authority means that it has undergone rigorous tests and trials to ascertain its quality, safety, and viability. Dentists highly recommend approved brands such as Waterpik.
Another important consideration when shopping for a water flosser is the settings and features available. Whereas some flossers come with one power mode and setting, others have extra features that enable you to experiment with different power levels and adjustable settings.
Think about whether you prefer a portable or corded device. Portable water flossers are convenient solutions with small base stations and built-in reservoirs that make them easy to move around with and use wherever you may be. However, some users may prefer the larger reservoir and power of a corded water flosser.
Some water flossers function for several days, while others may need to be charged more frequently. You can choose between battery-powered and rechargeable flossers depending on the most cost-effective and convenient solution for your situation. Replacement flosser heads are worth considering if you plan to share your water flosser. Alternatively, you can opt for disposable flossers for short-term use. Ultimately, your choice will be based on your lifestyle and specific needs.
Conclusion
According to dentists, flossing every day is a crucial aspect of your dental hygiene routine. They recommend water flossers because they have proven to be more effective than the standard approach to flossing, are less likely to lead to gum inflammation and irritation, and are easy to use. In addition to regular dental visits, daily brushing and flossing are important for giving your oral health the care and attention it deserves.
Dentists recommend water flossers for their significant effect on keeping the mouth clean by clearing out the areas between the teeth and below the gumline. If you are looking for an efficient alternative to string flossing for various reasons, such as simplicity or maintaining your dental treatments, a water flosser is certainly a good choice. It is safe, effective, and can motivate you to floss consistently.
Flossing no longer has to be a dreaded task, especially if you have braces or crowns or find it hard to maneuver your string floss around your mouth. With a water flosser, you can easily and conveniently take excellent care of your teeth and gums. Considering all the benefits linked to using water flossers, it is clear to see why dentists worldwide recommend them.
Resources
- https://www.nassaucountyperiodontist.com/waterpik-pros-and-cons
- https://www.smiletolove.com/blog/water-flosser/
I’m a General Dental Practitioner from Belgium living in the USA. I work Biotech Dental with my 20+ years of experience working in the dental industry and dealing with 1000’s patients, I hope to inform you and help you with my knowledge and the importance of dental hygiene.
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