Are Water Flossers Any Good? The Innovative Flossing Benefits

Oral irrigators, or water flossers, offer a convenient and effective approach to dental care. A water flosser cleans the spaces between your teeth and below your gum line, helping to keep plaque levels under control. Because they are fairly new innovations in dentistry, many patients ask, ‘are water flossers any good’? Let’s take a look at what the science behind them says.

 

What Is A Water Flosser?

Also called a Water Pik or oral irrigator, a water flosser shoots jets of water at your teeth. You direct it around each tooth, paying careful attention to the spaces between your teeth. It uses water pressure to remove plaque, debris, and trapped food, like string floss. The water then rinses the debris away.

Removing plaque every day is an important safeguard against tartar buildup and tooth decay. The surfaces between your teeth can account for up to 35% of the tooth surface. These spaces are too small for your toothbrush to access, and the only way to keep them clean is by flossing. And, if you can’t use string floss, a water flosser can make the job much easier.

 

But, Don’t Throw Your Dental Floss Out Too Soon

Importantly, a water flosser shouldn’t replace traditional string floss.

Rather, it’s an add-on to boost your dental care routine.

Water flossers can loosen plaque below the gumline and between your teeth, and can be used before or after dental floss, for more effective plaque removal.

 

Are Water Flossers Any Good? Benefits To Consider

 

Access Those Hard-To-Reach Areas

It’s really difficult to see into the back of your mouth and clean around your back teeth. Even when you open your jaw to its maximum, you might struggle to get strong floss around your molars. Pressurised water jets from water flossers are easier to direct and can flush out debris and bacteria effectively.

 

Clean Your Gums Gently

Most people are put off string floss because it can be abrasive on the gums. If you have sensitive gums, to begin with, the thought of irritating them further might deter you from wanting to floss at all. Using a water flosser is a safe and gentle way to keep your gums clean, even if they are sensitive. 

 

Water Pik Benefit: Preserve Your Gum Health

Unmanaged plaque levels put your teeth at risk of decay, but they also leave you susceptible to gum disease. The spaces between your teeth are very small and are inaccessible by a toothbrush. If your teeth are spaced tightly together, you may find it difficult to clean between them with string floss. Jets of water from water flossers can penetrate these tight spaces, boosting your gum and oral health.

Some studies have shown that the pulsating motion of the water jets actually benefits people with periodontal disease. The gentle motion of the water pressure can ease inflammation and bleeding gums.

 

Are Water Flossers Any Good For Restorations

While a dental implant or dental crown can’t decay, plaque can accumulate around the prosthesis. If it is left untreated, it can lead to inflammation and infection, which could compromise its lifespan. 

A Waterpik is an effective way to clean around dental restorations, looking after them for longer.

 

 

Water Flossers Keep Orthodontic Braces Clean

Wearing orthodontic braces presents a number of challenges, and keeping them clean and free of debris is probably at the top of the list. When you wear braces, you have the added complication of a set of wires and brackets to clean around. This is a lot more surface area to trap plaque, food, and debris.

Flossing around braces is extremely challenging. By using a water flosser, you can clean more effectively and much faster. A Water Pik is ideal for use after eating too.

 

Are Water Flossers Any Good For Children?

Not everyone can use string floss. People who have conditions that affect the mobility of their hands may find it painful or difficult to use the correct technique. When you use a water flosser, the oral irrigator does most of the work for you, so your technique is less important for a favourable outcome.

Young children also need to floss to maintain a high level of dental care. But of course, since their fine motor skills are still developing, they are at risk of inadequate plaque removal when they use strong floss. By using a water flosser, young children can keep their teeth and gums healthy, protecting them against tooth decay. Plus, you help them to establish good dental care habits from a young age.

 

Water Flossers Are Convenient

Unlike dental floss, water flossers have a built-in rinsing system. That means any plaque or debris is washed away as soon as it is removed.

Plaque is sticky, and it is difficult to remove using traditional floss.

With a Water Pik, it can be flushed out immediately.

 

Water Flossers Are Easy To Use

Any technology that can make dental care quicker and easier is worth investing in. You only get one set of permanent teeth for adulthood, and preserving your natural teeth should always be a priority. We know that any tech that can improve oral hygiene with minimal effort from a patient is definitely worth the investment. 

 

Enhance Your Oral Hygiene

Even if you are using water flossers and brushing twice a day, it’s crucial to visit your dentist twice a year. This gives you a chance to pick up any early tooth decay or gingivitis before it becomes a bigger problem.

 

To find out more about the benefits of flossing for plaque removal or for more insights into the question ‘are water flossers any good’ it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (02) 9159 6237. 

 

 

 

References

Should You Consider A Water Flosser?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/should-you-consider-a-water-flosser 

What Is a Waterpik?
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-waterpik