Why Flossing Is So Important?
Flossing gives you the chances to remove food, debris and bacteria from hard-to-reach parts of your mouth, and especially in between your teeth. Your water flosser gets to the places that your toothbrush can’t reach and it is an important tool in keeping your teeth plaque-free.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky substance that develops in the mouth and attracts bacteria. It coats your teeth and tongue and needs to be removed by brushing and flossing. If it is not removed, it hardens into a substance called tartar, which only your dentist can remove. It also becomes acidic and attracts bacteria, and can start the process of dental decay.
Because you only see your dentist twice a year, it’s best to manage plaque through your own daily dental hygiene practices to minimise your chances of developing cavities.
While string floss is still considered an effective way to remove plaque water flossers pose several benefits to your oral health, such as:
Less Abrasion, With The Same Effectiveness
String floss can be harsh on your gums, especially if you have sensitive gums. Sometimes flossing with string floss can make the gums bleed a little, and may even be painful. A water flosser is a gentler way of doing the same thing and can remove plaque without affecting your soft tissue.
Easy To Use
Using string floss is an acquired technique that takes time to master. A water flosser ensures you maintain a level of dental hygiene in the easiest way possible. People who have arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or conditions that prevent complete mobility or dexterity in their hands may benefit from using a water flosser.
Parents who are teaching their children how to floss and need some reassurance that the job is getting done may find water flossers beneficial. Your child will get into the habit of flossing early on, and you can benefit from dental technology, knowing that your child’s mouth is free of plaque.
Water Flossers Are Ideal For People Who Wear Braces
Patients who wear orthodontic braces may have a bigger challenge flossing than patients who don’t as they need to navigate around their braces. A water flosser makes the process much easier and less labour-intensive, and of course, more likely to get done.
Water flossers are also helpful for patients who have crowns or restorations, dental implants or bridgework. They allow you to remove plaque effectively and maintain a high standard of dental hygiene effortlessly.
How Do Water Flossers Work?
Water flossers shoot thin jets of water out, which can be directed between teeth or to clean along the gum line. You fill your water flosser up with water and then direct it at a 90-degree angle to your teeth to clean in the spaces that your toothbrush just can’t reach.
Whether you floss before or after brushing is up to you. Neither has been proven to be more effective, so it is just a matter of personal taste. It’s best to use a water flosser over your basin, and in front of the mirror so you can see what you’re doing.
You should give each tooth individual attention – as if you were using string floss, starting at the back of your mouth and working your way forward. Don’t forget to floss along the gum line and rinse your mouth. Once you are done remember to throw any residual water away.
Once you have got used to using the water flosser, the whole routine shouldn’t take you longer than two minutes. The convenience, gentle flossing and ease of use are major benefits that you can’t get from using string floss.
Make Flossing More Enjoyable
Some water flossers have settings that allow you to change the temperature or force of the water to suit your own preferences. This is ideal for patients who may be temperature-sensitive to very cold water. It also makes flossing more comfortable for younger people like kids, giving you control to create a positive dental hygiene experience by tailoring it to their preferences.
Making Time For Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene should be part of everyone’s self-care routine. There’s a correlation between strong healthy teeth and gums and longevity. In order to maintain teeth to last a lifetime you should
- Brush and floss twice a day. If you can’t get the hang of traditional dental floss, try a water flosser.
- Quit smoking
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a check up and professional clean. Your dentist can remove any traces of plaque or tartar from your teeth and restore any decayed areas.
So, Do Water Flossers Work To Remove Plaque?
Using a water flosser is as effective as using string floss in removing plaque. If you are someone
- who struggles with dexterity
- has specialised needs because of orthodontic braces or dental restorations
- who just can’t use string floss
Then a water flosser may help you to improve dental hygiene and is certainly worth a try.
To find out more about how do water flossers work, and if it could be effective for you, it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for a convenient appointment: (02) 9159 6237.