While most people brush their teeth, flossing seems to be the part of oral hygiene that is neglected the most. And that’s quite surprising, given the fact that not flossing means you’re neglecting 35% of the surface area of your teeth. The spaces between your teeth and below your gum line are just as susceptible to tooth decay as the surfaces you brush. Using string floss is something that many patients dislike doing, but water flossers can be a lifesaver when it comes to efficacy and ease of use. But, as so many patients want to know, is water flosser effective for your oral health?
What Is A Water Flosser?
A water flosser, oral irrigator, or Waterpik is a handheld device that shoots jets of water into the spaces between your teeth. It makes use of water pressure to clean out debris, food particles, and plaque deposits from between teeth and below your gum line, making a notable difference to your oral health.
Water flossers are immensely beneficial for anyone who has trouble using string floss. Just like an electric toothbrush makes brushing less labour-intensive and more effective, a water flosser makes use of technology to do the job that so many patients dislike and avoid.
The Importance Of Flossing
The Importance Of FlossingAs we mentioned above, the spaces between your teeth account for 35% of your tooth surface, and they are also subject to tooth decay if they are not looked after.
If you do not floss, you allow plaque to accumulate in these spaces and below your gum line. These plaque deposits harden over time and become more acidic, attracting the bacteria that causes tooth decay and wreaking havoc on your oral health.
The Benefits Of A Water Flosser For Oral Health
Is water flosser effective for gum disease?
According to research published in the Dentistry Journal, water flossers are effective at managing the inflammation and bleeding associated with gum disease. The gentle, pulsing action of a water flosser has a soothing effect on the gums.
Is water flosser effective at cleaning periodontal pockets?
Water flossers can penetrate the gums much deeper than string floss and thus are more effective at cleaning out periodontal pockets. Another major benefit of water flossers is the fact that they are not abrasive on your gums. If you have sensitive gums or you have not flossed for a while, using string floss can make your gums bleed. Oral irrigators are gentle and do not cause bleeding or abrasion.
Is water flosser effective for cleaning orthodontic braces?
Wearing orthodontic braces makes oral hygiene really difficult. Wearing brackets and wires on your teeth makes brushing a flossing a very complicated skill that can be time-consuming. By using a Waterpik, you can ensure all traces of plaque, debris, and food particles are removed from between the wires and brackets.
Water jets can access the parts of your teeth that are covered by your braces in ways that dental floss cannot.
Is water flosser effective for mobility-impaired patients?
People who have limited mobility in their hands may find it painful to use string floss at all. Patients who have Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome do not have to neglect their oral health if they use water flossers.
A water flosser does not have to be manoeuvered like string floss to remove plaque and debris. It simply has to be directed towards the gumline and between the teeth, at the correct angle, in order to be effective and improve oral health.
What Are The Benefits Of A Water Flosser?
Using water flossers presents a number of benefits for your oral health:
Water flossers are easy to use. Because they are easy to use, patients are more likely to use them. This is a much more desirable outcome than not flossing. As the world moves faster and people feel they have less time, a Waterpik does a more efficient job at maintaining dental hygiene.
Water flossers remove plaque and debris. This means cleaner, healthier teeth and a higher standard of oral health. Better plaque control means you are less likely to develop dental decay and gum disease.
A water flosser can be used by all ages. They are suitable for children and present an excellent way to teach young children about the importance of flossing.
A Waterpik is gentle on your gums. Whether you have sensitive gums or gingivitis, you won’t have to worry about bleeding gums when you use an oral irrigator. If you do have bleeding gums, the jets of water may actually soothe them.
You can use a water flosser before or after brushing. It doesn’t matter what order you perform your oral health steps in, as long as you brush and floss every day. Some patients find flossing easier after brushing, while others feel that brushing is an effective way to get rid of loosened plaque after using a Waterpik.
Dental floss can only penetrate below the gum line by one or two millimetres. A Waterpik can penetrate much deeper, making it suitable for cleaning out periodontal pockets.
If you have dental bridgework or dental implants, it is essential that you clean around your restoration thoroughly to prevent inflammation and infection.
A Waterpik makes cleaning orthodontics so much quicker and easier. Wearing braces creates lots of awkward spaces that are difficult to clean using traditional methods. A Waterpik offers a way to get around this and upgrade your oral health routine using a simple device.
So, is a water flosser effective? The most reliable way to find out is to ask a dentist for advice. Please contact us for a convenient appointment: (02) 9159 6237..
References
Is Water Flossing Better Than Regular Flossing? A Dentist Weighs In
https://www.wellandgood.com/string-floss-water-floss/
An Overview of Different Interdental Cleaning Aids and Their Effectiveness
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6767/7/2/56/htm
Should You Consider A Water Flosser?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/should-you-consider-a-water-flosser