Most dentists would agree that flossing is one of the most underrated and underutilized dental hygiene tasks performed by their patients. It’s relatively low effort, doesn’t cost too much money, cleans a part of the tooth’s surface that is virtually untouched by brushing, and yet far too many people forget it or don’t make it a regular part of their routine.
Promoting good flossing techniques and habits is a major part of our treatment philosophy at Christopher and Anne Thompson, DDS. In addition to showing our patients how to floss properly for healthy teeth and gums and making sure we get some in their dental exam goodie bags, we also sometimes recommend water flossers to aid or improve someone’s existing dental floss use.
Often, we’re asked, “Which is better for me? A water flosser or regular dental floss?”
The short answer is that a water flosser, Waterpik, oral irrigator, which are all the same basic thing, shouldn’t replace your regular flossing routine. It can, however, offer some of the following benefits when used in conjunction with flossing.
A Water Flosser Can Help Keep Certain Types of Dental Work More Clean
If you’ve ever had any kind of dental work where something was bonded, implanted or there may be some new nooks and crannies that a water flosser might reach that dental floss and brushing just simply can’t. Although these spots are usually cleaned when you meet up with your dental hygienist, a water flosser can help your teeth and gums stay cleaner between regular visits.
A Water Flosser Can Help Reduce Inflammation
When your gums experience inflammation due to various stages of gum disease, it can increase your risks for some very serious health conditions, including low birth weight in pregnant mothers, heart disease, and stroke. Using a water flosser as part of your routine can keep more bacteria out of the pockets of your gums, fighting the effects of chronic inflammation.
A Water Flosser Can Help Keep Orthodontic Devices Cleaner
If you have and orthodontic device such as braces, any kind of oral hygiene routine suddenly becomes tricky, even regular brushing. To help keep your teeth cleaner between checkups, ask your dentist for some water flosser recommendations and tips.
A Water Flosser Is a Low Effort Way to Enhance Your Health
A good oral hygiene routine benefits your overall well-being in profound ways, which makes it worth putting a minute or two longer into your day-to-day steps to keep your teeth clean. Coincidentally, that’s about all the extra time it will add to your morning or evening toothbrushing session to clean your teeth with a water flosser.
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