What if we told you you could floss without floss? Introducing: the Waterpik. You may either have no idea what a Waterpik is, or you’re curious and wondering if it’s worth the price tag. A Waterpik is a water flosser that uses a pressurized stream of pulsating water to clear away bacteria, food, and plaque. We’re going to break down the pros and cons of using a Waterpik and sticking with traditional floss. Notice how there isn’t an option to not floss?
Pros of using a Waterpik
- Gets in hard to reach areas and between tight teeth
- Easy to use (once you find your right pressure setting it’s pretty simple)
- May keep your breath fresh longer
- May be preferred if you have braces (It can be very tricky to get around braces with traditional floss), crowns, or dental implants
- Can aid in the reduction of bacteria below the gumline
- Can reduce gum disease and bleeding of gums
- Massage from water stream can improve gum health
Cons of using a Waterpik
- May not remove all plaque as well as traditional flossing
- More expensive than traditional flossing
- May not be able to fully replace the role of traditional flossing
- Requires storage, electricity, and water access
If you do decide to purchase a Waterpik, here are some general instructions to understand how to use them:
- Turn it on and hold it at a 90 degree angle and spray the water
- Start at the back of your mouth and work your way around to the front
- Focus on the top of your teeth, gum line, and the spaces between each tooth
- Pause briefly with the tip between each tooth to allow the water to flow out of the mouth and into the sink
- It should take about 2 minutes - empty water into the sink when you’re done
- Replace the water flosser to charge it for the next time
Pros of Traditional Floss
- Easier control over target area
- Quick and can be done anywhere (Emergency car floss?)
- Inexpensive and can purchase easily
Cons of Traditional Floss
- Difficulty in reaching some areas of the mouth
- Can cause gum bleeding
- Can cause or worsen tooth and gum sensitivity
Now, just because there are some cons to the different flossing option doesn’t mean you can skip this step. Brushing your teeth twice a day isn’t enough to reach your full oral health potential. Getting input from your dentist is also a great way to decide which flossing option is right for you. See, talking about floss can be fun!