It’s no secret that flossing isn’t a very popular pastime. If you’re looking to improve your oral health but find flossing frustrating, you may be considering switching to a water flosser like a Waterpik. However, it’s important to do your research before swapping out your traditional string of dental floss! Read on as we go over some important differences between how each option works and help you determine which one is best for you.
Waterpik: The Pros & Cons
Water flossers like the Waterpik shoot out a thin stream of water, which helps loosen and wash away particles between the teeth. This method makes it much easier for people who have mobility issues or arthritis to floss, and they clean around braces very easily. Additionally, they don’t make the gums bleed, which is often one of the drawbacks of flossing with traditional dental floss.
While water flossers don’t have many downsides, the ones they do have are somewhat substantial. The first and most pressing is the cost difference- a Waterpik is significantly more expensive than traditional dental floss. Additionally, studies show that they do not clean away plaque as effectively as traditional floss.
Dental Floss: Pros & Cons
If you’re looking for the most effective tool when it comes to cleaning the spaces between your teeth, there’s simply no better choice than traditional dental floss. Not only does it fit into the small spaces where the water from a Waterpik doesn’t go, but it does a more thorough job of cleaning away plaque and bacteria. Dental floss is extremely cost-effective and comes in a variety of different types to suit different needs.
However, dental floss does come with drawbacks as well. For instance, it is only effective if used with the proper techniques. For many people, flossing with traditional dental floss feels awkward and challenging, and for some people it can feel downright impossible. Plus, dental floss is very difficult to use with braces and other oral appliances.
Waterpiks or Dental Floss: Which Is Better?
While water flossers and dental floss each come with their benefits and drawbacks, the one that will work the best will ultimately be the one you commit to using regularly! At your next checkup and cleaning, talk to your dentist or oral hygienist about which one they recommend for your unique smile. They’ll be able to go over different types of flossing tools you may not have considered previously, and they can coach you on the correct technique. Alternatively, you can use both! You could use traditional dental floss first and then wash away any lingering particles with a Waterpik. Whichever method you choose, just remember to floss daily to keep your smile happy and healthy.
About the Practice
Dr. Megan McInnis and her friendly team here are RiverPlace Dental are dedicated to smiles of all ages in Portland and the surrounding communities. Her commitment to continuing education and her personalized approach to dentistry ensure that each of her patients get the exact care they need to achieve and obtain optimal oral health for life. Whether you’re curious about improving your flossing, in need of a serious restorative treatment, or anything in between, she’s here to help you get the smile of your dreams! To learn more, she can be contacted online or at (503) 761-1414.