When you visit the dentist and hygienist, you might be asked about flossing and how frequently you complete this task. However, after looking inside your mouth, dental professionals will already know the answer. Interdental cleaning, or cleaning between each tooth, is essential for good oral health, and it is obvious when someone flosses regularly as their gums are stronger and healthier and are far less likely to bleed when gently probed during a dental exam in Newcastle. Not everyone likes to clean between their teeth with conventional dental floss or finds it less effective. These are the people who might find it beneficial to use a water flosser.
What is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser uses a stream of pressurized water to clean between teeth thoroughly, removing food debris and dental plaque. Some people find using a water flosser in Clarington easier to manipulate than dental floss. Water flossers can also be useful when someone has teeth that are tightly packed or overlapping and tricky to clean with conventional dental floss. Using a water flosser or water pik can effectively remove dental plaque more easily.
The device is very easy to use as you select the right tip, connect it to the water flosser, and fill it with lukewarm water. You then select the correct level of water pressure, so for example, if you have sensitive gums, you may find it more comfortable to use a lower pressure initially.
Is a Water Flosser Better Than Dental Floss?
A water pik can be a bit of an investment into your dental health as there is little doubt that dental floss is cheap and easily available. However, maintaining good gum health can significantly lower your dental bills, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay in Courtice, so if you think you are more likely to use a water flosser, it is a worthwhile purchase. Many people who try a water flosser would not dream of going back to using dental floss alone.
However, if you have good gum health and no major dental problems and find it easy and comfortable to use dental floss, then there is no reason to switch unless something changes. If you don’t fancy using a water pik but want to commit to cleaning in between your teeth more regularly, ask your dental hygienist for help and advice on using dental floss effectively. Dental education is an important part of our practice at West Bowmanville Family Dental, and our dental team can demonstrate how to use dental floss correctly, showing you the right techniques and some easy tips and tricks to use at home. We can also discuss which type of dental floss might suit you best, as there are many different kinds. It may take a bit of experimenting until you find a brand you are entirely happy using, and you may need several different types to cater to your whole family.
While both methods will work well, using something to clean between your teeth regularly is important. You may find it helpful to use both devices as sometimes even the water pressure of a water pik cannot remove tightly packed or impacted food debris between teeth.
Why Is Flossing So Important?
Daily flossing, either with dental floss or a water flosser, is essential as a toothbrush alone cannot reach right between each tooth, leaving these tooth surfaces uncleaned and substantially increasing your risk of oral disease, especially gum disease. Good gum health supports overall health and can reduce your risk of developing serious diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses and dementia.