Are water flossers as effective as string floss?
San Diego dentist
Among the most important factors in your oral health is your home oral hygiene routine. Brushing teeth removes bacterial growth (plaque) from the visible surfaces of the teeth, while flossing removes bacteria from between the teeth and below the gumline. Both are crucial to maintaining oral health.
The traditional method of flossing is with string floss, and this is what most people still use. However, there are some people who have trouble using string floss because of dexterity challenges (such as arthritis), or who simply don’t like string floss and find themselves avoiding it. They may turn to an alternative solution for flossing, such as a water flosser.
Is water flossing as effective as using string floss? If you find string floss difficult or uncomfortable to use, is switching to a water flosser a good alternative?
What is a water flosser?
A water flosser uses a high-speed jet of water in order to clean the teeth. A hand-held device, similar in size to a toothbrush, is aimed between the teeth and into the areas below the gumline. The high speed of the water helps it to clean the tooth’s surface.
A water flosser may be easier and more comfortable for some people to use than string floss is. It does take a little getting used to, and you may get a little wet while you’re learning. However, many people find that using a water flosser is easier, especially for those who have orthodontic appliances or certain types of dental restorations (which can be hard to floss around). Additionally, those who have dexterity challenges such as arthritis are often challenged by string floss and may find water flossing to be easier.
Is a water flosser effective?
Studies have shown that water flossing is as effective as string floss in removing plaque from the surfaces of the teeth. In fact, some studies show water flossing to be more effective. In addition, water flossing may be able to clean parts of the tooth that string floss doesn’t reach. For example, the part of the tooth that is below the gumline in the front and back of the tooth is generally not cleaned by string floss, but can be cleaned by a water flosser.
Are there any downsides?
Although water flossing is highly effective and may even be superior to string floss in its ability to remove plaque, it does have its own limitations. The device requires access to both water and electricity, so it may not be feasible for certain situations (like traveling or camping). The cost of the device is also higher, although it’s useful to consider the long-term cost; string floss must be purchased repeatedly, while a water flosser is a one-time purchase. Because of this, a water flosser may end up being cheaper over the long term.
San Diego dentist
Cleaning between the teeth is a very important part of your oral hygiene routine. Whether you use a water flosser or string floss, removing the bacteria that grow on the surfaces of the teeth that aren’t visible is very important. Without proper cleaning, gum disease may develop. This is the leading cause of tooth loss in the US, but it’s preventable with proper care.
Even with the very best oral hygiene, it’s still important to visit your dentist for a cleaning at least once every six months. This helps to remove plaque that at-home care simply can’t reach, including hardened plaque (called calculus) that can only be removed with professional instruments.
If you’re looking for a San Diego dentist, we invite you to visit our office. Dr. Carpenter is highly regarded as a cosmetic and general dentist, with decades of experience. He also has specialised training as a periodontist, which is a specialist in the treatment of gum disease as well as the placement of dental implants. Whether your smile is healthy, or you have gum disease or another problem, we invite you to visit our office and see for yourself why Dr. Carpenter has so many satisfied patients.