Brushing your teeth keeps them clean and healthy, and flossing is important to clean hard-to-reach areas. Conventional dental floss is tried and tested but new technologies - such as water flossing - offer convenience and simplicity. We explore if water flossing is as effective as regular methods.
What is water flossing?
Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, are handheld devices that aim to provide an effective alternative to regular flossing. Water flossing sprays pressurised water between the gaps in your teeth and along your gum line to remove plaque and food particles.
Streams of pressurised water replicate the flossing action to dislodge and wash away food particles and plaque. This helps to prevent plaque build-up, which can lead to more severe issues such as gingivitis and gum disease, also called periodontal disease.
By washing away bacteria, water floss may also help to improve overall oral health and reduce your risk of tonsil stones - also called tonsilloliths - where bacteria and other substances become trapped and harden. .
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Pressurised water can effectively remove food particles and wash away plaque between your teeth1. However, water floss lacks the scraping motion that's effective at removing stubborn plaque in tight areas. For this reason, many dentists recommend trying string floss first.
Their are certain groups who may benefit from water flossing over regular flossing. Dr Sameer Patel, clinical director of Elleven Dental, says: "Those who find using regular dental floss difficult, have sensitive gums, or have braces on their teeth may find a water flosser beneficial. For optimum oral health, it is recommended you floss daily."
Will water flossing get rid of tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones are made up of bacteria, mucus, and bits of food and junk that get stuck in the nooks and crannies around your tonsils.
Water flossing can help get rid of some of the bits stuck around your throat before they form tonsil stones and can dislodge the stones themselves. But it is unlikely they will totally prevent them from happening. If you are using a water flosser on the back of your throat make sure it is on a low pressure and if it hurts stop using it.
Is water floss better than dental floss?
Award-winning dental surgeon Dr Nilesh Parmar says: "Water flossing has recently gained widespread acceptance. As a population, we love our gadgets, and these devices aim to replace the humble dental floss. There is research to show that water flossing is beneficial. However, it is not a replacement for flossing. So don't throw away your floss just yet."
Although both water floss and dental floss produce positive results in trials, when it comes to which is best, the evidence is mixed. There's research to suggest that pressurised water is at least as effective as string-based dental floss at removing food particles and washing away plaque between your teeth1. Some studies even suggest that it's significantly more effective for surface plaque removal2.
On the other hand, data on water flossing is relatively new, and its use for long-term oral hygiene is less clear. Much of the evidence is based on single-use studies that only focus on volume of plaque removal.
Instead of discarding your dental floss, many dentists advise using both techniques in combination for the best results. Well-rounded oral hygiene requires you to remove as much plaque as possible, but also to pay attention to hard-to-reach areas such as tight tooth gaps - which can be more difficult when using water floss.
This is why water flossing is beneficial as an additional tool in your oral hygiene kit. Brushing twice a day, regular flossing, and water flossing will help you protect your teeth from plaque, keeping them healthy and preventing issues such as persistent bad breath.
It's also called an oral irrigator or a dental water jet. A water flosser can help remove food particles between teeth.It also can remove plaque from teeth. If you use standard dental floss, and you don't have bleeding or other problems, there's no need to change.
A study by Goyal et. al. showed a 74.4% reduction in overall plaque and an 81.6% reduction in interproximal plaque with a water flosser compared to a 57.7% overall and 63.4% interproximal plaque reduction with string floss.
Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes. The Waterpik water flosser should be the standard of care for in-between clean. The clinical science behind the effectiveness of biofilm removal is unrivaled.
Water flossing is a way to clean between and around your teeth. A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. The water, like traditional floss, removes food from between teeth.
The American Dental Association says water flossers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance can get rid of plaque. That's the film that turns into tartar and leads to cavities and gum disease. But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss.
You may have heard the term “water flosser” before, but have you hear the term Waterpik? If so, you may have wondered what the difference is between the two. The truth is there is no difference.
While Waterpiks have a place in oral care, they shouldn't replace brushing, flossing, or visits to your dentist. Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly.
While water flossers are generally considered safe for most people, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse or incorrect use can lead to gum damage. On the other hand, water flossers have been shown to improve gum health by removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Water flossing will remove more plaque than flossing, making it more effective. The most effective way to clean between teeth and along the gums is whichever method you use regularly and properly. You should add either string flossing, water flossing, or both to brushing as a nightly dental routine.
Everyday we recommend a Waterpik or Shower Floss to our patients. If you've had gum recession or gum disease either type of oral irrigator will help prevent further bone loss. I also recommend oral irrigators for those with implants, bridges, or braces.
We chose the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser as our top choice because of its high-capacity water tank, multiple pressure settings, and general ease of use. As you consider your specific needs, you may decide another option on our list is a better fit for you.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Water pick users say their mouths feel fresher after use, and that's because water flossers are more effective than dental floss or floss picks at plaque removal. Studies show that water flossers remove 29% more plaque than floss. Water flossers are also more gentle for people with gum sensitivity.
Recommended Frequency and Duration of Use: It's generally safe to use a water flosser once or twice a day for two minutes at a time. Correct Technique for Water Flossing: Hold the water flosser tip at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and gums and aim the stream of water directly at the gum line.
Sometimes it is necessary to use the special Pik PocketTM tip for more severe areas, such as periodontal pockets. To sum it up, daily use helps you maintain a healthy smile. Use your WATERPIK water flosser more often if you need additional cleaning or to treat gum disease as directed by your dental professional.
Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly. Using a Waterpik while continuing to practice good oral care can help you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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