Flossing your teeth is an essential practice to complement your daily brushing and help remove plaque and food particles from places where your toothbrush can’t reach. Traditional string dental floss has long been used, but there are alternatives to this type of floss, one of them being water flossers, a popular brand being Waterpik.
Water Pik uses a pressurized yet gentle stream of water to “floss” and remove debris from between teeth. But are water flossers such as Waterpik better than regular dental floss?
Here’s what you need to know!
Research Has Found Water Flossers to Be as Effective as Regular Floss
Water flossers have been around for decades, and have been evaluated scientifically for their effectiveness at removing plaque from teeth to aid in the prevention of oral disease. Studies conclude that water flossers such as Waterpik are just as effective as regular dental floss, and can be an important addition to your oral care routine [1]. However, while Waterpik can replace regular dental floss, it shouldn’t replace brushing, eating healthy, or regular dental visits!
Water Pik May Be Easier to Use for Some People
While some people prefer traditional dental floss, Waterpik is easier for some people to use. For example, people who have teeth that are very tightly spaced and difficult to floss, or people who have braces or dental crowns. Others who may have challenging or limited mobility often find Waterpik easier to use. Research has found this device to be more effective than traditional floss when it comes to removing plaque from tooth surfaces, especially for people who have unique oral care requirements such as braces [2].
Which One Should You Use?
If flossing is challenging for you to fit into your oral care routine, it’s important to choose the type of floss that motivates you to use it every day. Whether that’s regular dental floss, a Waterpik, or interdental cleaners, choose the floss that will encourage you to commit to flossing for your oral health. Of course, if you have orthodontia, mobility challenges, or restorative work that’s challenging to clean, a water flosser could be a helpful investment into your smile and make flossing easier!
Make Sure Your Product is ADA-Accepted
Whatever type of floss you choose, it’s important that your water flosser or regular floss has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance [3]. Water Pik is ADA-accepted, meaning it’s been evaluated by the ADA for effectiveness and safety, to provide you with peace of mind that you’re choosing a good product for your smile!
Happy Flossing!
To experience the benefits of flossing—which include a reduced risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath—be sure to floss your teeth once a day at whatever time is convenient for you. Regular flossing goes a long way towards keeping your smile healthy, whether you choose Waterpik or string floss!
Sources:
1. https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7123_Waterpik_Irrigation.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24282867
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/water-flossers
