Water flossers like the Waterpik are becoming more common among patients who are looking for an easier and faster alternative to traditional flossing. But are Waterpiks as good as regular flossing? Are they even better? Let’s take a look at the facts in this blog from Coronado Dental Associates.
Understanding The Basics Of Water Flossers And How They Work
Water flossers like the Waterpik are hand-held devices that create a very thin stream of high-powered water, which blasts away food particles and other debris from between your teeth and gums, acting similarly to dental floss.
They have become much more popular over the past two decades, and have become much more accepted by dentists, many who initially dismissed them when they entered the market. In fact, the Waterpik water flosser earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance in 2017, and is the first water flosser to do so.
So, water flossers like the Waterpik are great, and just as good as regular flossing, right? Well, not quite.
Using A Waterpik Isn’t Better Than Flossing – It Complements Flossing
Let’s clear up a misconception. Using a Waterpik is not better than normal flossing. In fact, most dentists consider it to be inferior to flossing with dental floss. A Waterpik cannot offer the same level of cleaning, since the stream of water creates no friction that can loosen hard-to-reach pieces of food and other debris.
Instead, most dentists recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to flossing. For example, you could floss once per day and use your Waterpik after you floss to blast away any debris that was loosened while flossing. Or, you could use a Waterpik in the morning and evening, and floss once per day after lunch.
Using a Waterpik is not better than flossing. But when used with flossing, it helps improve the effectiveness of flossing, and your overall oral health.
However, Using A Waterpik Is Better Than Not Flossing At All!
This brings us to a related point. Is using a Waterpik better than not flossing at all? The answer, of course, is “yes.” As you know, dentists always recommend that you floss once per day, and for the best oral health, fresh breath, and protection against gum disease, this recommendation stands.
However, if you simply cannot floss or are not willing to learn the proper technique, it’s better to use a Waterpik than to not use anything at all to clean between your teeth. Waterpiks can loosen food particles and other debris that toothbrushes leave behind. While they’re not as good as flossing, they’re better than nothing.
For The Best Results, Floss And Use A Waterpik, Too!
If you brush twice a day for two minutes, floss once per day, and use a Waterpik, you’ll have the best chance of avoiding gum disease and tooth decay, and your smile will remain bright and strong. But don’t forget about six-month cleanings and oral exams from Dr. Meadows or Dr. Villalobos at Coronado Dental Associates, either! Contact us online or give us a call at (619) 435-0844 to schedule your next appointment right away.
FAQs
In fact, most dentists consider it to be inferior to flossing with dental floss. A Waterpik cannot offer the same level of cleaning, since the stream of water creates no friction that can loosen hard-to-reach pieces of food and other debris. Instead, most dentists recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to flossing.
Is Waterpik flossing better than regular flossing? ›
Research has shown that there's minimal difference in plaque removal between using floss versus a Waterpik. Both Waterpiks and flossing are good ways to take care of your teeth and gums along with brushing. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning in between your teeth once a day.
Why would a dentist recommend a Waterpik? ›
Effective homecare is essential for patients in periodontal maintenance. The WATERPIK water flosser is clinically proven to be an effective alternative to subgingival antibiotics and is clinical proven to reduce gingival bleeding and inflammation.
Is Waterpik good or bad for gums? ›
Conclusion. In conclusion, water flossers can be a safe and effective way to clean between teeth and along the gum line. When used properly and in moderation, they can even improve gum health. However, it's important to be mindful of the pressure setting and to follow proper technique to avoid any potential gum damage.
Is water better than regular flosser? ›
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.
Can I stop flossing if I use a Waterpik? ›
A Waterpik Shouldn't Replace Brushing or Flossing
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.
Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›
Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.
What are the disadvantages of a water flosser? ›
Cons of water flossing
- May be costly.
- Needs charging.
- Some models are bulky.
- May not work as well as traditional floss.
Pros of Using a Waterpik
An oral irrigator is efficient for flushing out bacteria from deep pockets that occur when gums separate from the teeth, therefore; it is often recommended for patients with gum disease.
Should I use Listerine in my Waterpik? ›
Can I use mouthwash or other additives in a WATERPIK water flosser? Yes, although all you need for effectiveness is warm water, there are additives including certain types of mouthwash that are safe to use.
Dentists generally recommend water flossers as an effective way to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy. Water flossers are especially beneficial for those wearing fixed dental appliances like bridges, permanent retainers, and braces.
What kind of water flosser do dentists recommend? ›
Best Overall: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
Just so you know, Waterpik as a brand is highly recommended by dental professionals, and this model — and all of the brand's others — is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Can I use a water flosser instead of flossing? ›
Using a water flosser can be helpful for people who have braces, other orthodontics or dental work that makes it hard to use standard dental floss. A water flosser also may be useful for people who have trouble flossing by hand.
Why is regular floss better than floss picks? ›
While it's better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it's important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth's surface. Doctor Theuer recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here's why: A floss pick holds just a small length of floss stretched in a straight line.
Can a Waterpik get plaque off? ›
Conclusion: The Waterpik Water Flosser and manual toothbrush is significantly more effective than a manual brush and string floss in removing plaque from tooth surfaces.
What is better than flossing? ›
For comfortable, yet efficient plaque removal, oral irrigators are your best bet. Instead of floss, picks or brushes, strong pulses of water are directed between your teeth to dislodge bacteria and stuck food particles.
Is it better to floss before or after brushing teeth? ›
Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
