Hamburgers or hot dogs? The mountains or the beach? Saturdays or Sundays?
Some decisions are easier than others. When it comes to cleaning in between teeth, dental floss and a Waterpik water flosser each have their own merits. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of dental floss, plus the benefits and drawbacks of the Waterpik, so that you can make the best choice for your oral health.
What Are the Positives and Negatives with Dental Floss?
Dental floss dates back to prehistoric times and was first recommended in print by a book published in 1819. Floss of the 1800s was usually made from unwaxed silk and after World War II it was replaced by nylon. It’s an important part of dental care to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
The main benefit of floss is that it’s easy to control so that you can clean each tooth in full. Maneuvering the floss in between teeth allows you to wipe each tooth clean before plaque can turn into tartar.
On the other hand, if you rely only on floss, some areas of your mouth may be unreachable. Also, you may have trouble flossing between teeth that are very close together. It’s important to rinse your mouth after you floss to remove plaque and residue scraped free from teeth.
What Are the Good and Bad Sides to Using the Waterpik?
As a company, Waterpik began in 1962 as Aqua Tec Corporation with the invention of the oral irrigator. Waterpik is based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
You might potentially lean toward a Waterpik over floss if you wear braces or have nonremovable bridgework, crowns, or dental implants. Also, people with arthritis or those who have trouble maneuvering string floss may need the Waterpik.
It is easy to use, gets into the hard-to-reach areas, and cleans between teeth that are very close together.
On the negative side, a Waterpik may not remove all plaque, plus it’s messy and certainly much more expensive than buying dental floss. Also, it may take a while to figure out your preferred water temperature and power setting.
Making the Right Decision
The American Dental Association approves each of these choices, assuming you do a thorough job. Research has shown there’s minimal difference in plaque removal between these two. Be sure to brush at least twice per day and use your preferred method of cleaning in between your teeth at least once daily.
It’s not crucial whether you choose flossing or the Waterpik – it’s crucial that you choose one of them and utilize your preferred method on a daily basis. For further information, get your dentist’s opinion on the matter during your next checkup and cleaning.
About the Practice
At Flenniken Family Dentistry, we aim high to create a “wow” experience for you. We use modern materials to get great results. We utilize state-of-the-art tools and techniques. Our five-dentist team comes together to offer all sorts of specialized services, so everything is done in-house to save you time and money. Be sure to find your preferred method of cleaning between flossing and the Waterpik, and feel free to ask one of our dentists their thoughts on the matter during your next dental exam. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (717) 249-7777.
