Are you wondering if there are any benefits of water flossing over traditional flossing? If you are looking for reasons to get started with these products, then you are in the right place.
Flossing is an essential part of your everyday oral health regimen. With the advancement in the dental tech industry, more people are now switching to water flossers. But is water flossing really replacing traditional string floss? Is it more effective or convenient compared to conventional flossing?
This post takes you through all you need to know about water flossers, taking you through their benefits and how you can buy the best water flossers in the market.
Benefits of Using a Water Flosser
There are many water flosser benefits, but the most conspicuous one is that it can clean hard-to-reach parts of the mouth, especially for traditional brushing and flossing.
So, what are the benefits of water flossing? Here are the other key benefits that you would reap from water flossing compared to traditional flossing:
More effective in plaque removal
One of the primary benefits of a water flosser is its effectiveness in plaque removal. Plaque can be defined as the sticky film that forms on teeth and can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental health problems.
While traditional string floss effectively removes plaque, reaching certain areas of the mouth is usually challenging. This is particularly the case for people with crowded or crooked teeth.
Water pressure flossing makes it easier to get to these hard-to-reach places while getting rid of the plaque and bacteria that accumulate between teeth and along the gum line.
Limitations of traditional string floss
Having been the go-to solution for decades, conventional string floss is quite effective in plaque removal. However, it has its limitations.
For starters, string flossing requires manual dexterity. This can be challenging for people with certain conditions, such as arthritis. Other issues that affect hand mobility may make this a daunting experience for such people.
Moreover, traditional floss is associated with bleeding and discomfort, which some people, especially those with gum disease or sensitive gums, may find quite unbearable.
Such limitations may cause certain people to miss out on proper oral hygiene, which is where water flossing comes in.
Improved oral health
Water flossing has a huge impact on your overall oral health. These products can help remove food particles and bacteria between teeth and the gum line.
Doing so leads to fresher breath and a healthier mouth. Moreover, water flossing is linked with reducing bleeding and gum inflammation, which generally improves oral health.
On the other hand, while string floss enables you to maintain better oral health, water flossing has more health benefits. For instance, it promotes gum health by reducing inflammation and bleeding often associated with string flossing.
Moreover, water flossing is much easier for people with limited hand mobility.
Beneficial to people with braces
Is a water flosser good for braces? People with braces and orthodontics may find water flossing especially useful. This is because, with water flossing, they can easily clean hard-to-reach places, such as between teeth and under the wires and brackets. This makes it easier for them to maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing such dental appliances.
Additionally, water flossing ensures you can remove food particles and bacteria that accumulate or get trapped in braces, reducing the chances of getting affected by various oral health problems, including cavities.
On the other hand, traditional flossing can be quite difficult for people with braces. This is because the wires and brackets make it challenging to reach all the areas of the mouth. Moreover, the strings often get stuck between wires and brackets, which can be quite inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Gingivitis prevention
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that is caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque. It often leads to inflammation and irritation in the gums, which might even cause tooth loss if left untreated.
Studies have shown that oral irrigation is more effective in preventing gingivitis than traditional string floss. One study indicated that water flossing was 52.4% better at reducing or preventing gingivitis than conventional floss.
Moreover, another study saw water flossing reducing gum inflammation and bleeding in people with gingivitis, which they would not achieve using conventional floss.
Check out our previous post to help you answer the question of what is gingivectomy as we uncover additional methods to treat gingivitis.
Besides removing plaque, preventing gingivitis, and improving oral health, water flossing also has additional benefits that traditional flossing may not provide. You can check out further comparisons between a water flosser and floss, such as:
- Easier to use: With water flossers, you simply have to aim the water stream between your teeth and along the gum line. This makes it easier for people with limited manual dexterity, and even children, to floss effectively.
- Customizable pressure settings: You can easily adjust water pressure settings to suit your individual needs. This means those with sensitive teeth and gums can enjoy the effective, gentle flossing experience without hurting themselves.
- Versatility: Water flossers can be used for other purposes besides cleaning teeth. For instance, they can be used to deliver medication to treat gums or even to massage your gums to improve blood circulation. Moreover, when you choose the best travel water flossers, you will have no limitations on where to use them.
- Time-saving: It is a no-brainer that water flossing can save you a lot of time when cleaning your teeth, as it gets the job done in just a few minutes. On the other hand, you will need a lot of spare time if you want to use interdental cleaning devices or traditional string floss.
How to Choose the Best Water Flosser
Water flossers have many benefits, not only for people with limited manual dexterity and those with braces, but everyone, in general, can greatly benefit from them. When you want to buy a water flosser, the process may be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time.
There are many brands to consider, with varied features, price points, and more.
To help you get started, here is a quick buyer’s guide to help you select the best water flossers. Here are factors that you should consider when buying a water flosser:
Choose the right type of water flosser
One of the main considerations when choosing a water flosser is to go for the type that works best for you. There are two main types of water flossers: cordless and countertop flossers.
Cordless water flossers
Cordless water flossers are portable and ideal for travel. Rechargeable batteries power them; you can take them anywhere and use them wherever and whenever you want.
- Lightweight and compact making them ideal for travel or use in smaller spaces
- Simple to use with no cords or power outlets to worry about
- Customizable pressure settings
- Limited battery life
- Smaller water reservoir
Here’s our comprehensive review of the best cordless water flossers to try.
Countertop water flossers
Countertop water flossers are larger and more powerful than their cordless counterparts. These devices are designed to be placed on a bathroom countertop, hence the name.
Moreover, these products are more powerful and are powered by an electrical outlet. This means they are best for home use.
- More powerful and better at removing stubborn plaque and food particles
- Larger water reservoir, allowing you to floss without needing to refill the tank
- Supports multiple tips, allowing you to share the device or use it to target various areas of the mouth and for individual needs
- They are bulkier hence less portable
- Require a power outlet, limiting where you can use them
- They are more expensive
Consider your budget
The price of water flossers ranges from as low as $20 to as high as over $200. Determining how much money you can spend on them is vital without exceeding your budget.
It would be prudent to note that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. This is why looking for a product that fits your budget while still meeting your needs is essential.
Pressure settings
Look for water flossers that have adjustable water stream pressure. This allows you to customize the intensity of the cleaning. This feature is particularly important for people with sensitive teeth and gums or still new to water flossing.
Look for a water flosser with adjustable pressure settings to ensure a comfortable cleaning experience.
Ease of use
Water flossers come in various sizes and shapes and have different functionalities. Before you purchase a water flosser, figure out how easy it will be for you to use it.
Get something easier to maneuver; for instance, a product with a comfortable grip and easy-to-use controls is more appealing.
Look at the additional features
Different water flossers may come with unique features that improve the user’s overall experience.
Some products may have multiple tips, a timer, and more. Look for features that may be helpful to you and can help you achieve your oral health goals while maintaining comfort while at it. Most Waterpik water flosser benefits lie around their many useful features. This means you can have a good starting point.
Look for certification
It is important to get a water flosser approved and certified by a recognized organization.
For instance, look for a water flosser approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Certification of the product indicates that it has been independently tested and meets various set standards for effectiveness and safety.
Read reviews
Nothing tells you the true picture of a product more than reviews from others who have used them.
Look for honest reviews of real users on independent platforms that talk about the device’s features, ease of use, effectiveness, and durability.
Final Thoughts
Water flossers have many benefits that every person can benefit from. However, they are a crucial oral care device for people with sensitive gums and braces.
While these products have many benefits, it is important to note that there are different brands developing such products.
This means they are not all made equal, so you have to consider factors like the type of water flosser, pressure settings, and features, among others, when buying a water flosser.
FAQ
Water flossing can be effective at removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line. Studies have shown that water flossing can be as effective as traditional flossing in reducing gingivitis and improving gum health.
Many dentists recommend water flossing as an effective way to improve oral health, particularly for people who struggle with traditional flossing techniques or have dental work such as braces or implants.
Using a water flosser every day can be a great way to improve oral hygiene and maintain healthy gums. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not use the device too aggressively, as this can cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Sources
- Comparison between water flosser and regular floss in the efficacy of plaque removal in patients after single use. (2021). Retrieved 14 March 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1013905221000328
- Use of a water flosser for interdental cleaning. (2011). Retrieved 14 March 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51876984_Use_of_a_water_flosser_for_interdental_cleaning
- The addition of a water flosser to power tooth brushing: effect on bleeding, gingivitis, and plaque. (2012). Retrieved 14 March 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22779218/
- Comparison of irrigation to floss as an adjunct to tooth brushing: effect on bleeding, gingivitis, and supragingival plaque. (2005). Retrieved 14 March 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16305005/
- Comparison between water flosser and regular floss in the efficacy of plaque removal in patients after single use. (2021). Retrieved 14 March 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8236551/
