We have all grown up flossing as the dentist instructs us. Once a day we take out the little container from the drawer, pull out the floss, break it off from the container then proceed to floss. We repeat those steps at least twice sometimes more, it can become monotonous and sometimes keep us from flossing our teeth on a regular basis, and try doing that with your kids, that’s a whole other story, am I right? In comes the WATERPIK, we all question is it worth the price and does it really work? Well let’s dig into those questions and see how you feel at the end.
Why do we floss? Well there’s a simple answer, floss helps clean away food particles and plaque between the teeth and under the gums. But did you know the food particles can get stuck without flossing then that food grows bacteria that can enter your blood stream and cause heart problems and if your pregnant that bacteria can cause preterm labor and low birth weights. Brushing your teeth is not enough, those tiny bristles aren’t small enough to get into tight spaces in between your teeth and gums, but floss can.
New products come on the market every day, the Waterpik is one of those new products. You may be trying to decide if the Waterpik is better than traditional floss. Well, keep reading I’ll try and help you with that decision. I’ll talk about the differences and similarities, the pros and cons and see where we land. Lets start with a little background on the Waterpik. “Waterpik water flossers are also referred to as dental water jets or oral irrigators. The first oral irrigator was invented in 1962 by a Colorado dentist who was helped by his patient a hydraulic engineer.” 2019, Waterpik vs Flossing. Waterpik vs. Flossing: Know Your Options (healthline.com).
Water flossers (Waterpik) use a pressurized stream of pulsating water to clean away food particles, bacteria and plaque between your teeth and under the gum line.
Who should use a Waterpik?
If you wear braces or permanent retainers makes it difficult to use traditional floss and it cannot get in between your teeth and gums, it’s especially difficult for children to maintain their dental health. If you have a non-removable bridge it’s difficult and sometimes uncomfortable to use traditional floss, the same goes for crowns and dental implants. Health conditions can also prevent a person from using traditional floss, for example, people with arthritis, it’s difficult and for some impossible to hold and maneuver the tiny string between their teeth.
Benefits to the Waterpik:
The Waterpik can get into hard-to-reach spaces of your mouth, tightly spaced teeth and periodontal pockets caused by early gum disease, it also helps with long lasting fresh breath. The Waterpik is user friendly, especially for children who like to do everything for themselves, it creates independency with their dental health.
Pros:
Gets in between hard-to-reach places.
Cleans between tightly spaced teeth.
Easy to use, child friendly.
Cons:
May not remove all plaque.
Cost
Traditional Flossing:
“Flossing came to be in 1874 after Levi Spear Parmly recommended it in his book “A Practical Guide to Management of the Teeth”, in 1819. In 1874 it was patented by Asahel M. Shurtleff.” 2019, Waterpik vs Flossing. Waterpik vs. Flossing: Know Your Options (healthline.com).
Who should use Floss?
Everyone! We need to floss every day to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Pros:
Easy to control.
Can clean each tooth in full.
Cons:
Unable to reach some areas.
Can cause your gums to bleed.
Lets Sum it up!
Both the Waterpik and traditional Flossing will provide you with better dental health. The best way to pick is to look at the pros and cons and decided which option will fit with you and/or your family. I think for families with children the Waterpik is a great option. I remember the days of trying to floss my kids mouth I had to pin them down and hope they wouldn’t bite my fingers while they were in their mouth! The cost of a Waterpik isn’t as high as it used to be you can pick up a great one for under $50. I hope this blog was both informative and educational.
Bye for now until we Blog together again!