Is Water Flossing the Perfect Tool for Better Oral Health?

Good oral health involves more than having a beautiful smile; it
is key if we are to enjoy food, feel confident about interacting
with others, and avoid oral pain. Statistics show, however, that
many Americans could improve in this department. Over
90% of Americans have had at least one cavity, and one in four
has untreated tooth decay. Meanwhile, around half of all adults
above the age of 30 have gum disease – according to the Center
for Disease Control and Prevention’s Oral Health report.
Dentists recommend
brushing and flossing twice daily, but for those with gum
disease and frequent plaque build-up, one gadget that should be
present on your bathroom countertop, is a water flosser.

How does a Water Flosser Work?

clinic-dental-care-dentist-1323867Water flossers clean teeth and gums through a
combination of water pressure and pulsations, which remove food and
plaque. They work similarly to dental floss, but the pressure means
that tiny pieces of food you don’t even notice can be efficiently
removed. Water flossers can reach areas that floss cannot get
into; for
instance, beneath the gumline at the front of teeth. Users can
alter the pressure according to their needs. Therefore, those with
sensitive gums may use a lower setting, while those after a power
clean can set their flosser on high pressure.

Are Water Flossers Effective?

The effectiveness of water flossers was put to the test in a
study published in
the Journal of Clinical Dentistry. Participants to the study
were assigned to one of two groups. Group One used a manual
toothbrush plus a water flosser, while Group Two used a manual
toothbrush and waxed dental floss to clean between teeth. The
results showed that the water floss group had a 74.4% reduction in
whole mouth plaque and a 81.6% reduction in plaque between teeth.
The dental floss group meanwhile, had a 57.7% and 63.45% reduction
in plaque in these respective areas. The scientists noted that the
water flosser was therefore a superior way to keep plaque at
bay.

When Might Your Dentist Recommend a Water Flosser?

Your dentist may recommend this method of daily cleaning if you
have frequent plaque build-up or if your gums tend to become
inflamed. If you have a condition like gingivitis, you may be
recommended to wait until bleeding has stopped to use a water
floss. For more serious periodontal disease, a water flosser will
simply not be enough. You may be recommended a root scaling and
planing treatment and perhaps later, a water flosser can play a
role in maintenance of your gum health. Water flosses also work
well for teeth that are difficult to clean. For instance, if you
have wisdom teeth that have not been removed, then teeth may be
very tight and it may be very difficult to get dental floss in
between then.

Because a water flosser cleans plaque and removes trapped food
so effectively, it is ideal for teeth in odd positions, but it can
also form part of a daily oral health routine for anyone wishing to
obtain an optimal clean. Studies have shown that it is more
effective than standard brushing and flossing, so if you are
worried about decay and gum inflammation and disease, ask your
dentist if a flosser is suitable for you. Flossers have removable
tips, so one machine can be used by more than one family
member.

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