What’s a Water Flosser? | Oral Care
Despite how often dentists remind people about the importance of flossing, most of them let it go in one ear and out the other. According to statistics, only half of American’s floss daily, and 18.5% of them don’t floss at all.
While flossing can be tedious, awkward and downright messy, it’s still a very important part of your daily oral care routine. Floss is able to reach the areas in between your teeth and gums your toothbrush isn’t able to get to. But did you know there’s an alternative option to flossing?
If you’re looking for ways to reap the benefits of flossing, but don’t want to use traditional dental floss, you can use a device called a water flosser. Water flossers are highly recommended by dentists and users.
How Water Flossers Work
A water flosser, also known as a water pick, is a dental appliance designed to be used at home as at home as an alternative to traditional dental floss. This dental appliance varies in size and features, but most water flossers include a motor pump, water reservoir and special tips.
Like pressure washers, water flossers use the same concept, in that the motor and pump cause a stream of pressurized water to flow from the water reservoir through the tips. The only difference is that water flossers are not as powerful and are meant to be used orally.
The main use of water flossers is to remove built up plaque and bacteria that brushing alone cannot take care of. Water Flossers are also less award and typically easier to use. In addition, the water helps simulate your gum tissues, which in turn results in extra health benefits.
Should I Invest in a Water Flosser?
One of the many reasons people prefer to use a water flosser over traditional dental floss is that they’re just easier to use. However, that’s not all there is to this dental appliance.
Many of those who’ve made to switch to water flossers reported having a more pleasant experience, which in turn resulted in them flossing their teeth more often than they would using traditional dental floss.
Another great reason you may want invest in a water flosser is to prevent or treat gum disease. Water flossers have been clinically proven to help remove plaque, improve gum health and even reduce gingivitis.
People with braces or others types of orthodontic appliances reap the most benefits from using a water flosser. Same goes for those that have bridges, crowns, dental implants, as well as people with medical conditions that prevent them from flossing properly, such as arthritis.
How to Use a Water Flosser
As mentioned earlier, water flossing is much more convenient compared to using traditional dental floss. Also, when using a water flosser, you won’t have to look in the mirror or keep your mouth opened wide throughout the whole process.
To begin, simply put the water flosser’s tip into your mouth, close your lips most of the way, lean over a sink and switch the power on. Then floss along your gum line and in between your teeth, while allowing the water to empty into your bathroom or kitchen sink.
When water flossers are user properly, they can be a great addition to your daily oral care routine. Remember, not only is proper oral care important to your oral health, but to your overall health as well.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health, contact Dr. Gary Alhadef, DDS at 214-368-2434 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.dallascosmeticdental.com for additional information regarding oral health.