Here at Advanced Indiana, we’ve discussed the importance of proper dental hygiene (including flossing) before. While brushing and flossing have been a part of everyone’s dental hygiene routine for decades, the invention of the Waterpik in 1962 brought a new contender to the game. These days, when given the choice between Waterpik or floss, many people don’t know which is the best option for their teeth. While there are many benefits associated with flossing and the use of the Waterpik, you may be wondering which you should use regularly.
Today, our dentists at Advanced Indiana will explore the use of both the Waterpik and floss in an effort to provide their recommendations as to which you should use. There are pros and cons of using either, but which is the best choice for you? Let’s find out.
Using a Waterpik: Pros and Cons
In the last several years, the use of the Waterpik has increased in popularity significantly. According to some studies, a water flosser such as the Waterpik has been reported to be 29 percent more effective than traditional flossing when it comes to removing plaque from the teeth.
The American Dental Association has also reported that the use of a Waterpik with ADA approval can significantly reduce your chances of suffering from gum disease. Specifically, a Waterpik seems to be the preferred method of cleaning for those with braces and those with dental crowns or implants.
Some of the biggest pros of using a Waterpik versus using floss include the fact that it is generally considered easier to use than floss, it is especially efficient at reaching hard-to-reach places, and it is better for cleaning tight spaces between the gums and teeth.
At the same time, there are cons associated with using a Waterpik in your regular dental hygiene routine. For example, the Waterpik still may not be able to reach all plaque and can sometimes leave food particles behind. Additionally, it is usually a messier process than using traditional floss and can sometimes be more costly a method to maintain over time.
Using Floss: Pros and Cons
So what about flossing? Unlike the Waterpik, traditional flossing has always been considered a crucial component of adequate dental hygiene. Dentists have recommended flossing as the go-to when it comes to keeping your teeth clean, and it is still the most widely used method by patients all over the country.
Flossing allows you to wipe every tooth clean adequately, removing plaque and bacteria that can lead to harmful dental health conditions like gum disease. One of the biggest reasons that so many people choose to use traditional floss is its ability to offer a greater degree of control. Compared to a water flosser like the Waterpik, stringing floss in between your teeth is much easier to maneuver.
Still, while flossing is the tried and true method of keeping your teeth clean, does that necessarily mean it’s the best? There are, after all, a few cons associated with traditional floss. For one, flossing can often lead to bleeding gums, and reaching those especially tight spaces isn’t always as easy as when using the Waterpik.
Which Method is Best?
So which method do we recommend for your dental hygiene routine: the Waterpik or flossing? Well, as it turns out, that’s largely up to your personal preferences. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), either method of cleaning your teeth will ultimately benefit you. While most dentists will continue to recommend traditional flossing over the use of a Waterpik, the Waterpik can actually be just as effective when it comes to reaching those especially tight spots.
Regardless of your choice, you should keep up with dental hygiene regularly in order to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. Another important part of practicing good dental hygiene involves making regular appointments with your local dentist. The ADA recommends making a dental appointment with your dentist every six months at a minimum.
Here at Advanced Indiana, we offer a variety of dental services that can help you enjoy a healthier, brighter smile for years to come! Ready to go the extra mile for yourself? Contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!