With the rise of technology in every area of our lives, it seems only natural that new and improved devices would find their way into our bathrooms and self-care routines. While oral hygiene is not anyone’s favorite task, we all know it’s a necessary one. With the invention and improvement of at-home dental devices, our oral hygiene can easily be made simpler, more enjoyable, and far more effective than in the past.
Water flossers are a common sight in many American bathrooms. They provide a form of flossing that doesn’t involve string going between the teeth and offers a more comfortable solution. And while dentists generally maintain that water flossers are to be used as a supplement to rather than a replacement for standard flossing, they are still extremely beneficial and helpful for keeping those pearly whites clean and healthy.
You may have heard the term “water flosser” before, but have you hear the term Waterpik? If so, you may have wondered what the difference is between the two. The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.
So now you know that a Waterpik is simply a type of water flosser, but what do these dental devices actually do? What are their benefits, and can they replace traditional flossing?
Features of Water Flossers
While not every water flosser is created equal, there are some common features across most models.
Common water flosser features include:
- Adjustable water pressure
- A water reservoir
- Replaceable tips for multiple users
- Rotating tip control
- Massage mode
- Timers
Advantages of Water Flossers
Many dentists recommend water flossers, as they offer many benefits to an individual’s oral health. However, it’s important to remember that using a water flosser is not a replacement for daily brushing and standard flossing. It’s a supplemental care activity that can help improve the health of your teeth and gums.
Don’t be discouraged by the idea of adding another step to your routine though. Daily use of a water flosser comes with a number of benefits:
- Easy-to-use for any age
- Gets into hard-to-reach areas that are often neglected
- Cleans thoroughly between tightly spaced teeth
- Gentle on gums
- Fun to use
Disadvantages of Water Flossers
As with anything, alongside advantages come some disadvantages. The primary disadvantages of using a water flosser include the following:
- May not remove all plaque or tartar buildup
- Can get messy if you’re not careful
- Can be costly depending on the model you purchase
- Not as easy to control as standard floss
It’s important to note, once again, that water flossers should be used in conjunction with twice-daily brushing and flossing. When you are also flossing with regular dental floss, you eliminate concerns of leaving behind plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Although using a water flosser may have a bit of a learning curve and require a little more of an upfront investment, in the end, they offer many advantages. Whether you opt for a Waterpik or another brand of water flosser, be sure it has all the features you desire in order to get your money’s worth and make the most of it.
Depending on your situation, it might make sense to purchase just one Waterpik (or other brand of water flosser) that comes with different tips, so the whole family can share, and everyone benefits without each person needing their own. Remember to continue brushing and flossing each day, and keep up with your biannual dental checkups to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
FAQs
A Waterpik (also known as a dental water jet) is a brand of water flosser or oral irrigator that sprays water to remove food from between your teeth. Water flossers may be a good option for people who have trouble with traditional flossing -- the kind that involves threading string-like material between your teeth.
Do dentists actually recommend water flossers? ›
Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes. The Waterpik water flosser should be the standard of care for in-between clean.
What are the disadvantages of a water flosser? ›
I recommend hand flossing first to get the food debris out, then brushing to remove stain and plaque, and then water flossing to finish the clean.” Other disadvantages include: A water flosser may not remove all plaque from the surface of the teeth. It costs more than string floss.
Is a water flosser more effective than dental floss? ›
Research has shown that there's minimal difference in plaque removal between using floss versus a Waterpik. Both Waterpiks and flossing are good ways to take care of your teeth and gums along with brushing. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning in between your teeth once a day.
Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›
Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.
Do I still need to floss if I use a Waterpik? ›
Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly. Using a Waterpik while continuing to practice good oral care can help you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Should you put mouthwash in a water flosser? ›
Yes. Some people like the taste and believe it makes their mouths feel cleaner. Although we don't think this offers additional benefits, feel free to use it. According to Waterpik, you should add less than 50% mouthwash to the reservoir, and the mouthwash must be either standard or antiseptic.
Should you use a Waterpik before or after brushing? ›
Therefore, our recommendation is to consider using your Waterpik water flosser first before brushing your teeth. This will allow the stuck-on debris to dislodge and then you can easily brush the remaining area free of all particles.
Do water flossers remove tartar? ›
Water flossing can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing the buildup of tartar. However, a water flosser may not remove existing tartar once it has formed. Using a water flosser can aid in tartar prevention, but it's not a substitute for professional dental cleanings.
Can Waterpik cause gum recession? ›
No, water flossing does not cause gum recession nor damage to teeth or crowns. On the contrary, water flossing aids in flushing debris out of bridges, crowns, implants, braces, and other dental restoration better than brushing and flossing alone which can extend the lifespan of your dental restorations.
In fact, most dentists consider it to be inferior to flossing with dental floss. A Waterpik cannot offer the same level of cleaning, since the stream of water creates no friction that can loosen hard-to-reach pieces of food and other debris.
Can you overuse a water flosser? ›
Recommended frequency and duration of use: It's generally safe to use a water flosser once or twice a day for two minutes at a time.
Do you floss before or after brushing? ›
While it may be surprising, a study has found that flossing first followed by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque than brushing first, flossing second. In addition, flossing before brushing results in greater fluoride retention between teeth.
How often should I use a water flosser? ›
For the average person, using a water flosser once every day can greatly improve oral health as it will remove plaque at the gums that has built up over the course of the day.
Do you brush your teeth before or after using a Waterpik? ›
The ideal time to use a Waterpik is before you brush your teeth. This is because doing so can allow you to remove food debris and plaque. When you use a Waterpik before brushing your teeth, teeth brushing becomes more effective.
Is Waterpik good or bad for gums? ›
Conclusion. In conclusion, water flossers can be a safe and effective way to clean between teeth and along the gum line. When used properly and in moderation, they can even improve gum health. However, it's important to be mindful of the pressure setting and to follow proper technique to avoid any potential gum damage.
