Flossing vs the Waterpik: Which Works Better

  • Flossing vs the Waterpik: Which Works Better?

Though it’s one of the most important elements of practicing proper dental hygiene, flossing is a practice that many people struggle with.

Flossing can be difficult and uncomfortable, particularly for individuals who are prone to bleeding or have gum sensitivity. It also doesn’t always reach all areas of the mouth.

Luckily for floss haters, there are alternatives. Water flossers have been on the market for a long time, but have just recently — as of February 2017 — earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval. Thanks to the seal, consumers worldwide can now trust in the Waterpik water flosser to be an effective alternative to traditional floss.

There are still pros and cons to each style of flossing product. Read on for an examination of the water flosser vs string floss to help you decide which is right for you.

How do water flossers work?

The Waterpik is a special machine that shoots a thin, pressurized stream of water into the mouth. It pushes pieces of food and tartar away from the teeth while gently massaging the gums. The user can adjust the flow on the water flossing device to ensure effective functioning without causing unnecessary discomfort.

Accessing hard to reach spots in the mouth is simpler with water flossers — simply point the device toward the area and the stream of water will reach it. It’s much simpler than wrangling a piece of string floss into a tight crevice. This makes water flossers a great choice for people with braces or other orthodontics, as well as bridges, crowns and implants.

Waterpik water flosser reviews demonstrate the success that many people have found with this product. A large number of consumers who have not been able to get into the habit of using string floss find water flossing easier, faster and more comfortable.

Best water flossers

Water flossers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it’s important to choose the one that’s best for your individual needs. You can choose between countertop, cordless and combination styles. Countertop types feature the most pressure options and exchangeable tips for a completely customizable experience; these also differ in size and complexity. They also have a larger reservoir, so you don’t need to constantly refill the water. The downside to countertop water flossers is that you’ll need to devote space on your sink to store the device, and they can also be more expensive.

Portable Waterpiks feature a small reservoir that will need to be refilled frequently, but the compact, lightweight design can be more pleasant to use and takes up less space in the bathroom. They run on either AA batteries — perfect for travel use — or rechargeable batteries. All portable models can be used in the shower.

Water flosser vs floss

Though water flossers can be easier to use and more effective than string floss, the product is not perfect. Waterpik devices are more expensive, of course, ranging from around $35 to $90. While it’s a worthwhile investment for a product that will last a long time, dental floss that can be purchased for around a dollar is more cost effective. The most important factor to consider in your decision is which option will best fit your lifestyle and encourage you to floss as often as possible.

Author; Dr Jeremy Rourke, B.D.S. Hons. Syd Univ. Dental Surgeon

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My name is Jeremy Rourke. I’m part of a family of dentists with my father, brother, cousin and nephew also being dentists. I won a University of Sydney Dental Alumni prize for being the top student in my year and graduated with Honours in 1971. I have been a Registered dentist for over 40 years. In that time I have created a few “firsts” in my efforts to stay ahead.

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