“I bought myself a water flosser. Do I have to use regular floss anymore?”
This is a very common question. As a rule, flossing is a very important part of your daily hygiene care, because it removes plaque and debris in areas where your toothbrush can’t reach, such as between teeth and under the gumline.
Water Flosser vs String Floss
Water flossers use a pressurized stream of water to clean away food and plaque between your teeth. String floss slides between your teeth and under the gumline with that same objective in mind.
Which Method is Best?
Although we do not recommend that you replace traditional string flossing with water flossing, it can certainly be used as an adjunct to string floss. While water flossers do a great job of removing food particles and rinsing away plaque by shooting a stream of water between your teeth, they only reach the actual spaces between your teeth and can not clean well in the contact areas – that is, where your teeth actually touch. In addition, water flossers are not as efficient in stimulating gum tissue as string floss, which can slide down on each side of the tooth and help clean under the gumline.
Special Circumstances
Braces
Water flossers can be particularly helpful in removing food particles and plaque around brackets and wires. Start with your water flosser but follow-up with regular floss to keep gums healthy during orthodontic treatment.
Hard-to-Reach Areas
For people with areas that are hard to reach with traditional string floss, a water flosser can help keep those areas clean.
Special Needs
For people who have dexterity issues or conditions (such as arthritis) that would make maneuvering traditional string floss difficult, a water flosser can prove to be very helpful
Overall, the best hygiene method is one you will commit to doing every day.
HAPPY FLOSSING!
Questions? You can Contact us right through our webpage, e-mail us at info@drkhull.com, or call us directly at (781) 942 2020.
Would you like to become a patient? Send us Appointment Request!