Flossing is important and should be performed at least once a day, whether you use a water floss or a strand floss. The purpose of flossing is to remove food particles from hard to reach areas between your teeth that toothbrushes can’t reach.
It also helps to remove plaque, before it can turn into tartar, and it removes bacterial films from your teeth. Keep in mind that if you don’t floss properly, you may as well not floss. Both water flossing and traditional floss do provide a benefit to the health of your teeth.
What Is Water Flossing?
Water flossing, accomplished using a water pic, shoots a stream of water in between your teeth, which loosens the trapped food particles left over from eating. To remove particles from your teeth when they are being cleaned or otherwise worked on. A water pick works similarly to the jets of water your dentist uses.
So, Which Is Better?
For the most part they clean equally well, but there are considerations that could point to one as being, at least more practical, than the other. If you have braces or permanent or fixed bridges you may be better off with water flossing. Water flossing is also gentler on your gums. If you don’t know how to floss properly, you can irritate your gums with standard floss. A water pic will not damage your gums.
Some people find flossing difficult, or they don’t reach all of the places that they should, thereby leaving some tooth surfaces vulnerable. If you can’t floss with a traditional floss, or simply can’t get the hang of it, water flossing is definitely something you should consider.
Flossing once a day and brushing morning and night are important to your dental health. If you have questions about which method is right for you, contact our office at your next annual check-up.
