In the debate of whether Waterpik or flossing is better for the health of a person’s teeth, there are reasonable arguments for both sides. Each of these tooth cleaning methods has their pros and their cons. Let’s take a closer looks at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Pros and Cons Of Flossing
Floss is much less expensive than purchasing a Waterpik. It promotes increased health for the teeth and the gums. When a person needs to reach certain spaces between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot get to, floss gets the job done. Without flossing, plaque can become a major issue and leads to the development of tartar. Tartar is one of the leading causes of gingivitis.
However, those who have sensitive gums do not always respond well to floss. Floss can be very abrasive for people who have high levels of oral sensitivity. Pain and bleeding are often associated with flossing in people who do not have strong gums. Braces wearers are also unable to use floss, for fear of penetrating the wires.
Pros and Cons of Waterpik
Waterpik is a godsend for people with a high level of gum sensitivity. The Waterpik is a much more gentle form of teeth cleaning that is gentle on the mouth. If a person wears braces, the Waterpik can get behind the wires and get rid of any difficult food particles that are unable to be reached by conventional brushing methods.
Gum disease patients are typically told to start using a Waterpik, so that the bacteria that has accumulated inside of the mouth can be more easily flushed out. The area where the gums are pulled away from a person’s teeth can be difficult to clean without a Waterpik.
Conversely, a Waterpik is not nearly as effective as floss for the removal of plaque. Flossing works in a scraping motion that clears out sticky bacteria, while a Waterpik simply rinses the area, which is not preferable for all.
Conclusion
A person must choose the tooth cleaning method that best fits their own criteria. No two sets of teeth are exactly the same. In many cases, dentists will recommend that you use both implements to ensure maximum oral hygiene.
Floss is better at scraping out food particles that have become lodged in teeth, while the Waterpik is preferred by those who have sensitive gums. Patients with gum disease are advised to use both.
Flossing before you use a Waterpik allows you to loosen up all of the particles and plaque that have built up in your mouth. Experts believe that you should start by cleaning the teeth in back, while slowly making your way forward. The Waterpik then flushes the harmful particles away. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste immediately after using both of these tooth cleaning implements is also recommended.