Water flossers have become popular in recent years. But are electric water flossers really effective? In this article, we answer this question and discuss how a water flosser can boost the effectiveness of your teeth and gum care.
Are Electric Water Flossers Effective?
Electric water flossers are practical and beneficial for your teeth and gum health when used correctly. This device has been proven to improve gum health, prevent gum disease, and reduce the risk of tooth decay when used daily alongside traditional brushing and flossing.
A water flosser can boost your oral hygiene by loosening and removing plaque and food debris between your teeth, in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, and along the gumline. Additionally, it can be highly beneficial for people with crooked or crowded teeth that are difficult to clean.
However, an electric water flosser won’t offer any benefits if you use it instead of traditional brushing or flossing. It can not replace these steps with a water flosser, because this device flushes out debris but does not remove sticky plaque as effectively as string floss and a toothbrush.
The Main Benefits of Using an Electric Water Flosser
The main benefits of using an electric water flosser include:
- A water flosser can help clean your teeth deeply, removing plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas and along the gum line.
- A water flosser can improve and protect your gum health, reducing gum inflammation and the risk of gum disease.
- A water flosser can streamline oral hygiene for people with dental appliances, such as braces and dental bridges, making it easier to clean around wires or under bridges.
- A water flosser can help maintain good oral hygiene for people with reduced dexterity in their hands who find it challenging to use traditional toothbrushes and floss effectively.
- A water flosser can be used as a more effective way to rinse your mouth after meals.
How to Use an Electric Water Flosser
An electric water flosser works by sending a stream of pressurized water to your teeth through a nozzle.
We recommend using your electric water flosser as the first step in your oral hygiene routine, then proceed with traditional flossing, and finish with brushing your teeth for 2 full minutes. This way, it will be easier to remove all the plaque and food debris effectively. Also, using a water flosser as the first step in your routine can increase the effectiveness of your fluoride toothpaste, as the fluoride can better reach the surface of your teeth.
Follow these steps to make sure your water flosser routine is comfortable and effective:
- Use room temperature water to fill the reservoir
- Place the nozzle in your mouth and lean over the sink
- Switch on the device only after you do the previous step to avoid water splashes
- Start by using a lower water pressure setting to avoid irritating or hurting your gums. Adjust the setting to a higher one if necessary after you get used to using your water flosser.
- Once the device is on, move the nozzle from tooth to tooth, pausing at the gaps between the teeth and cleaning along the gumline.
- Switch the device off before removing the nozzle from your mouth.
- Empty and rinse the water reservoir after each use.
Make an Appointment at OC Dental Specialists
Do not hesitate to make an appointment for a preventive or restorative procedure with an experienced dentist at OC Dental Specialists. At our office, we offer a variety of dental procedures from professional cleanings and checkups to complex oral surgeries and dental implants. We are looking forward to your visit.