Which option is the best for your oral health

It’s second nature for us all to brush our teeth twice a day but many will skip the crucial step of flossing. When exploring the task of flossing, one may wonder if water flossing is a better solution. Here we go into the pros and cons for each.

What is a water flosser?

Water flossers are electrically charged and use water pressure to get in between your teeth and dislodge the plaque hidden there. They are designed to make flossing a bit easier and are excellent for people who wear braces as they can get into those tough spaces that are more difficult for toothbrushes.

How do you use a water flosser?

There are a few steps to follow if you want to get the most out of your water flosser:

Use warm water when filling the tank of your water flosser
Place the tip in your mouth and lean over the sink before turning on or use your water flosser in the shower to avoid creating a wet mess all over your bathroom
Hold at a 90-degree angle in your mouth. Once turned on, the water will push out in pulsing flows to encourage the movement of build-up between the teeth.
Start cleaning your back teeth first and work your way forward with the most emphasis on the gum line as this is where food particles settle. Start at the back teeth and work your way throughout your mouth.
Don’t ignore the backs of your teeth.
Spend at least two minutes using your water flosser and once completed thoroughly empty excess water from the tube to avoid the growth of bacteria.

An important note is that a water flosser should only be used in conjunction with brushing your teeth – it’s in no way a replacement for this.

What are the benefits of a water flosser?

For those with sensitive gums where traditional dental floss may cause pain
Cleaning around braces – particularly after eating
Cleaning crown bridges or any dental implants, particularly when they’re new.
Keeping temporary fillings clean when going through a root canal

Is a water flosser better than traditional dental floss?

This really depends on what you’re using a water flosser for. Traditional floss will also be the chosen method when it comes to daily oral health practices. It's proven to be the most effective way of preventing gingivitis and other gum disease if done correctly and is crucial to reach under the gum line where a toothbrush and water flosser will have difficulty.

Whilst a water flosser may seem like an easier solution, it should only be used when traditional flossing proves to be painful or overly difficult.

If you love the freshly cleaned feeling a water flosser can give, then simply use this with traditional dental floss.

Speak to Emergency Dentist Sydney if you’re on the fence about which option to go with.