When it comes to flossing, there has always been a debate as to which works better between flossing and water flossers. Let’s say you use either on a regular basis, the right way, your dental health should improve.
Whatever you prefer using between the two, it’s still useful to know and understand their differences so you’ll know which one really works better for your dental needs.
The question is: which one is better? Is it waterpik or floss? Well, let’s talk about the pros and cons.
Waterpik Water Flosser
Waterpik is a brand of water flosser designed to help people with gum disease, plaque, and other problems associated with the mouth. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including power units, massage tips, and travel units.
Also called an oral irrigator, waterpik or dental water jet works by spraying bursts of high-pressure water and dislodging food particles caught between your teeth and rinses bacteria from their surface.
Pros of Waterpik
- Waterpik is an excellent way to remove food particles from around your teeth and gums, especially if you have braces, dental implants, crowns bridges or extensive dental equipment in your mouth. Waterpik flossers help target hard-to-reach spots like those areas with braces. The stream of water can effectively work on areas especially around wires that string floss can’t wiggle into, thus removing plaque and pieces of food stuck in between teeth.
- If your gums are delicate or you have gum disease, oral irrigation can be a gentler option than string floss. It will not cut your gums, which can cause bleeding like with string floss sometimes. And waterpik can flush out deep pockets of plaque and food that have formed due to gum disease. This is a huge time-saver as it makes cleaning much easier and more efficient.
- Waterpik’s manual and electric toothbrushes are reliable, easy-to-use products that are good for people with multiple issues with dental hygiene.
Cons
- If the cost is an issue, then you may not want to get a Waterpik as a flosser as it will be more expensive initially.
- You can’t use it without electricity, thus limiting its mobility. It’s also bulky and requires a big space in your bag unlike the regular flosser that is widely accessible and portable, especially when you’re leaving town or for a vacation. It should be noted that dental water jets are not as effective at plaque removal as string floss, so they’re not advised for vigorous brushing.
- Plaque, even after it is removed by your dentist or in the shower, sticks to your teeth and can be difficult to remove. It should be noted that water flosses are not as effective at plaque removal as string floss, so they’re not advised for vigorous flossing.
Waterpik functions by a rinsing method which can still leave plaque in some areas of your teeth while regular floss works by scraping method which removes plaque build-up effectively.
Regular Floss
A floss can be made of different materials such as nylon, polyester, or cotton thread. A floss can also be made of metal wire. The most common material for a floss is a thin piece of plastic-coated metal wire.
Pros of a Regular Floss
- Very cost effective—you can buy it under $5
- Available in pharmacies and groceries—almost anywhere
- Comes in handy—you can floss wherever you like
- Scrapes off bacteria and plaque which means better cleaning
Cons
- Can be hard to floss especially the teeth that can’t be reached while holding the floss with your fingers
- Doing it properly takes time and you need to do it correctly to be effective and to avoid bleeding as well
- It can cause pain in the gums when done with too much force.
How to Use a Regular Floss Correctly
Flossing is a must for people who want to keep their teeth healthy, but do you know how to use it properly? Sooner or later, you’ll need to know what the correct way is to floss your teeth.
The American Dental Association recommends using only one side of a floss thread when brushing the teeth. You use a mirror if you can’t see your own back teeth.
Step 1: Hold the floss between your index and middle finger and thumb as shown in the figure below
Step 2: Wrap the thread around all four fingers
Step 3: Do this by wrapping it around each finger in turn, starting with your pinky finger, so that you have wrapped up to and including your index finger.
Step 4: Pull off the floss and undo the loop
Step 5: Wrap it around again using your thumb as shown in the figure below
Step 6: Repeat step 4 until you have made a total of three loops to form a figure-eight shape on each finger. This pattern will help you keep track of which fingers are wrapped with which loops.
Step 7: Now start on the top right-hand side of your mouth and wrap up to, but not including, your eyetooth. Do this by wrapping it around in the same pattern you used for your thumb. Keep a loop on top of your thumb so you can tell which fingers are which when you’re done with all eight loops.
Water Flossing
Flossing your teeth is a step-by-step process, which includes using a water flosser. This device uses water pressure to clean your teeth, but there are different types of flossers you can use. We recommend buying a low-pressure model and practicing with the tips that come with it before moving on to your own. personal flosser.
So now that you know their pros and cons, which one should you choose? The answer depends on you! While you can choose whatever floss feels the most natural for you, it’s recommended that you use and stick with whichever one feels the most comfortable to you.
Let Cascade Dental Help with Your Dental Needs!
If you are looking for a dental office in Vancouver, WA or the surrounding areas that is both affordable and certified, Cascade Dental might be just what you’re looking for. Offering a wide range of services, the practice is ideal for people of all ages and no matter your need. You can be sure that our staff will take great care of you.
If you’re having trouble deciding which dental floss to choose, let our experts help you. Schedule an appointment with us today!
