String Floss vs. Water Flosser
At Brownsburg Dental Professionals, PC, we're proud to help patients of all ages throughout Brownsburg, Pittsboro, and the greater Indianapolis area achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. And while the dental care we provide in our office is important, how you care for your teeth at home is vital to your dental health – and that includes flossing. In recent years, a new device called a water pick, or water flosser has emerged as an alternative to traditional floss. As your family dentist in Avon, IN, we wanted to help demystify the difference between water flossers and string floss and help you decide if using a water flosser is right for you.
What Is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser also called a water pick, is a dental device that shoots a jet of high-pressure water between the teeth. Similar to how floss scrapes off plaque and bacteria between the teeth, the stream of water form a water flosser reaches between the teeth, acting almost like a power washer for plaque and scraping away bacteria. To use it, you simply aim the nozzle at the gap between two teeth, then push the button to start the jet of water and repeat this process for each tooth.
Should I Use a Water Flosser?
Water flossers are relatively new on the dental scene, but they've become quite popular due to their advantages in convenience and ease of use. But are water picks as good as dental floss? And should you use a water flosser? Here's what your Indianapolis dentist has to say on the pro and cons of water flossers:
Pros & Cons of Water Flossers
Pros
- Convenient & fast
- Easy to use
- Doesn't require dexterity, making it great for elderly patients or patients with arthritis
- Effectively removes bacteria and plaque
- Jetstream massages gums to stimulate blood flow and promote gum health
- Easy to use with braces or other orthodontic appliances
Cons
- Much more expensive than floss
- Not as easily portable as floss
- Requires water and electricity, making it harder to travel with
- Not as effective as floss at removing plaque
Contact Your Pittsboro Family Dentist
While they come with drawbacks, water flossers are an effective and highly-convenient new development that provides an alternative to traditional floss, especially for elderly patients, patients with arthritis, or patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you have more questions about water picks or want a recommendation from your Avon dentist, we're here to help: contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment. We can't wait to hear from you, and we wish you luck in maintaining a great smile no matter what kind of floss you use!