Is Water Flossing Effective?

Flossing is a necessary part of any good oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, it is a task that some people find difficult and awkward to do effectively. Some people even avoid flossing, viewing it as too much of a hassle. Luckily, there are a number of aids and tools on the market that make the act of flossing a much easier and more comfortable experience, increasing the likelihood that people will floss their teeth.

A water flosser is one such tool. It is a device that uses a pulsating stream of water to clean all areas of the mouth. The force of the stream is controllable. As the stream of water is directed at the gumline, the water is propelled onto the tooth as well as under the gumline.

The action of the water flosser makes it extremely effective at removing plaque from above and below the gumline. In fact, dentists conducting a study recently found that a water flosser on the medium setting for three seconds removed 99.9% of plaque, making it far more effective at removing plaque than regular flossing. In addition to plaque removal, a water flosser reduces bleeding gums and can reverse gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

Who Should Use a Water Flosser

While a water flosser is more effective than regular flossing in general, certain individuals would especially benefit from the addition of a water flosser to their oral care routine.

• Those with dental bridges or implants
• Those with fixed orthodontic devices, such as braces.
• Those with gum disease or prone to gum disease, such as diabetics and pregnant women

Contact our office and consult with our dentists for more information.

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