Having a good oral hygiene routine is an essential part of maintaining the health of teeth and gums. This incorporates brushing teeth at least twice per day and flossing between them to remove food and plaque from the teeth and away from the gum line. With recent attention being placed on water flossing, you may wonder whether it is as effective as traditional or even better. Let’s take a closer look.
Traditional Flossing
For many years, traditional flossing has been a cornerstone of oral care. A threadlike piece of dental floss is manually inserted between the teeth and moved from side to side, as well as up and down, to remove debris and plaque.
How Effective is Traditional Flossing?
This method of flossing is effective, provided the proper technique is used. It may take some practice to maneuver the floss in the correct way to clean all areas. This means some spots may be regularly missed, leaving them vulnerable to decay.
Water Flossing
A water flosser is a device that sends out a concentrated jet of water, which is aimed between the teeth as well as the gum line. Acting a little like a pressure washer, it washes away food particles and plaque.
How Effective is Water Flossing?
Using a water flosser is a highly effective way to clean teeth and gums. The jet of water can reach all parts of the teeth, especially those that may get missed by traditional dental floss. There is also less skill needed to use a water flosser, as all that is required is to aim the water in the right direction.
Benefits of Water Flossing Over Traditional Flossing
One of the main advantages of water flossing is that you can be sure of a more thorough job when cleaning between teeth. Traditional dental floss can sometimes be challenging to use, especially on hard-to-reach areas such as teeth at the back of the mouth.
For people with dexterity problems, a water flosser provides effective cleaning without having to maneuver hands and fingers to strenuous positions. They are also especially useful for people with dental braces, making short work of cleaning food from around their structure.
Another benefit of water flossing is that the even pressure is kind to the gums. With traditional dental floss, it is easy to injure the gum if too much force is applied. This means that with water flossing, gums are less likely to be irritated or bleed after flossing.
Which Type of Flossing is More Effective?
Both water flossing and traditional flossing are effective, however traditional flossing does require a well-honed technique to ensure a thorough job.
Water flossers provide a convenient solution for cleaning teeth and gums. However, they do require a higher initial cost to purchase than regular dental floss. So, for those who want to stick with traditional flossing, it is a good idea to ask a dentist in Downtown Vancouver for tips on their flossing technique.
Whether you choose traditional flossing or water flossing, making it a daily part of your oral care routine will ensure your teeth stay in good condition.
For more help and advice on oral care, our team is here to help. Get in touch today for your initial consultation or a second opinion.
