Water flossers like the Waterpik are becoming more common among patients who are looking for an easier and faster alternative to traditional flossing. But are Waterpiks as good as regular flossing? Are they even better? Let’s take a look at the facts in this blog from Coronado Dental Associates.
Understanding The Basics Of Water Flossers And How They Work
Water flossers like the Waterpik are hand-held devices that create a very thin stream of high-powered water, which blasts away food particles and other debris from between your teeth and gums, acting similarly to dental floss.
They have become much more popular over the past two decades, and have become much more accepted by dentists, many who initially dismissed them when they entered the market. In fact, the Waterpik water flosser earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance in 2017, and is the first water flosser to do so.
So, water flossers like the Waterpik are great, and just as good as regular flossing, right? Well, not quite.
Using A Waterpik Isn’t Better Than Flossing – It Complements Flossing
Let’s clear up a misconception. Using a Waterpik is not better than normal flossing. In fact, most dentists consider it to be inferior to flossing with dental floss. A Waterpik cannot offer the same level of cleaning, since the stream of water creates no friction that can loosen hard-to-reach pieces of food and other debris.
Instead, most dentists recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to flossing. For example, you could floss once per day and use your Waterpik after you floss to blast away any debris that was loosened while flossing. Or, you could use a Waterpik in the morning and evening, and floss once per day after lunch.
Using a Waterpik is not better than flossing. But when used with flossing, it helps improve the effectiveness of flossing, and your overall oral health.
However, Using A Waterpik Is Better Than Not Flossing At All!
This brings us to a related point. Is using a Waterpik better than not flossing at all? The answer, of course, is “yes.” As you know, dentists always recommend that you floss once per day, and for the best oral health, fresh breath, and protection against gum disease, this recommendation stands.
However, if you simply cannot floss or are not willing to learn the proper technique, it’s better to use a Waterpik than to not use anything at all to clean between your teeth. Waterpiks can loosen food particles and other debris that toothbrushes leave behind. While they’re not as good as flossing, they’re better than nothing.
For The Best Results, Floss And Use A Waterpik, Too!
If you brush twice a day for two minutes, floss once per day, and use a Waterpik, you’ll have the best chance of avoiding gum disease and tooth decay, and your smile will remain bright and strong. But don’t forget about six-month cleanings and oral exams from Dr. Meadows or Dr. Villalobos at Coronado Dental Associates, either! Contact us online or give us a call at (619) 435-0844 to schedule your next appointment right away.
FAQs
In fact, most dentists consider it to be inferior to flossing with dental floss. A Waterpik cannot offer the same level of cleaning, since the stream of water creates no friction that can loosen hard-to-reach pieces of food and other debris. Instead, most dentists recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to flossing.
Is a Waterpik more effective than dental floss? ›
Scientific studies are mixed on whether water flossers remove plaque as well as traditional floss. Some studies find they don't, but the results of one study showed that a water flosser works just as well as regular floss in removing plaque between teeth after one use.
Do dentists recommend using a Waterpik? ›
Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes. The Waterpik water flosser should be the standard of care for in-between clean. The clinical science behind the effectiveness of biofilm removal is unrivaled.
Do I still need to floss if I use a Waterpik? ›
While Waterpiks have a place in oral care, they shouldn't replace brushing, flossing, or visits to your dentist. Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly.
What is the best water flosser recommended by dentists? ›
Best Overall: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
Just so you know, Waterpik as a brand is highly recommended by dental professionals, and this model — and all of the brand's others — is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
What are the disadvantages of using a Waterpik? ›
The rinsing action of Waterpiks may not be enough to remove plaque completely from the surface of your teeth. Some people like to use string floss first to scrape off and loosen plaque. A Waterpik can then be used to efficiently rinse out residue and plaque left behind.
Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›
Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.
Is a Waterpik strong enough to remove plaque? ›
Conclusion: The Waterpik Water Flosser and manual toothbrush is significantly more effective than a manual brush and string floss in removing plaque from tooth surfaces.
Can I put Listerine in my Waterpik? ›
Can I use mouthwash or other additives in a WATERPIK water flosser? Yes, although all you need for effectiveness is warm water, there are additives including certain types of mouthwash that are safe to use.
Do UK dentists recommend water flossers? ›
“Water flossers are a brilliant addition to interdental cleaning and can even be used with mouthwash (or diluted mouthwash) in them to give antibacterial action between the teeth and gums,” says Harley Street dentist Dr Richard Marques.
Hold the tip slightly away from the gums to allow the water flow to remove plaque and debris.
Can you use a Waterpik incorrectly? ›
It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using a water flosser, as incorrect use can cause gum irritation. And it's also always a good idea to talk to a dental professional before you use a water flosser, especially if you have any dental health concerns.
Can water flosser replace normal floss? ›
While water flossers do a great job of removing food particles and rinsing away plaque by shooting a stream of water between your teeth, they cannot replicate the scraping motion of string floss that removes tartar-causing plaque that can eventually cause gum disease.
Do dentists approve of Waterpik? ›
Dentists generally approve of water flossers, especially for individuals who find traditional flossing difficult or unpleasant. Water flossers use a high-pressure stream of water to remove food particles and plaque between teeth and below the gum line.
Do doctors recommend water flosser? ›
Dentists generally recommend water flossers as an effective way to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy. Water flossers are especially beneficial for those wearing fixed dental appliances like bridges, permanent retainers, and braces.
Is Waterpik really better than flossing? ›
A Waterpik cannot offer the same level of cleaning, since the stream of water creates no friction that can loosen hard-to-reach pieces of food and other debris. Instead, most dentists recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to flossing.
Can a Waterpik get plaque off? ›
Conclusion: The Waterpik Water Flosser and manual toothbrush is significantly more effective than a manual brush and string floss in removing plaque from tooth surfaces.
Are dental floss picks better than dental floss? ›
String floss cleans more effectively than picks because you can move it to make that all-important “C” shape that gets up close to the gum line. String floss also allows you to use a fresh section for each tooth. The small section of sting in floss picks is not well-suited for continued use on every tooth.
Can a Waterpik replace flossing with braces? ›
Water Flossing
An easy and effective way to clean and floss braces and improve gum health is to use a WATERPIK water flosser with the Orthodontic Tip. It is clinically proven more effective than dental floss for people with braces.
Should you use a Waterpik before or after brushing? ›
Therefore, our recommendation is to consider using your Waterpik water flosser first before brushing your teeth. This will allow the stuck-on debris to dislodge and then you can easily brush the remaining area free of all particles.
