With the rise of technology in every area of our lives, it seems only natural that new and improved devices would find their way into our bathrooms and self-care routines. While oral hygiene is not anyone’s favorite task, we all know it’s a necessary one. With the invention and improvement of at-home dental devices, our oral hygiene can easily be made simpler, more enjoyable, and far more effective than in the past.
Water flossers are a common sight in many American bathrooms. They provide a form of flossing that doesn’t involve string going between the teeth and offers a more comfortable solution. And while dentists generally maintain that water flossers are to be used as a supplement to rather than a replacement for standard flossing, they are still extremely beneficial and helpful for keeping those pearly whites clean and healthy.
You may have heard the term “water flosser” before, but have you hear the term Waterpik? If so, you may have wondered what the difference is between the two. The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.
So now you know that a Waterpik is simply a type of water flosser, but what do these dental devices actually do? What are their benefits, and can they replace traditional flossing?
Features of Water Flossers
While not every water flosser is created equal, there are some common features across most models.
Common water flosser features include:
- Adjustable water pressure
- A water reservoir
- Replaceable tips for multiple users
- Rotating tip control
- Massage mode
- Timers
Advantages of Water Flossers
Many dentists recommend water flossers, as they offer many benefits to an individual’s oral health. However, it’s important to remember that using a water flosser is not a replacement for daily brushing and standard flossing. It’s a supplemental care activity that can help improve the health of your teeth and gums.
Don’t be discouraged by the idea of adding another step to your routine though. Daily use of a water flosser comes with a number of benefits:
- Easy-to-use for any age
- Gets into hard-to-reach areas that are often neglected
- Cleans thoroughly between tightly spaced teeth
- Gentle on gums
- Fun to use
Disadvantages of Water Flossers
As with anything, alongside advantages come some disadvantages. The primary disadvantages of using a water flosser include the following:
- May not remove all plaque or tartar buildup
- Can get messy if you’re not careful
- Can be costly depending on the model you purchase
- Not as easy to control as standard floss
It’s important to note, once again, that water flossers should be used in conjunction with twice-daily brushing and flossing. When you are also flossing with regular dental floss, you eliminate concerns of leaving behind plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Although using a water flosser may have a bit of a learning curve and require a little more of an upfront investment, in the end, they offer many advantages. Whether you opt for a Waterpik or another brand of water flosser, be sure it has all the features you desire in order to get your money’s worth and make the most of it.
Depending on your situation, it might make sense to purchase just one Waterpik (or other brand of water flosser) that comes with different tips, so the whole family can share, and everyone benefits without each person needing their own. Remember to continue brushing and flossing each day, and keep up with your biannual dental checkups to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
FAQs
If so, you may have wondered what the difference is between the two. The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.
Do dentists actually recommend water flossers? ›
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.
What are the disadvantages of a water flosser? ›
I recommend hand flossing first to get the food debris out, then brushing to remove stain and plaque, and then water flossing to finish the clean.” Other disadvantages include: A water flosser may not remove all plaque from the surface of the teeth. It costs more than string floss.
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.
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.
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.
Can Waterpik cause gum recession? ›
While water flossers are generally considered safe for most people, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse or incorrect use can lead to gum damage. On the other hand, water flossers have been shown to improve gum health by removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Do you still need to brush your teeth if you use a water flosser? ›
A water flosser doesn't replace your toothbrush or traditional flossing. You still need to brush your teeth twice a day, but you can use the water flosser before or after brushing.
Why not to use Waterpik? ›
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.
Is it OK to put Listerine in your 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.
It may be the wintertime and mold may grow more easily in a bathroom that is more humid but there was probably a teaspoon of filthy moldy dark material that came out of the unit. I used a small brush and went up into the handle and more came out.
Is it safe to use tap water in a Waterpik? ›
It is not necessary to use distilled water. If you would brush your teeth with your tap water, then it is safe for your water flosser. Just make sure to clean the unit at least once a month (more often if you have hard water).
Do you still need to floss if you 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.
Is Waterpik good or bad for gums? ›
Conclusion. In conclusion, water flossers can be a safe and effective way to clean between teeth and along the gum line. When used properly and in moderation, they can even improve gum health. However, it's important to be mindful of the pressure setting and to follow proper technique to avoid any potential gum damage.
How effective is water flossing? ›
A study by Goyal et. al. showed a 74.4% reduction in overall plaque and an 81.6% reduction in interproximal plaque with a water flosser compared to a 57.7% overall and 63.4% interproximal plaque reduction with string floss.
What is the best floss for tight teeth? ›
PTFE Floss is made with polytetrafluorethylene, a material used to make gore-tex fabric. It's highly effective at sliding between tight teeth. Pros: Doesn't shred easily. Perhaps even better at getting between crowded teeth than waxed floss.
