Water Flosser: Worth the Investment?

By Dr. Maryam Brazdo

Aug 01 2019

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing cavities and gum disease. This means brushing and flossing every day, which works great when it comes to removing plaque and food particles. However, many individuals wonder if using an oral irrigator, also known as a water flosser, is good for the health of the teeth and gums. Find out below if you’d benefit from a water flosser.

Understanding A Water Flosser

Water Flossers are dental hygiene instruments that shoot a stream of water into the mouth. They are designed to quickly remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. Prices typically range from $40 to more than $200, depending on the manufacturer, retail establishment, and features of the water flosser.

Water Flosser Pros

Water flossers can be beneficial when they are used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing. If so, water flossers:

Are effective at removing food particles, plaque, and biofilm from the teeth and gums
Can be used by individuals with braces
Water stream may work better at reaching deep pockets between the teeth in individuals who have gum disease
Help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth
Are less painful for individuals who have sensitive teeth and gums
May be ideal for individuals who have trouble getting regular floss between their teeth due to hand dexterity problems

Water Flosser Cons

It’s important to understand that a water flosser should not replace regular daily oral hygiene. Instead, it should be used in addition to brushing, flossing and rinsing with an ADA approved mouthwash. The cons include:

They can cost as much as $200 or more
They can create a water mess across the bathroom counter
They take up a lot of bathroom counter space
They don’t remove as much plaque as regular flossing

How to Use a Water Flosser

Water flossers are reasonably simple to use. The first step is filling the water reservoir with warm tap water or connect the flosser to the tap. Some flossers come with a hose that has the ability to be attached to a bathroom or kitchen faucet, which can make them easier to transport if you are going on vacation.

Next, start with the lowest pressure setting and lean over the sink to minimize splashing water on your bathroom countertops. When water flossing, it is recommended to start with the back teeth and work your way toward the front teeth. Remember to use it between each tooth and along the front and back of each tooth, as well as along the gum line. Some individuals prefer to focus on specific parts of the teeth rather than trying to do all sides of the same tooth at once. For example, you may want to focus on the front and sides of the teeth, then the back and along the front and back gum lines.

Since water is being sprayed into your mouth, you will also need to spit out the excess water periodically. As you get better at using a water flosser, you’ll notice that you get less water on your countertops and bathroom floor.

Maintaining Your Oral Health with Our Dentist in Melbourne, Florida

In addition to brushing, flossing, and using a water flosser, you’ll also need regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings with our Melbourne, Florida dentist. We recommend getting checkups every six months to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and to take care of any problems in a timely manner. If you need additional dental services, like teeth whitening, our dentist can explain the treatments to you and the benefits.

To schedule your next dental teeth cleaning with our dentist at Artistic Touch Dentistry in Melbourne, FL, contact us at 321-724-1400.