Benefits of a water flosser to your dental and oral health

Using a water flosser to practice good oral hygiene not only reduces the risk of gum damage but also removes food debris or bacteria in the most difficult places to clean in the oral cavity.

Besides toothbrush, floss, and toothpicks, only a few people know that there is another option when it comes to dental care and oral hygiene: a water flosser. According to reviews from many experts, this handheld device can overcome the disadvantages of traditional methods of oral hygiene, for instance:

• Widening gaps between teeth

• Bleeding gums

• Food debris and bacteria are still left on the teeth

So, what are water flossers and their benefits? What is the correct way to use a water flosser? Learn more in the following article.

What is a water flosser? Why should you use this device for good oral hygiene?

The water flosser is one of the most popular specialized oral hygiene devices in recent years. The device sprays streams of water in steady pulses to remove food debris, plaque as well as pathogenic bacteria in difficult-to-clean areas such as between teeth and gum line. Thereby, it can prevent the development of certain oral health conditions such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.

In addition, the water force from the water flosser is relatively gentle to the gums, so you will not have to worry about bleeding problems when cleaning the teeth with this device.

Who is this device suitable for?

Everyone can use the water flosser. In particular, this will be the perfect choice for those who have difficulty in practicing good oral hygiene due to some factors such as:

• Braces

• Porcelain dental bridge

• Ceramic dental crown

• Dental implant

Additionally, it is advised to use a water flosser in oral care, especially those who have sensitive, easily bleeding gums or gum disease.

How to use a water flosser

Currently, the water flosser on the market is divided into two types: the countertop water flosser and the portable one (cordless). The working mechanism of each type is somewhat different. For this reason, you should read the instructions carefully before using your water flosser.

In general, using a portable or countertop water flosser should follow some basic steps though. They include:

• Choose a water flosser tip which is right for your device

• Fill the reservoir with warm water

• Adjust the pressure setting on your water accordingly

Small note: If you are new to this oral irrigator and start to use it for the first time, set the water pressure setting to low. Once you get used to the spray, you can gradually switch to a higher pressure setting if desired.

• Put the tip in your mouth and start the device

• Start cleaning from the innermost tooth and slowly move the water spray direction along the gum line, repeat the technique for the remaining teeth.

Note: Focus on the areas between the teeth and the gum line to ensure the water spray can push the plaque and food debris out. Besides that, do not forget the other side of the teeth!

The process should take about 2 minutes. Empty any extra water from the reservoir when you are done so bacteria does not grow inside.

Can a water flosser replace dental floss?

Nowadays, using a water flosser instead of flossing is still controversial. In fact, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a water flosser is capable of cleaning in-between teeth as well as areas where dental floss is difficult to reach. On the contrary, the pulse of the water spray may not be strong enough to remove all the "stubborn" plaque (tartar) that adheres to the surface of teeth, but flossing may!

Therefore, it is recommended by dentists that you should combine these two oral hygiene practices to achieve the best results.

As a consequence, if you are experiencing some dental problems and don’t want any deep teeth cleaning, yet every small part of your oral cavity should stay clean, put a water flosser into consideration. While the cost of this device may not be affordable, it would be a worthy investment in your oral health.