As we have outlined time and time again, the recommended daily oral health routine includes brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, taking 30 seconds for each of the four quadrants of the mouth; brushing the tongue and your gums, two areas that harbor bacteria; using ADA-approved mouthwash; and, of course, flossing at least once a day. However, some of our patients have begun to ask about substituting a Waterpik for floss. They want to know if this would be beneficial. Well, let’s take a look.
Oral Health Debate: Dental Floss vs. Waterpik
- Dental Floss: Floss helps reduce plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, creating a much healthier environment for your teeth and gums. Floss can reach plaque and bacteria that brushing simply cannot.
- Waterpik: A Waterpik is a device that shoots a pulsating stream of water at your teeth. A Waterpik uses between 5-90 psi of pressure to help remove food particles from between your teeth.
So which is better?
A Waterpik should never replace dental floss, which is still considered the most effective tool for cleaning the tight spaces between the teeth. Waterpiks cannot reach the plaque and food particles found on the side surfaces of teeth and under the gum line as well as floss. However, a Waterpik can be a nice addition to your daily oral health routine when used in combination with brushing and flossing.
Of course, regular dental visits (every 6 months) are also a part of a good oral health routine. At Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, we set a very high standard for our care and we are very proud of the treatment that we have assembled.
If you have any questions about Dental Floss vs. Waterpik or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Don’t Forget: Leikin & Baylin Dental Care will donate $1 to the Catonsville Celebrations Committee for every new “Like” our Facebook page receives this month. So what are you waiting for!?
Source:
Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better? Mayo Clinic