If you care about your oral health and dental hygiene, you surely brush your teeth and use dental floss at least twice a day. However, even with floss, some areas of the mouth are hard to reach. Floss can also cause minor bleeding if not used regularly.
So, is there a way to eliminate hard-to-reach food debris? The answer is yes. It’s an alternative (or a complement) to dental floss, known as a Waterpik or oral irrigator.
Table of Contents
What is a Waterpik?
The Waterpik is a small device that deeply cleans impurities under the gum and in the interdental spaces, where the brush and floss can’t reach.
By getting rid of small food particles and dental plaque, this device allows you to regain a deep sensation of freshness in the mouth, effectively massage your gums to stimulate blood circulation, and most importantly, prevent various diseases, such as periodontitis, cavities, or bad breath.
Clinical studies have demonstrated the water jet’s effectiveness to be superior to that of dental floss. Using a Waterpik could thus reduce dental plaque by 74%, compared to 57% with dental floss. The use of a Waterpik reduces gingivitis and gum bleeding.
How Does It Work?
The oral irrigator is very simple to use and suitable for both adults and children. Like dental floss, you can use it before or after brushing your teeth. It works like a mini oral Kärcher, spraying a jet of water under pressure onto the gum and into the interdental spaces. The device’s jet power is adjustable, ranging from gum massage to interdental cleaning requiring more pressure.
There are different cleaning tips depending on the needs. They allow for more precise tasks: tartar removal, gum massage, maintenance of dental appliances, etc.
My Usage Tips
- Keep your head over the sink
- Position the device perpendicular to the teeth
- core/list-item Adjust the pressure depending on the desired action (massage or cleaning)
- Focus on the interdental spaces and the gumline.
While it’s useful to watch videos and read articles to know which device to choose and how to use it, it’s recommended to ask for your dentist’s opinion.
Indications
The use of a Waterpik is particularly recommended if you wear orthodontic appliances or have dental prostheses. It is also useful for:
- Preventing dental plaque and recession
- Reducing the risks of dental diseases, gingivitis, and cavities
- Preventing bad breath
- Preventing the risk of infections after dental surgery
if you wear orthodontic appliances or a dental prosthesis
Conclusion
ADVANTAGES
- Easy to use
- Penetrates hard-to-reach areas
- Indispensable if you have prostheses
- Very practical if you wear braces
DISADVANTAGES
- Higher cost than dental floss
- The device takes up space
Waterpiks and dental floss are good ways to take care of your teeth and gums, in addition to brushing. I recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between your teeth at least once a day. Read the 10 golden rules of dental hygiene.
Feel free to contact me if you have questions about your dental hygiene. I will help you determine the best option for you.
