As strange as it might sound, dental floss isn’t the only way to floss your teeth. Instead, you could use a more recently-invented tool called a Waterpik. The latter isn’t as well-known, but it uses a unique method to do the same things as dental floss. That said, which is the better flossing method for oral health? Does one have more benefits for your teeth and gums than the other? To learn the answer to these questions, here’s a summary of whether to use dental floss or a Waterpik by Covington dentists.
Dental Floss: The Tried-and-True Approach
Most people are aware dental floss has existed for a long time, but not many know just *how* long. As it turns out, using a string for mouth-cleaning dates back to prehistoric times. Floss was first recommended in print by a dentist named Levi Spear Parmly in 1819.
As you’d imagine, there’s a reason this oral care approach is so long-lived. Dental floss works for almost everyone, as it’s easy to control and able to clean each tooth fully. The string can remove whatever bacteria, plaque, and food particles your toothbrush might miss.
Still, that doesn’t mean it has no problems. For instance, floss sometimes makes your gums bleed. Also, some people can’t use it to reach certain mouth areas.
Waterpik: A New-and-Innovative Method
Waterpiks use pressurized water streams to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque between teeth. It was invented several decades ago by a Colorado dentist helped by a hydraulic engineer.
Those who wear dental tools like metal braces, crowns, or dental implants may prefer Waterpiks. After all, a water spray can reach spaces covered by these items. A Waterpik could also be more straightforward than standard floss for people with arthritis.
Which Is Better?
The better of these two dental hygiene methods will be the one you stick to and use daily. Even if a Waterpik cleaned your mouth better at once, it wouldn’t do much good if you only operated it a few times overall.
Ultimately, the one you choose should come down to preference. Many people like the control aspect of manual flossing. Others love the fresh, clean feeling they get after using a Waterpik. It really doesn’t matter which is your long-term option — there’s minimal difference in plaque removal between the two.
Dental floss and Waterpiks alike can care for teeth and gums. Practice with each and get a feel for the one that better suits your style.
About the Author
Dr. James A. Moreau is a dentist based in Covington, LA, having earned his dental doctorate from Louisiana State University’s School of Dentistry. For over forty years, he’s been helping patients get the dream smiles they’ve always wanted. His specialties include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency dental treatments. He’s also a qualified Invisalign provider. Dr. Moreau currently practices at MoreSMILES Dental and can be reached at his website or by phone at (985)-809-7645.