Switching to fluoride toothpaste is an effective way to maintain good oral hygiene. However, toothbrush bristles may fail to fit in small spaces between teeth, especially when wearing orthodontic appliances. Dental floss can help you reach spaces between teeth, but even floss has limitations. It is advisable to supplement brushing with an interdental cleaning device such as a water flosser for better results. Splendid Dental Woodlands provides customized oral healthcare services to help you observe proper dental health practices.
What Is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser or oral irrigator is a device that guides a pulsating stream of water between teeth and gums to remove food particles and plaque. It is an ideal option for people who find it challenging to thread a floss string between teeth. This device is available in many models that often involve using an electric motor to pump water from a reservoir.
A countertop oral irrigator is the bulkiest water flosser model that requires placing on a surface like a table or a bench during use. This device comes with a refillable irrigation tank and plugs for connecting to an electric power source. Another type of oral irrigator is a cordless model, also known as a battery-operated flosser. Unlike the countertop one, this appliance is very flexible and suitable to use when traveling.
A shower flosser is an oral irrigator that attaches to a showerhead, making it easy to use in the bathroom. Contrary to countertop and cordless flossers, this model does not require any batteries or electricity to run. A faucet water flosser is the most common model, with features similar to those of the shower flosser. The most noteworthy advantage of this device is that it does not need any countertop space as it attaches to the tap.
The Benefits of Using a Water Flosser
Dentists advise against substituting brushing and regular flossing with a water flosser, but it is still a great way to enhance an oral care routine. One of its significant benefits is that it helps clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as between tight teeth spaces. It can also remove food debris and bacteria in gum pockets that may arise after suffering from periodontal disease.
When using regular floss, most people tend to place the thread between teeth instead of making a C-shape to ensure it cleans all teeth surfaces. Some may also push the thread too far below the gum line, damaging the tissue and exposing it to infections. A water flosser is easy to use as it does not involve placing hands in the mouth; hence it can prevent damaging the gum when cleaning. Other benefits of an oral irrigator include:
- It eases teeth cleaning when wearing orthodontic appliances like braces.
- A water flosser adds moisture to the mouth, preventing excess drying.
- It helps prevent dental health problems like teeth decay.
- It is safe to use for people with dental implants.
How to Use a Water Flosser
The steps followed when using a water flosser may differ depending on the model, but the process takes about two minutes in most cases. First, one should fill the reservoir with lukewarm water or connect the device to a water source. The next step involves switching it on and holding the handle at a 90-degree angle to the teeth.
The flosser pump will push water out in steady pulses, and one only needs to move the handle to different parts of the mouth. It is advisable to use a countertop and a cordless flosser when leaning over a sink to prevent splashing water on other surfaces.
Get Quality Oral Healthcare Services at Splendid Dental Woodlands
Proper use of a water flosser can improve the efficiency of an oral hygiene routine. At Splendid Dental Woodlands, we provide professional teeth cleaning services to protect you against oral health problems. We also educate our patients on how to use various teeth cleaning devices such as water flossers. Contact Splendid Dental Woodlands now at 713-587-9996 to schedule a customized oral care appointment.
