If you’re like most people, you dread flossing your teeth. It’s a tedious task that often doesn’t seem to make much of a difference in terms of oral hygiene. Fact is, flossing is very important and does make a difference. But what if there was an easier way to floss your teeth? Water flossers offer an alternative to traditional dental floss, and they are becoming more and more popular. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about water flossers!
What are water flossers?
Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, are devices that use a stream of water to remove plaque and food debris from your teeth. The stream of water is directed at your teeth and gums, and it loosens and removes plaque and food debris that are stuck in between your teeth and around your gums.
Water flossers are easy to use and can be a great addition to your oral care routine. They are available in both countertop and handheld models. Some even come with a timer so that you can make sure you’re flossing for the recommended two minutes.
Now that you know the basics of water flossers, let’s discuss the different types. There are two main types of water flossers: countertop and handheld.
Countertop Water Flossers
As the name suggests, countertop water flossers sit on your bathroom counter. They are larger than handheld water flossers and usually come with a water tank that needs to be filled. Countertop water flossers are great for people who have large bathrooms and plenty of counter space. They also have the largest range of features, tip options, and pressure ranges.
Handheld Water Flossers (Cordless)
Handheld water flossers, on the other hand, are small and portable. They are battery-operated and usually come with a small water tank that can be refilled as needed. Handheld water flossers are great for people who have small bathrooms or limited counter space, as well as for traveling.
Complete Care (All-in-One Units)
The All-in-One units are composed of a water flosser and a separate electric toothbrush all in a single device. This is ideal because it can save you both counter space and power outlets.
Flossing Toothbrush
This device uses a sonic-fusion electric toothbrush with a built-in water flosser. There are options to switch from brushing to flossing to both. This is an ideal option for individuals looking for a fast, easy, and effective way to brush and floss. Like the all-in-one units, this device also uses less counter space and only requires a single outlet.
Benefits of Water Flossers
Water flossers are a great alternative to traditional dental floss, and they have many benefits, such as:
Easy to Use
For one, they are much easier to use than dental floss. All you have to do is point the stream of water at your teeth and gums and let the water do its work. Water flossers work especially well for people who struggle with flossing due to arthritis or dexterity issues.
Great for Dental Appliances
Water flossers are also great for people with braces or other dental devices, as they can help to remove plaque and food debris from around these devices.
Gentle on Gums
Believe it or not, water flossers are actually gentler on gums than traditional dental floss. This is especially the case if you are one that frequently smacks your gums accidentally while flossing. In fact, using a water flosser decreases the chances of your gums becoming inflamed or bleeding when you floss.
Offer Deep Cleaning
Water flossers can also provide a deeper clean than traditional dental floss. This is because the water stream can penetrate deeper into the periodontal pockets and can remove more plaque and bacteria.
Prevents Peri-Implant Diseases
Peri Mucositis and peri-implantitis are two forms of gum disease that can affect people with dental implants. Both of these diseases are caused by excess plaque and bacteria around the base of the implant. If not properly treated, both these diseases can eventually lead to dental implant failure. Water flossing can help to prevent these diseases by removing plaque and bacteria from around the implants. Since water flossers provide a deep clean, they are ideal for removing the most plaque and bacteria around the implants in order to prevent these diseases from occurring.
Choosing the Best Water Flosser
So now that you know all about water flossers, how do you choose the right one for you? There are a few things to consider when choosing a water flosser.
Budget
First, consider your budget. Water flossers range in price from around $20 to $100. In order to focus your search, you will want to determine how much you are willing to spend.
Features
Second, think about the features that are important to you. Some water flossers come with a timer, while others have different settings for different needs. Oftentimes the more features means a higher price, so it is important to decide which features matter the most to you and whether the unit in your price range has those features.
Size
Third, consider the size of the unit. If you have a small bathroom, you might want to choose a handheld water flosser. However, if you want more features, then you may need a larger unit.
ADA Seal of Approval
When looking for a water flosser one of the most important things you should always look for is the ADA seal of approval. This seal certifies that the product has been researched and approved by the American Dental Association for being both safe and effective.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed everything you need to know about water flossers: what they are, how they work, how to use one, and the benefits of using a water flosser. We also went over how to choose the best water flosser for you based on your budget and needs. So what are you waiting for? Now that you know all about water flossers, we hope you’ll give one a try! They are a great addition to your oral care routine and can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy! Thanks for reading!