Is a Waterpik Better Than Flossing?

Considering adding a waterpik to your daily dental routine, but not sure if it’s worth it? Read on to learn more about the waterpik, and how it shapes up against the old standby, string floss.

What Is a Waterpik?

A waterpik is a water flosser–it produces a thin stream of pressurized water that flows through a precision tip into your mouth. Like traditional string floss, the waterpik targets plaque and food particles from between and around the teeth and gums, a key defense against things like cavities and gum disease. Waterpik requires a specific technique, and a little bit of practice to master.

The Benefits of a Waterpik

There are plenty of compelling reasons why people choose to use a waterpik over, or in addition to, traditional dental floss. The device keeps the hands out of the mouth, and is often considered to be just plain easy to use, especially compared to string floss. Plus, it doesn’t hurt, and it’s an accessible option for people with limited mobility or braces, implants, and other devices.

Waterpik vs. Dental Floss

The answer is up for debate. Plenty of studies exist, claiming that waterpik comes out ahead of string floss to varying degrees, while at the same time many stand by their belief that waterpik should be used in addition to floss, instead of in place of it. What we know is that the waterpik is effective. In 2017, the American Dental Association (ADA) awarded the interdental cleaner with their Seal of Acceptance, acknowledging their efficacy in combating things like plaque and gingivitis between the teeth and gums. And waterpik is known to be able to access and clean hard-to-reach areas that your brush and floss can’t get at, such as the periodontal pockets. But don’t count string floss out of the game just yet. It, too, has proven to be effective as an interdental cleaning method. Plus, it’s cheap, portable, and you don’t have to plug it in.

When it comes down to it, what’s important is that you’re not neglecting that tough to reach area between your teeth and gums. It’s crucial that you round out your daily dental care with some kind of interdental cleaning method. Consider what works best in your routine, and when in doubt, contact us!

At Texas Dental, we are here to give you advice on the best method and tools to keep your smile in tip-top shape. And while you’re at it, make sure you have your next cleaning with us scheduled.

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