Brushing and flossing are two important pillars of oral care. Brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining oral health, as it removes surface plaque and helps prevent cavities. However, flossing plays a crucial role in removing stubborn tartar and food particles that a toothbrush can't reach, particularly between teeth and below the gum line, which helps prevent gum issues.
For those who find traditional string floss challenging and do not floss at all, water flossers offer an easier and more efficient way to incorporate flossing. While it does not replace manual flossing, if you find manual flossing difficult or unpleasant, at least use a water flosser to maintain dental hygiene. These devices use the power of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline, enhancing overall oral hygiene.
Let's explore what a water flosser is, the benefits of using one, and, last but not least, how to use a water flosser.
What is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser is an innovative oral hygiene device, that uses a water stream to remove bacteria, debris, and plaque from between teeth, on surfaces, and in gum pockets. Ideal for cleaning spaces between teeth, combining manual flossing with a water flosser is more effective than using dental floss alone. This method is particularly beneficial for those with crowns, braces, bridges, or dental implants. This tool not only complements daily flossing by enhancing your oral care routine but also offers a gentler, easier, and more efficient cleaning method, making it a crucial step in maintaining dental health.
Benefits of using a Water Flosser
Water flossers complement regular brushing by providing a gentle yet effective way to clean around dental work like crowns, braces, and implants. When used as an additional step to string floss or floss picks, water flossers remove any plaque and debris that may be missed by the traditional flossing method. For instance, GuruNanda's Advance Dental Flosser 2.0 With UV Light caters to various needs, including sensitive gums, and includes features like dual sanitization with UV lights. Its ease of use reduces the risk of improper flossing techniques that can damage gum tissue. Importantly, water flossers are effective in reducing plaque, bacteria, gum inflammation, and bleeding. They can reach deep into gum pockets and are especially good at cleaning those hard-to-reach spaces between teeth, which is essential for maintaining periodontal health. [1]
How to use a Water Flosser?
To effectively incorporate a water flosser into your oral hygiene routine, follow these steps:
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Fill the Reservoir:
Start by filling the flosser's reservoir with lukewarm water. This is usually done by removing the top or accessing a designated pocket within the water container for filling.
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Add Mouthrinse for Better Action:
You can consider this step optional, but adding some kind of mouthwash, like GuruNanda's concentrated mouthwash, to the water tank can freshen your breath and provide antibacterial properties.
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Select the Appropriate Tip:
Your water flosser comes with various tips like the classic jet and orthodontic tip. Choose the one that suits your dental needs. For instance, the classic jet tip is ideal for general use. This tip is designed to clean deep between teeth and below the gumline, helping to remove plaque and improve gum health. Whereas, an orthodontic tip is specifically designed for those with braces or other orthodontic appliances. Furthermore, this tip helps to effectively remove plaque around brackets and wires.
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Attach the Tip:
Securely attach your chosen tip to the handle. There might be a twist or button mechanism for this, depending on your model.
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Position the Tip:
Begin at your back teeth, holding the tip slightly away from your teeth and gums to avoid direct contact. Lean over the sink to prevent water from splashing onto the countertop.
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Turn On the Flosser:
Use the on-button or adjust the dial to start with a low water pressure. Gradually increase to a comfortable but effective level. Most flossers have settings like soft, normal, and pulse. For first-time users, starting with the soft setting is recommended.
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Flossing Technique:
Methodically move from tooth to tooth, following the gum line and focusing on the top of each tooth, the baseline of the gum, and the spaces in between. Each tooth should receive about two seconds of attention. Make sure to cover both the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth.
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Duration:
The entire flossing process should take approximately two minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.
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Empty the Reservoir:
After use, it's important to empty any remaining water from the reservoir to prevent the growth of bacteria. Regular cleaning of the water flosser is also recommended to maintain hygiene.
Conclusion
Water flossers provide an innovative and effective way to clean between teeth and below the gumline, utilizing the power of water. They are ideal for those with dental work or seeking a gentler solution, and incorporating this tool into your routine can significantly enhance your dental health. By removing larger debris with a manual flosser first, the water flosser can more effectively rinse away remaining particles, bacteria, and plaque, enhancing the overall cleanliness of your mouth. Combining the scraping action of a manual flosser with the flushing action of a water flosser provides a thorough clean: the manual flosser scrapes away plaque, while the water flosser rinses out loosened debris and provides a hydromassage effect for the gums. If you have trouble using a manual flosser, at least use a water flosser to maintain dental hygiene.
FAQs
Q: Can water flossers completely replace string floss?
A: While water flossers are highly effective at removing plaque and debris from between teeth and below the gum line, it is recommended to use them in conjunction with traditional string floss or a dental floss pick for comprehensive cleaning, especially for removing plaque that is tightly adhered to the tooth surfaces. However, for individuals with braces, implants, or other types of dental work, water flossers may be a more practical and effective daily cleaning solution.
Q: Are water flossers safe for sensitive gums?
A: Yes, water flossers are safe for people with sensitive gums. In fact, they can be gentler than string floss, which sometimes causes cuts or discomfort. The adjustable pressure settings on most water flossers allow users to find a comfortable intensity that doesn't irritate sensitive gums. Additionally, using a water flosser can reduce inflammation and bleeding over time.
Q: How often should I use my water flosser?
A: It's generally recommended to use a water flosser at least once a day as part of your oral hygiene routine. But for more enhanced results, it can also be used every time you brush your teeth. Regular use helps prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and inflammation. For the best results, use it after brushing your teeth at night to ensure all food particles and plaque between the teeth and along the gumline are thoroughly removed before bedtime.
Q: Can children use water flossers?
A: Yes, children can use water flossers, and they often find them easier and more enjoyable than traditional flossing. It is important to choose a model with adjustable pressure settings to provide a gentle cleaning experience. Supervision is recommended to ensure proper and safe use. Opting for a kid-friendly water flosser is advisable. Developing habits like using water flossers can help establish good oral care routines from an early age.
Q: Do water flossers erode teeth?
A: No, water flossers do not erode teeth. They use a stream of pulsating water to clean between teeth and below the gum line effectively without causing harm to tooth enamel or gums, making them a safe addition to your flossing routine.
Q: What are the disadvantages of water flossers?
A: The disadvantages of water flossers include their cost, size, and the need for electricity or batteries. They are generally more expensive than traditional floss and can be bulky, making them less convenient for travel. Additionally, they require access to power, limiting their portability, and can be less adjustable for first-time users. However, GuruNanda's Advance Water Flosser has been designed to address these issues, offering ease of use, durability, and improved portability.
[1] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10906797/#sec-a.l.etitle
