Do you actually need a water flosser?

If you care about your oral health, you must be brushing two times a day. While it is essential, you can’t skip flossing. The bristles of your toothbrush may be flexible, still you must noticed that they usually fail to reach certain areas of your teeth. You can use string floss to ensure the area between your teeth is not neglected. There are more products that can clean hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. Meet water flosser, a device that uses pressurised stream of water to clean teeth. But are water flossers effective?

What is a water flosser?

“Water flosser, also called oral irrigator, is a dental hygiene device that makes use of pressurised stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gumline,” says dental surgeon Dr Sacheev Nanda. It is especially helpful for people who have braces, crowns, bridges, or dental implants. The device typically includes a water reservoir and a nozzle that directs a targeted stream of water. This water that comes with force helps remove food particles, get rid of dental plaque, and massage the gums.

Are water flossers effective? Benefits of using them

Are you asking yourself, “Are water flossers effective?” Yes, they are, as they have the following benefits:

• Effective plaque removal: The pressurised stream of water can remove dental plaque (the sticky film of bacteria on the teeth) efficiently. During a study, published in the Journal Of Indian Society Of Periodontology, water flosser was found to be more effective in removing plaque from inaccessible areas of the tooth surfaces as compared to string floss.
• Easier for people with braces or implants: Traditional flossing around braces, bridges, or implants can be challenging. Water flossers can easily navigate these spaces effortlessly, making them ideal for people with braces or implants.
• Gentle on sensitive gums: For people who experience pain or bleeding with string floss, water flossers offer a less abrasive and more comfortable alternative.
• Reduces risk of gum disease: Are water flossers effective? Yes, they are, as they can help in removing harmful bacteria and keeping gums clean. “This way they can help lower the risk of gingivitis, which is a painful inflammation of the gums, and more advanced periodontal diseases,” says the expert. During a study, published in the International Journal Of Dental Hygiene, water flosser was found to be effective in reducing gingival inflammation in people with moderate gingivitis over a four-week period.
• Freshens breath: Halitosis or bad breath is the third most common reason for people visiting dentists, according to research published in StatPearls. Are water flossers effective in getting rid of bad breath? “Yes, as the removal of food debris and bacteria reduces odour-causing elements in the mouth, leaving you with fresher breath,” says Dr Nanda.

Are water flossers effective? Learn how to use it

Are water flossers effective? Now that you know the answer, learn the right way to use this type of floss:

• Start by filling the reservoir with lukewarm water Select the appropriate tip (many devices come with specialised tips for braces etc)
• Lean over the sink to avoid splashing water, and place the tip in your mouth before turning the device on.
• Keep your lips slightly closed to prevent water from spraying out but let the water flow out into the sink.
• Begin with your back teeth and move along the gumline, pausing briefly between teeth.
• Direct the water at a 90-degree angle to your gumline for best results. The process usually takes about one or two minutes.
• After finishing, turn off the device and remove the tip for cleaning.
• Empty the reservoir to prevent bacterial buildup.

“Using it once a day, especially at night after brushing, helps ensure that no food particles or plaque remain in your mouth overnight,” says the expert. You may feel a little tickling or water overflow at first, but do it every night then it can become a comfortable part of your routine.

What are the side effects of using water flossers?

You have the answer to your question, “Are water flossers effective?” They are effective and safe, but there are a few potential side effects:

• Some people might initially experience slight gum irritation or bleeding in the beginning, especially if they already have gum disease. “This usually subsides when used regularly,” says Dr Nanda.
• Are water flossers effective? They are, but can be ineffective if not used correctly. If you don’t angle the nozzle properly or move too quickly between teeth, the device might not clean effectively, leaving plaque or food particles behind.
• As a newbie, you might find it messy until you get the hang of it. Water can spray out of the mouth and onto the mirror or counter if not careful.
• Excessive use, especially at high pressure, may damage sensitive gum tissues or loosen dental work if not used with caution.

Are water flossers effective? Yes, they are, especially when used at night after brushing your teeth. This helps remove any remaining food particles and plaque that brushing may have missed. Daily use can significantly reduce gum bleeding, inflammation, and bacteria buildup. However, using them more than twice a day and at a high pressure is usually unnecessary. They may even irritate your gums if done too aggressively. Also, they can’t be used as substitutes for brushing.

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