Our Dentist in Chicago Breaks Down the Difference Between Flossing and a Waterpik
Regular brushing isn’t enough to clean your mouth of food particles, bacteria and plaque. That’s why it's important to floss at least once per day. Without this simple but effective step in your daily dental routine, your smile is extremely vulnerable to cavities and bacteria build up that may lead to dental decay. With the help of our dentist in Chicago IL, our team at Bright Dental of Logan Square discusses the differences between using standard floss and the ever-popular water flosser, the Waterpik.
Breakdown of the Waterpik
A Waterpik water flosser is also called an oral irrigator or dental water jet. It uses a pressurized stream of water in between the teeth to clean out food, bacteria and plaque.
Some people find using a Waterpik to be easier. If you have braces, bridgework, crowns, dental implants, or suffer from arthritis, this tool may greatly benefit you and your dental routine.
Pros of the Waterpik:
• Easy to use
• Cleans between tightly-spaced teeth
• Cleans hard to reach areas
Benefits of Using Standard Floss
Dental floss dates back to prehistoric times but wasn’t patented until the 1800s. Flossing is one of the most important steps in your daily dental routine, as it dislodges and removes lingering food particles and bacteria between your teeth. By cleaning this area, you're less likely to suffer from cavities and further dental decay.
Pros of Floss:
• Thoroughly cleans each tooth
• Easy to control
• Affordable
Whenever you floss, be sure to rinse your mouth afterward to remove all the residue and plaque that was scraped free.
Verdict: Whichever Works Best for Your Smile!
It is important that you floss every day, so the method you choose needs to be one that you will perform on a daily basis. Most people prefer the control they receive from using dental floss. Others prefer the deep-clean feeling after using a Waterpik.
Both flossing and Waterpiks offer a great way to care for gums and teeth. Make sure that you also brush twice a day to give you the ultimate control over plaque removal. It is also wise for you to speak with our team about your choice to use floss or a Waterpik. We'll offer you some additional guidance and suggestions about what will work best in your circumstances, since every smile is unique.
Call our dentist in Chicago at (773) 276-9280 to schedule your consultation or appointment with our team and we'll happily assist in answering any and all questions you may have about your at-home dental routine. We want your smile to shine all year round!
