Product Feature of the Month: Waterpik Water Flosser.
You likely already know that flossing is important to your overall oral health. In addition to brushing twice a day, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing once per day. Flossing helps remove plaque that can cause cavities or gum disease from the interdental (spaces between teeth) where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Good intentions don’t always translate to action. Regular flossing with traditional floss string is consistent habit that many people fail to adopt. Investing in a water flosser or oral irrigator is an easy way to improve flossing habits. This device will help ensure you’re getting between your teeth to attack the damaging bacteria that lives in plaque.
Traditional dental floss has been around for about 200 years. Check the dental care aisle and you’ll find a variety of flavors and coatings to make the process of flossing more inviting.
Let’s be honest. Even with all the options for floss types, people generally fall into one of two categories: “don’t miss a day” or “I know I should, but I rarely do” flossers.
Some find flossing tedious. Others have braces or other orthodontic appliances in their mouths that do not work well with floss. Or, sensitive gums might get irritated by traditional floss.
Alternative with a Water Flosser
A water flosser is a hand-held device that shoots a steady jet of water between your teeth and along the gum line. Food particles and plaque are simply washed away. Water flossing efficiently reaches all areas of your mouth, including back teeth which are more difficult to clean with string floss. Water flossers are also more effective at cleaning dental appliances such as braces.
The most popular and well-known brand is Waterpik. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs awarded its first ever ADA Seal of Acceptance for water flossers in 2017. This award went to five of Waterpik’s water flosser product lines. Waterpik had to demonstrate with scientific data, clinical studies and the results of laboratory tests that it meets the ADA requirements for the category.
Waterpik describes the flosser as “an effective alternate to manual or string floss.” Users can adjust the pressure of the water flow control, which is helpful for sensitive gums.
When it comes to keeping teeth healthy, investing in a water flosser is a wise investment. Typical prices range from $40 to $70 depending on the brand and model.
If you have questions about water flossers or are looking for a dentist near Joliet, be sure to call Shorewood Family Dental Care at 815-725-5991 or book an appointment online.
