Are water flossers worth it? You may have been told by your dental hygienist or dentist that a water flosser may benefit you. Well, let’s first start by asking yourself do you floss? and if so how often? Next, question when was the last time you went to the dentist? Was your last dental visit 6 months ago, a year or two, or maybe six years ago? As you may already know the oral microbiome contains BILLIONS of bacteria yes, BILLION. So, how effectively are you removing bad bacteria?

Water flossers can benefit healthy individuals, patients with gum disease, braces, crowns, bridges, implants, and the list goes on. Let’s discuss water flossers and gum disease, compare water flossers with regular floss, and whether you will be purchasing a great product to invest in your oral health. Let’s dive in!

Water Flossers and Gum Disease

1. Reduces Gingival Inflammation: Water flossers can help reduce the inflammation of the gums. The pulsating water stream helps remove plaque and bacteria that cause swelling, bleeding, and irritation in the gums. About 47% of adults have some form of gum disease, don’t let this be you!

2. Improves Gum Health: Studies have shown that water flossing can lead to improved gum health, as it helps clean below the gum line, which can be hard to reach with traditional floss. It also stimulates the gums which reduces bleeding of the gums.

3. Plaque Removal: Water flossers can effectively remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, along the gumline and deeper pockets. Regular use can help reduce plaque buildup, which is crucial for patients with gum disease, as plaque can worsen their condition.

4. Reduces Bleeding: Water flossers can reduce bleeding of the gums significantly with regular and proper use, you may surprise your dental hygienist with this one!

5. Helps Clean Braces, Implants, and Crowns: For patients with gum disease and orthodontic work, a water flosser can be highly effective in cleaning around braces, crowns, implants, and other dental appliances, as the water pressure can wash away food particles and bacteria from these difficult-to-reach areas.

Water Flossers vs. Regular Floss

Advantages of Water Flossers:

• Easier to Use: Water flossers are often easier for people with gum disease or those with manual dexterity problems to use than traditional floss.

• Better at Reaching Below the Gumline: The water jet can clean areas below the gumline and between teeth more effectively than floss alone, making it especially useful for those with gum disease and deeper pocketing.

• Convenience: Water flossers are quicker to use and require less technique compared to string floss, which needs proper handling and a careful back-and-forth motion.

Disadvantages of Water Flossers:

• Price: Water flossers tend to be more expensive upfront than traditional floss.

• Bulkier: They require a power source and are bulkier than a small roll of floss, making them less portable.

• NOT a Complete Substitute: While water flossers are effective, they might not completely replace traditional flossing, especially when it comes to tight contacts between teeth where the water stream might not reach as effectively.

Advantages of Regular Floss:

• Cost-effective: Traditional floss is much cheaper and more widely available.

• Compact and Portable: It doesn’t require any equipment, so you can take it anywhere.

• Effective at Removing Plaque: When used correctly, traditional floss can remove plaque from tight spaces between teeth.

Disadvantages of Regular Floss:

• Requires Technique: Improper flossing can result in missed spots, especially around the gumline.

• Can Cause Gum Irritation: In patients with gum disease, traditional floss can sometimes cause further irritation or bleeding if not used gently.

Conclusion

For patients with gum disease or if you want to step up your oral hygiene routine (you can thank me later) water flossers offer several advantages, including easier and gentler cleaning, especially around the gums, and more thorough plaque removal below the gumline. Water flossers can be helpful for people who struggle with traditional flossing due to gum sensitivity, manual dexterity issues, or the complexity of flossing around dental appliances. However, it's still important to note that water flossing might not fully replace traditional flossing, and using both in combination might provide the best results for optimal oral health! Are you ready to take action on your oral hygiene routine and invest in yourself?