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The Many Benefits of Water Flossing
Posted on March 15th, 2023
What are Water Flossers?
Water flossers (also called oral irrigators) are devices that use a narrow jet of water to clean the spaces between your teeth and beneath your gum line. While most people understand the significant benefits of flossing every night, not everyone knows that a water flosser can benefit your dental health even more than traditional flossing.
Dental hygiene is essential to maintaining your oral health, but daily brushing isn’t always enough to protect your smile. Plaque build-up is the leading cause of gum disease, and unfortunately, if you don’t floss there are many areas in your mouth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush that can harbor bacteria.
Traditional floss allows you to get rid of the small particles of food that can hide beneath your gum line and in the little crevices between teeth. Water flossing performs the same job as string floss, but there are additional benefits to using a water flosser you don’t get from regular dental floss.
Benefits of A Water Flosser
There are several reasons why some people prefer water flossing over traditional floss or floss picks. If you have sensitive gums, wear braces, or have difficulty using your hands to manipulate standard string floss, water flossing offers an easier way to protect your teeth from plaque and bacteria.
Other water flosser benefits include:
- Water flossers remove more plaque than traditional floss.
- Water flossers are gentle on gum tissue.
- Water flossers are easy to use.
- Water flossers are ideal for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as braces.
- Water flossers won’t catch on sharp edges or get stuck in your teeth.
- Water flossers provide a deeper clean than traditional dental floss.
How to Use A Water Flosser
Water flossers are extremely effective and easy to use. Instructions may vary depending on the model, but typically you just need to fill the device with water and select a tip that will distribute the stream. Then, you choose a pressure setting and run the tip of the flosser along your gum line and between your teeth to remove food particles and plaque.
You should floss at least once a day to maintain your oral hygiene, before you brush your teeth, and your water flosser should be cleaned after each use.
Contact Us at Windy City Family Dental
If you want to improve your gum health, or you’re looking to learn more about how to properly take care of your teeth, contact us at Windy City Family Dental. Our team of dental professionals are here to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile through preventative measures and restorative dental care. We are also always available to answer any questions you have regarding your dental care, such as why you should floss and what cosmetic dentistry procedures will benefit your smile.
