When brushing teeth, plaque is removed from the surface effectively, but hard to reach crevices might still have food particles and unwanted bacteria. Typically, people clean these areas with traditional string dental floss. Lately, people are turning towards a possibly more effective way with water flossing.  

What is water flossing  

Water flossing is when you clean between and around your teeth using a steady, pressurized water stream from a machine. There are usually different settings to make the water pressure softer or stronger. Directions say to put the tip near your gums, close your mouth, and go around and spit every few seconds until food and particles stop coming out.   

Is water flossing safe?  

The American Dental Association (ADA) approved the Waterpik water flossing system as safe in 2017. Not all water flossers are ADA approved, but the most used brand has been reviewed and given the seal of approval. As with regular flossing, if you’re just starting out there might be some bleeding from gums not used to the pressure and cleaning. This should go away after continued use.  

Benefits of using a water pick 

Easy to use  

Fill with water, adjust the setting, turn it on and start flossing.  

Good for braces and other dental work  

Traditional dental floss doesn’t work for oral hardware and prosthetics. It’s difficult to get around and underneath wires, but with water flossing it’s possible.  

Reaches areas that aren’t reached with traditional floss 

String floss gets spaces in between front teeth well, but water flossing reaches areas in the back of the mouth behind molars where traditional floss fails to reach typically.  

Drawbacks of using a water pick  

Expensive 

High quality water flossing units cost upwards of 200 dollars depending on brand.  

Not super portable (depending on what brand) 

While portable units that look like electric toothbrushes are sold, they have to be charged and refilled constantly. The traditional water flossing units that hold a decent amount of water and don’t need to be charged aren’t portable for travel purposes.  

Requires electricity and constant water refilling after usage 

You’ll have to use a power source near your bathroom sink to use the flosser, and after each use it will usually require refilling with water depending on how much you use it. It’s not hard, but might be a hassle if you’re in a rush.  

The cost of water flossing  

Since one of the drawbacks is the expense, here are the top rated, most affordable water pick units. 

WaterPik 

H2O Floss 

Harbor Water Flosser 

Whether you stick to traditional string floss, or you try out water flossing, remembering to floss at all is good for your dental health.  

For more dental health tips visit starthealthy.com/category/health/dental/