In life, there are many age-old questions. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Which is better, chocolate or vanilla? Or, when it comes to your oral health, which works best, dental floss or a water irrigator? If you’ve been wondering what the bottom line is when it comes to protecting your smile, here’s a closer look at these popular methods for flossing your teeth, and which one is the most effective.
What is a Water Irrigator?
A water irrigator or water flosser is an electric or battery-operated electric unit that sprays water in a concentrated stream to clean food and plaque off your teeth. The pressurized water acts like dental floss, pushing the food and debris from between the teeth and off things like braces, Invisalign bumps, and permanent retainers.
Which is Better – Floss or Water Irrigators?
Depending on who you ask, either method works well. Some studies have shown that dental floss is more effective, but others have found that water irrigation is better. The important thing is that you floss, and the good news is that both methods are both very good choices for doing just that. Water irrigation is best for people with oral equipment and can be helpful if you have dexterity issues, but which method you choose ultimately comes down to personal preferences. After all, if you don’t like flossing or find it difficult or uncomfortable, you are less likely to do it regularly. Thus, if water flossing is easier and more enjoyable, your dentist would rather you do that than nothing at all.
Things to Remember
No matter which method you choose, it is important to use it as a part of your complete oral hygiene routine, not as the whole. This means you should still brush your teeth twice a day, visit your dentist twice a year, and whether you irrigate or floss, do it at least once a day, more so if you have orthodontic equipment or prosthetics like dental implants.
About Dr. Rodda
Dr. Dan Rodda is a talented dentist with a passion for continuing education. He has taken numerous advanced courses including some in Implantology Continuum at Columbia University in Manhattan. He also earned a Fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and both a Fellowship and Mastership by the Academy of General Dentistry.
To schedule an exam and cleaning at Complete Dental Care, please visit our website or call us today at 480-526-4317.