Water Flossers
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Water Flossers to Support Gum Health
Maintain healthy gums and teeth with a water flosser. These gentle devices are a great alternative if you find traditional floss tricky to use or want to reduce waste for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
What are the Best Water Flossers Brands?
What Are Water Flossers?
Water flossers are electronic devices that create a jet of water. Like regular floss, this concentrated stream of water easily gets into places you can't reach with a toothbrush alone, helping you remove more plaque and bacteria. However, flossing with water rather than regular floss is less likely to cause bleeding or irritate sensitive gums, so it tends to be a gentler option for certain people.
When used correctly, the benefits of water flossers include healthier gums, cleaner teeth and improved breath. Because water-flossing devices require less dexterity, they can be a superb alternative if you have arthritis or simply find it challenging to floss with string.
How Do Water Flossers Work?
Water flossers expel water using a pump, creating a powerful jet that can dislodge food particles, bacteria and plaque from between your teeth and below your gumline. However, the best water flossers, such as Waterpik, don't release a constant stream of water. Instead, they shoot the water in pulses, which helps create suction to remove plaque more effectively.
To use a water flosser, fill the device with water, and adjust the pressure to your desired setting. Some flossers include tips better suited to implants or braces, along with an all-purpose nozzle. Choose the one that matches your needs to help ensure the best cleaning performance.
Next, place the water flosser in your mouth, and hold your head over the sink. Turn the device on, and position the tip at a 90-degree angle to your teeth to clean between each one and under your gumline. Instructions can vary, so check your water flosser manual for specific step-by-step directions.
Should I Water Floss Every Day?
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoride-based toothpaste and flossing at least once daily. While the ADA doesn't recommend a specific time to floss each day, many people prefer to use their water flosser at night as this can help ensure a cleaner mouth for more comfortable sleep.
If you're unsure how often to brush and floss, asking your dentist for advice may be a good idea. Depending on your oral health needs and whether you have orthodontics, such as braces, you may need to floss more often to ensure your teeth stay healthy.