Waterpik Flossing Versus Dental Floss

Dental flossing and Waterpik flossing help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Flossing is an important step to keeping teeth healthy. Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day. Flossing involves a choice of two devices: dental floss and Waterpiks. Both devices clean in and around the teeth. Each flossing method offers different techniques and advantages.

Dental Flossing

Dental flossing involves using a thin ribbon or string called floss. Flossing works by maneuvering floss between the teeth and around the gums.

Waterpik Flossing

Waterpik is a brand of water flossers, also known as oral irrigators and water flosser. Using a stream of water, the Waterpik remove food particles from the teeth.

Dental Floss Benefits

Though people can use both dental floss and Waterpiks to clean between teeth, dental floss does a more effective job removing plaque and preventing gum disease than Waterpiks, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Dental flossing works by scraping away plaque and other debris, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Waterpik Benefits

Waterpiks, on the other hand, are an effective tool for those with braces or partial dentures, according to the ADA. Waterpik flossing reaches debris in areas around the teeth and reduces bleeding in the gums, according to MayoClinic.com. Waterpik flossing, however, is not an acceptable substitute for dental flossing.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Dental Floss vs. Water Pick: Which Is Better?
• American Dental Association: Buying Oral Care Products
• Academy of General Dentistry: Do I Really Need to Floss?

Resources

• Waterpik: Why Waterpik Oral Care