“Brush your teeth at least twice a day and make sure to clean between your teeth.” This sentence is one we have probably heard countless times throughout our lives. It is clear that oral hygiene is an ongoing task.
However, maintaining oral health does not have to be a daunting experience. In fact, food particles get stuck every day and require careful use of dental floss, but it is still better than dealing with potential issues like gum disease. Nevertheless, no one really enjoys going to the dentist.
Fortunately, with today’s interdental cleaners, removing plaque has become effortless. In this article, we will focus on the effectiveness of a particular device called a water flosser. Let’s delve into how effective using a water flosser really is.
What is a water flosser?
Many people seem to be googling: what is a water flosser? Essentially, it is a device used to remove plaque, food, and bacteria from your mouth. When used in conjunction with traditional dental floss, a water flosser can improve your daily oral habits and overall dental health—if used correctly.
Although there are various types of water flossers, their designs are quite similar. They consist of a reservoir, a specialized nozzle, and a motor to power the pump. The motor and pump generate pressurized water flow through the nozzle directly onto the teeth. The water pressure helps remove food particles, plaque, bacteria, and calcified deposits known as tartar.
There are four different types of water flossers
Countertop – This type is the largest and heaviest. It sits on the countertop and needs to be plugged into a power outlet. They also have a water reservoir that needs to be refilled each time it runs out.
Cordless or battery-powered – These are typically compact, slim, and portable. They offer the best flexibility, making them great for travelers. However, they are not as powerful as countertop flossers.
Shower flosser – This flosser connects to your showerhead, allowing you to floss before, after, or during your shower. It does not require batteries or power, so no charging issues to worry about. While simple, they are usually a bit harder to manage.
Faucet flosser – This is the most popular type of water flosser. It works similarly to a shower flosser but has a cord that connects to a regular faucet instead of a showerhead. Like the shower flosser, a major drawback is the lack of maneuverability.
How to use a water flosser
SIILLK, SK-CYQ-D Water Flosser, V-shaped funnel nozzle with Sonic bubble water line technology, using sound waves to increase microbubbles that burst upon reaching the gum or interdental groove, providing an instant cleaning force. R&D water pump, triple waterproof structure ensures no leakage.
For optimal effectiveness in using a water flosser, here are a few recommendations
Fill the water tank of the flosser with warm water.
Then place the flosser tip in your mouth. To avoid mess, lean over the sink.
Turn it on and start cleaning. Keep the handle at a 90-degree angle to your teeth and spray. Water will flow out in a steady pulsating stream, rinsing between your teeth.
Start from the back teeth and gradually work your way around your entire mouth. Try to focus on the gumline, tops of the teeth, and the areas between each tooth. Don’t forget to clean the back of your teeth as well.
Take brief pauses every now and then, placing the flosser tip between each tooth. This allows water to flow out of your mouth directly into the sink.
The cleaning process usually takes about 2 minutes. Once done, empty the excess water from the tank to prevent bacterial growth inside.
Remember, while understanding how to use a water flosser is essential, it does not replace traditional dental floss or brushing. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use the water flosser before or after brushing to enhance cleaning.
Benefits of using a water flosser
A water flosser is particularly helpful if you have sensitive gums or other gum-related issues. It is also great for cleaning braces, crowns, bridges, and other dental implants.
Traditional floss can be too invasive, causing harm to the gums. Another issue with daily flossing is that it can be challenging to do it correctly. Simply placing the floss between your teeth and giving it a gentle push here may not be as effective. The correct method is to form a ‘C’ shape with the floss, ensuring it reaches all parts of the teeth correctly.
Water flossers are easier to use than traditional floss. They do not require you to have your hands partially inside your mouth. Additionally, there are no leftover strings to deal with after you’re done.
How to clean a water flosser
It is recommended to clean your water flosser every one to three months. When cleaning, you should use water and vinegar. Here are three simple suggestions on how to clean your water flosser:
Clean the water tank and tank cover. Push the back of the water tank and tank valve to detach them. Wipe the cover with warm water, clean it, and set it aside. Put the reservoir in the dishwasher and make sure to remove it before the heat drying cycle. Insert the cover, top side up.
Clean the internal components of the water flosser. After cleaning the reservoir and valve, put the reservoir back on top of the machine. Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of white vinegar with some warm water. Pour it into the water reservoir, then run half of the water through the flosser. Turn off the water flosser and place the handle in the sink. This way, the water and vinegar solution can slowly drain out of the handle. After 20 minutes, run the remaining liquid through, then rinse with warm water.
Clean the tip of the flosser and the surface of the handle. To clean the handle surface, use the pop-out button to push out the tip. Then soak the handle in a container of white vinegar for about 7 minutes. Afterward, rinse the handle. To clean the tip, soak it in white vinegar for 5 minutes. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, just remember to rinse the tip afterward.
Floss vs SIILLK Water Floss
Using floss is crucial as it can help clean areas below the gum line that a toothbrush cannot reach. However, many people find that using traditional plastic or nylon floss can harm their gums.
This can lead to chronic bleeding, especially for those with delicate gums—which may explain why many people avoid flossing altogether initially. This raises the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Therefore, when comparing water flossers to traditional floss, water flossers often have several advantages:
They are less abrasive. Compared to traditional floss, water flossers provide a gentler option. They are less likely to cause gum bleeding or inflammation.
Better gum health. Water flossers are excellent at removing plaque, as well as eliminating food particles, plaque, and bacteria stuck in hard-to-reach areas. By regularly flushing these often neglected areas, the risk of gum inflammation or other gum-related infections can be reduced.
Provide better cleaning results. Many dentists recommend using a water flosser, especially for those who have already started to develop gum infections. Unlike traditional floss, water flossers can thoroughly clean the dental pocket, eliminating plaque and food residue that traditional floss cannot reach.
They are great for braces. Orthodontic treatments like braces pose a challenge to your dental care and overall oral health. This is simply because they hinder conventional cleaning methods such as brushing and traditional flossing. A water flosser is a good option since the water flow can easily rinse behind and around wires.
In conclusion, a water flosser can be a lifesaver, especially when you have braces or suffer from gum disease. However, there are many other factors that impact our dental health, such as genetics, tooth shape, arrangement, and whether you have implants.
If you need expert advice, schedule an appointment and consult your dental health professional on various dental health topics. We can demonstrate how to use a water flosser correctly to ensure your teeth stay clean.
Keep up with the water flossing!
