Ever wondered whether an electric toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush? Or which is better at cleaning between your teeth, floss or a water pick? Should you brush your tongue, or use a tongue scraper? We’ve got the answers to all your questions about oral health instruments in the next few installments in our blog. This week? Floss vs. water picks.
The Dental Showdown: Floss vs. Water Picks
Floss vs. Water Pick
If you’re not familiar with a water pick, it’s a device that puts out a pressurized stream of water that you use to clean the area where your teeth meet your gums. It’s also known as an oral irrigator.
Pros
- Many people find water picks a little easier to maneuver than floss. This is ideal for those with arthritis or other dexterity problems that make the intricate motions necessary to floss painful and difficult.
- Some people find it more comfortable to use than floss, especially those with smaller mouths. If your teeth are very close together, flossing can be difficult.
- Water picks also reduce the risk of gum bleeding compared to regular floss. But remember that if you’re experiencing chronic bleeding from your gums, you may have gum disease, and should see a dentist.
- Some studies have suggested that water picks may even be more effective than floss at controlling gingivitis.
- Many people who have had restorative dental work done find water picks effective at cleaning hard to reach spaces.
- If you have poor brushing habits, a water pick can help clean not only in between your teeth, but the surface of your teeth as well, while regular floss will not.
Cons
Overall water picks are not as effective at removing plaque as floss. While they can rinse those tough to reach areas, the physical action of a piece of flossing moving through this area is still the best way to remove plaque and bacteria colonies. Floss will physically disrupt bacteria colonies in between teeth. A water pick will remove some bacteria, but lacks the disruptive action of floss.
If you’re going to do one thing, flossing is the better option of the two. But, you can also use both floss and a water pick to great effect. In this case, floss first to loosen and remove food particles, then follow with a rinse from the water pick.
Stay with us for the next installment of the dental showdown!
Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.