What is a Water Floss Pick?

If you have ever wondered, “What is a water floss pick?” you have come to the right place. As your Loveland dentistry office, Rocky Mountain Smiles is here to explain everything you need to know about these oral hygiene tools.

A Closer Look at Water Floss Picks

Water floss picks are an alternative way to floss your teeth. They use a controlled stream of water to effectively remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline.

The pick contains a small reservoir that holds water, usually around 20 milliliters. At the other end is an angled nozzle with tiny holes. When you press the button on the handle, the water travels through internal tubing and out through the nozzle holes as a narrow, pressurized stream.

You simply guide this water jet between each tooth to flush out debris. Glide the tip along the gumline and between teeth for a thorough clean. The water pressure does the cleaning work for you.

Looking for a dentist? Schedule an appointment with our experienced Loveland dentistry staff by calling (970) 446-8655.

Key Benefits of Water Flossing

Compared to traditional string floss, water flossing provides a few advantages:

• Easier to use – The pressurized water jet makes flossing easier. You don’t have to struggle with string to clean those tricky back teeth spots.
• Thorough cleaning – The pulsing water jet can penetrate deeper between teeth than string floss. It flushes out food and bacteria from below the gumline.
• Fresh feeling – Cool streams of water blast away residue, leaving your entire mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Water flossing is an easy way for anyone to clean thoroughly every day without hassle.

Effectiveness Compared to Regular Dental Floss

When it comes to oral health tools, it’s understandable to question how water flossers stack up against tried-and-true regular floss. While handy, are they as effective?

While water flossers excel at flushing away plaque and food debris, they do not fully replace traditional string floss. The shape and texture of traditional floss allows manually scraping off sticky biofilm.

For this reason, the American Dental Association still officially recommends using regular string floss once daily in addition to water flossing as part of a complete oral care routine.

Think of a water flosser as a supplemental aid for dislodging plaque between harder-to-reach teeth, rather than an outright replacement for string floss. Using both clearing methods ensures you cover all your bases.

Tips for Using Water Flosser Picks

Here are some tips on proper water flossing technique:

• Ensure the reservoir has enough water or a fully charged battery before starting.
• Angle the tip at 45 degrees to get water between teeth. Avoid pointing it straight down.
• Place the tip deep between teeth along the gumline, gently gliding up and down.
• Spend at least three to five seconds water flossing between each tooth gap before moving on.
• Start on the lowest pressure setting first. Increase as needed if you want more cleaning power.
• Thoroughly cover the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.

Be patient and take time to fully clean each section before rotating around your whole mouth.

What to Look for When Buying Water Flossers

When shopping for an oral irrigator, you’ll want to keep an eye out for certain key features. With so many options hitting store shelves, choosing the best water floss pick can get confusing. Here is a buyer’s checklist on what to look for:

• Reservoir size — A 20 milliliter capacity or larger ensures cleaning your entire mouth in one session.
• Comfortable handle — An ergonomic grip makes maneuvering the tip easy.
• Flexible neck — Allows better angling to reach back teeth.
• Interchangeable tips — Multi-pack of soft silicone tips to keep things hygienic.
• Pressure control — Multiple settings to adjust water jet intensity as needed.
• Rechargeable — No constantly replacing batteries. USB charging is convenient.
• Storage case — Essential for portability and keeping things tidy.
• Durability — Made of quality components to withstand daily use.

Focus on reputable brand names like Waterpik, Philips Sonicare, and Panasonic for advanced models with proven results.

In addition to proper daily cleaning, the ADA recommends a complete oral exam by your dentist once per year and a professional cleaning every 6 months. Keeping up with these appointments helps ensure healthy teeth and gums.

FAQs About Water Flosser Picks

Here we answer some common questions about water flossing:

Should you use a water flosser before or after brushing?

Water flossing first helps clear away debris so toothpaste and your brush can fully access all tooth surfaces.

How often do dentistry experts recommend water flossing?

Aim to water floss one to two times per day for optimal gum health and keeping plaque in check between dental visits.

Is regular floss required if you already use a water flosser?

The ADA advises using traditional floss a few days a week in addition to daily water flossing. Combining both methods ensures the most complete care.

Can I put mouthwash in my water flossing reservoir?

Double check your specific unit, but most reservoirs can handle diluted mouthwash for an extra shot of freshness!

Do water flossers replace the need for dental cleanings?

No — professional cleanings are still required every six months. Water flossing helps keep gums healthy between visits but does not replace thorough cleanings by your dentist.

Contact Rocky Mountain Smiles today at (970) 446-8655 to improve your oral health.

We hope this complete guide to water floss picks was helpful! Please reach out to our Loveland dental office with any other questions.