To Floss or Waterpik?

Larry A. Law

True confessions: I never liked flossing, so I rarely used the string. Angie used all of the flossing strings I collected from the dentist to cut the dough when making cinnamon rolls—I thought that was a better and tastier use! I always brushed my teeth (manually and with a battery operated toothbrush). My teeth felt clean enough, but still, I had a lot of dental guilt every 6 months when I had to admit I wasn't flossing. A few years ago, I found a device that removed all my guilt and shame! I discovered the waterpik. 

A waterpik (also known as a dental water jet) is a brand of water flosser or oral irrigator that sprays water to remove food from between your teeth. Water flossers are a fabulous option for people who have trouble with traditional flossing—the kind that involves threading string-like material between your teeth. The girl in the picture looks like me trying to floss!

Water Flossing

​The first time I used my waterpik I was amazed. I could not believe the amount of food particles still in my teeth after my double brushing. And my teeth felt sparkling clean like they do just after visiting the dentist. Studies show that water flossers remove 29% more plaque than floss. Water flossers are also more gentle for people with gum sensitivity. In addition, people with less dexterity tend to find water flossers easier to use than most other dental cleaners.

Like regular flossing, water flossing removes food stuck between your teeth and the bacteria lingering there before it hardens into plaque. Your toothbrush can't get into those small spaces. Water flossing can also reduce gum disease and bleeding. I love mine and even take it with me on trips. For all of you who resist string flossing—find freedom from gum disease worries and dental visit guilt. Water flossing massages your gums and feels great as it leaves your mouth clean and fresh. I highly recommend it.