Tuesday, January 5, 2016

What's Better for Your Teeth: Floss or a Waterpik?

It used to be that there was pretty much one way to clean your teeth -- you used a toothbrush. But nowadays there are a variety of different tools available, and depending upon whom you talk to, some are better than others. When it comes to taking care of those tricky spots between your teeth, there are two popular devices: floss and a Waterpik. But is one better than the other? Here are the pros and cons of each.

Floss


Tried and true floss is a very effective way to keep your teeth clean and gums healthy. As you have probably discovered, floss is great for getting into those nooks and crannies and removing things like bits of popcorn kernels. One of the worst mouth invaders is plaque, and floss is its main enemy. Floss can help get rid of plaque before it becomes tartar, which can ultimately lead to gum disease.

The downside of floss is that it can be harsh. If you have ever vigorously flossed your teeth and then had a mouthful of blood, you know this firsthand. Floss is also difficult for people who wear braces because it take a special threading instrument to reach under the wires. Another negative - and this actually may be more related to the flosser - is that flossing can be a difficult habit to get into. To paraphrase the late-great comedian Mitch Hedberg, quitting smoking is as hard as it is to start flossing.

 Waterpik


The best feature of a Waterpik is how gentle it is on gums; bleeding should not be an issue. It is also a great way for people with braces to keep their teeth clean, as the water will be able to get behind the wires. A Waterpik is especially good for people with gum disease because the water is able to flush out bacteria from deep pockets.

The one negative with a Waterpik is that it is much less effective at removing plaque compared to floss. While floss scrapes it off, a Waterpik basically just rinses it.

 The Verdict


Both floss and a Waterpik have their merits and can be used in conjunction with each other. However, if you could only use one (and you don't have braces), floss is still the better option.

Contact SF Star Dental, and make an appointment to address at-home tooth care with Dr. Young, our San Francisco dentist. 



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