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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