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Waterpick Vs Flossing

Hygienic dental care habits are extremely important to have a healthy cavity-free life. Most dental concerns like tooth damage, gum infection, and gingivitis have their roots in improper oral care. Food habits in general also affect the health of your teeth and gums. Water picking and Flossing are the two easy ways to ensure complete cleaning of the teeth and gums. Thanks to technology these days, most basic problems have solutions and equipment that can be used at home. 

One such solution for efficient dental care is flossing. This is the process of cleaning interdental areas where the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach. Most of the food particles and plaque build-up happens around the gum line. This habit of flossing after brushing ensures better maintenance of oral health. 

Water picking and Flossing are the two ways in which this can be done.  

What is Flossing? 

Flossing is the process of cleaning the interdental corners and the gum line with a thread and a sharp tool. This removes food particles and plaque build-up on the teeth. This is the most common method of deep cleaning the mouth. The American Dental Association recommends flossing daily to prevent tooth decay or any form of infection. Different kind of floss is available in the market. Waxed and unwaxed strings of nylon threads are also available.  

Pros 

1. It is easy and convenient to move and control. 
2. It is inexpensive. 
3. The entire tooth is can be cleaned. 

Cons 

1. Inner corners of the mouth are largely inaccessible. 
2. It may cause the gums to bleed sometime. 

What is Water picking? 

Water picking is also a method of flossing with some advanced technology. Water picking is cleaning the corners of the mouth with a pulsating jet stream of water from a device that removes all the food particles efficiently. It is also called oral irrigators. The waterjet speed and temperature can be adjusted based on the requirement. It is best done by starting at the corner teeth and slowly reaching the front. 

They were invented in the year 1968 and have been popular as a professional dental tool. However, of late, they are available in the market for everybody.  

Pros 

1. Every corner of the mouth can be cleaned. 
2. It is an ideal choice for people with mobility issues. 
3. It is easy on the gums and not painful.
4.  Cleans the interdental spaces efficiently. 

Cons 

1. Water picking does not remove plaque. 
2. It is expensive. 

Considering the pros and cons of the processes, the right kind of cleaning method should be chosen. However, the key to good dental hygiene is consistency in following a method, but not a method. Thus regular flossing is extremely important.