With the rise of technology in every area of our lives, it seems only natural that new and improved devices would find their way into our bathrooms and self-care routines. While oral hygiene is not anyone’s favorite task, we all know it’s a necessary one. With the invention and improvement of at-home dental devices, our oral hygiene can easily be made simpler, more enjoyable, and far more effective than in the past.
Water flossers are a common sight in many American bathrooms. They provide a form of flossing that doesn’t involve string going between the teeth and offers a more comfortable solution. And while dentists generally maintain that water flossers are to be used as a supplement to rather than a replacement for standard flossing, they are still extremely beneficial and helpful for keeping those pearly whites clean and healthy.
You may have heard the term “water flosser” before, but have you hear the term Waterpik? If so, you may have wondered what the difference is between the two. The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.
So now you know that a Waterpik is simply a type of water flosser, but what do these dental devices actually do? What are their benefits, and can they replace traditional flossing?
Features of Water Flossers
While not every water flosser is created equal, there are some common features across most models.
Common water flosser features include:
- Adjustable water pressure
- A water reservoir
- Replaceable tips for multiple users
- Rotating tip control
- Massage mode
- Timers
Advantages of Water Flossers
Many dentists recommend water flossers, as they offer many benefits to an individual’s oral health. However, it’s important to remember that using a water flosser is not a replacement for daily brushing and standard flossing. It’s a supplemental care activity that can help improve the health of your teeth and gums.
Don’t be discouraged by the idea of adding another step to your routine though. Daily use of a water flosser comes with a number of benefits:
- Easy-to-use for any age
- Gets into hard-to-reach areas that are often neglected
- Cleans thoroughly between tightly spaced teeth
- Gentle on gums
- Fun to use
Disadvantages of Water Flossers
As with anything, alongside advantages come some disadvantages. The primary disadvantages of using a water flosser include the following:
- May not remove all plaque or tartar buildup
- Can get messy if you’re not careful
- Can be costly depending on the model you purchase
- Not as easy to control as standard floss
It’s important to note, once again, that water flossers should be used in conjunction with twice-daily brushing and flossing. When you are also flossing with regular dental floss, you eliminate concerns of leaving behind plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Although using a water flosser may have a bit of a learning curve and require a little more of an upfront investment, in the end, they offer many advantages. Whether you opt for a Waterpik or another brand of water flosser, be sure it has all the features you desire in order to get your money’s worth and make the most of it.
Depending on your situation, it might make sense to purchase just one Waterpik (or other brand of water flosser) that comes with different tips, so the whole family can share, and everyone benefits without each person needing their own. Remember to continue brushing and flossing each day, and keep up with your biannual dental checkups to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
FAQs
If so, you may have wondered what the difference is between the two. The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.
Do dentists recommend using a Waterpik? ›
Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes. The Waterpik water flosser should be the standard of care for in-between clean. The clinical science behind the effectiveness of biofilm removal is unrivaled.
What are the disadvantages of using a Waterpik? ›
The rinsing action of Waterpiks may not be enough to remove plaque completely from the surface of your teeth. Some people like to use string floss first to scrape off and loosen plaque. A Waterpik can then be used to efficiently rinse out residue and plaque left behind.
What is the best water flosser recommended by dentists? ›
Best Overall: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
Just so you know, Waterpik as a brand is highly recommended by dental professionals, and this model — and all of the brand's others — is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Do I need to floss if I use a Waterpik? ›
But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss. Don't throw away your traditional dental floss just to try something new. Most dentists still consider regular flossing the best way to clean between your teeth.
Do doctors recommend water flosser? ›
A dental water flosser is important for maintaining good oral hygiene. It should be used once a day before brushing, and research suggests that adding it to your routine can improve dental hygiene significantly.
Do you brush your teeth before or after using a Waterpik? ›
The ideal time to use a Waterpik is before you brush your teeth. This is because doing so can allow you to remove food debris and plaque. When you use a Waterpik before brushing your teeth, teeth brushing becomes more effective.
Can I put Listerine in my Waterpik? ›
Can I use mouthwash or other additives in a WATERPIK water flosser? Yes, although all you need for effectiveness is warm water, there are additives including certain types of mouthwash that are safe to use.
Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›
Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.
Can a Waterpik cause receding gums? ›
While water flossers are generally considered safe for most people, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse or incorrect use can lead to gum damage. On the other hand, water flossers have been shown to improve gum health by removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Any time an agent other than water is used in the water flosser, flush the unit by running plain water through it afterwards. Do not use iodine or water insoluble concentrated essential oils; use of these can reduce performance and will shorten the life of the product.
Is it OK to use a Waterpik everyday? ›
You Can Use a Waterpik Every Day
You can safely use a Waterpik as often as you like, it will only help to improve your oral care. If you have gum disease or have trouble brushing or flossing, your dentist may even recommend that you use a Waterpik more often than once per day.
What is the number one Waterpik? ›
Best Overall
With 10 pressure settings and seven interchangeable flossing tips, the Waterpik Aquarius provides a customizable cleaning experience, though it'll take a bit of practice—and both hands—to master its operation.
How do I choose a dental water flosser? ›
Because there are too many to list here, we're highlighting the ones we think are most important:
- A large reservoir (The countertop models have larger ones than cordless ones.)
- Adjustable power settings.
- Typical spray from about 10 to 100 PSI.
- A pressure setting range from 1 to 10.
- A small handle for easy maneuvering.
These range from 10-90 or 10-100 PSI. The cordless water flossers have 2 or 3 pressure settings with 45 to 75 PSI. Unfortunately, a WaterPik doesn't have the power to remove plaque from the teeth as well as floss can.
Can Waterpik remove tartar? ›
Water flossing can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing the buildup of tartar. However, a water flosser may not remove existing tartar once it has formed. Using a water flosser can aid in tartar prevention, but it's not a substitute for professional dental cleanings.
How often should you use a Waterpik? ›
Daily use is recommended for optimal oral hygiene and to maximize the benefits for gum health and plaque removal.
Do you water floss before or after brushing? ›
Therefore, our recommendation is to consider using your Waterpik water flosser first before brushing your teeth. This will allow the stuck-on debris to dislodge and then you can easily brush the remaining area free of all particles.
