Pros and Cons of the WaterPik Flosser

Mile High Smiles in Lakewood, CO

What You need to Know...

WaterPik flossers are more popular today than ever before. They are special devices that direct a surge of water at the teeth to help wash away food particles. While WaterPiks do offer some noteworthy advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Pros of WaterPik Flossers

  • Fast and easy: The water in WaterPiks jets away food particles from between your teeth, making it fast and easy to clean them.
  • Ideal for patients with gum disease: Since WaterPiks can flush out bacteria from pockets that arise in the areas where the gums separate from the teeth, dentists often recommend them for patients with gum disease. Traditional floss may not be able to reach those areas.
  • Useful for patients with metal braces: It can be a challenge to floss while wearing metal braces. Therefore, WaterPik flossers may also be a good option for patients with braces who don’t have much luck with traditional floss or floss sticks.
  • Gentle on the gums: WaterPiks are known to be gentle on the gums and less likely to cause any bleeding or inflammation. For this reason, they may benefit patients with sensitive teeth as well.

Cons of WaterPik Flossers

  • Expensive: WaterPiks can be a bit pricey, even if you opt for an off brand version. Traditional dental floss is certainly more cost-effective.
  • Messy: When you use your WaterPik for the first few times, water may spray all over the place and cause a mess until you get used to using it.
  • Not a substitute for flossing: The reality is that a WaterPik cannot remove plaque from the teeth as well as floss. Floss is able to scrape plaque away by hugging the tooth whereas a WaterPik simply rinses it.

Contact Mile High Smiles

For more information on the pros and cons of WaterPik flossers, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levitin. Call us at (720) 239-1916.

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