French fries and onion rings can each be a suitable sidekick for your hamburger, but most people have their preferences. There are many choices in life where there isn’t necessarily a wrong decision.
When it comes to being a sidekick for your toothbrush and reaching those difficult areas between teeth, a Waterpik and dental floss each have their merits. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of each one so you can make the choice that suits your oral health needs best.
The Pros and Cons of the Waterpik
The oral irrigator was invented in 1962 by Aqua Tec Corporation, which underwent the name change to Waterpik. People who wear braces or have nonremovable bridgework, crowns, or dental implants may opt for the Waterpik over dental floss.
Also, people with arthritis or those who have trouble maneuvering floss for another reason may lean toward an oral irrigator. They can access difficult-to-reach areas and clean between teeth where even floss has a tough time fitting.
A Waterpik may not remove all plaque, plus it can be messy due to the nature of a pressurized water stream. If cost is a factor, a consumer may look elsewhere to clean between their teeth.
The Case for and Against Dental Floss
Dental floss of various materials has been cleaning between teeth for thousands of years, but nylon became the material of choice after World War II and it’s still the predominant variety of floss today.
The main benefit of floss is that it is easy to control so that you can clean each tooth thoroughly before plaque can turn into tartar. If you only rely on floss, however, some areas of your mouth may be unreachable.
For teeth that are very close together, it can be difficult to get floss in between them. It’s important to rinse your mouth after you floss to remove plaque and residue that you’ve just scraped free from your teeth.
The Right Decision for You
Under the assumption you use them thoroughly, the American Dental Association approves of each method. Research has shown there’s minimal difference between the two regarding plaque removal, and it wouldn’t be crazy for you to use both if you prefer. Don’t forget to also brush your teeth at least twice per day, rinse with mouthwash daily, and visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning to keep your smile happy and healthy.
French fries and onion rings can each suitably accompany that hamburger, but without either one, the burger seems like more of a snack than a meal. There’s no wrong answer between the Waterpik and dental floss – just be sure that you pick one instead of none.
About the Author
Dr. James Kramer earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Temple University School of Dentistry. Today, he is proud to have earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, which is an honor achieved by less than five percent of all dentists in the U.S. Before you visit Dr. Kramer for a dental checkup and cleaning, be sure you are being consistent about your use of the Waterpik or dental floss so that you pass the exam with flying colors. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (302) 436-5133.