Brushing your teeth twice a day is a good start to good oral health, but some parts of the mouth are hard to reach when brushing your teeth, so cleaning between teeth is very important for dental health, helping to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. Do you know? Traditional flossing isn't the only way to clean between teeth. Learn more about water flosser and why it might be the choice for you.

What is a water flosser?

A water flosser is a tool that cleans teeth by spraying water into the mouth under pressure. The reason why it is used is mainly that the general toothbrush may not be able to completely clean the oral cavity, especially some hidden parts, that is, the gaps between the teeth and the gingival sulcus, which are difficult to reach with ordinary toothbrushes. If you do not clean your mouth well, it is easy for bacteria to breed and lead to dental inflammation. Since the water flosser is sprayed into the mouth through the water column, it can be easier for the user to clean the hard-to-wash parts such as the crevices of the teeth.

Reasons to floss

If you have sensitive gums, you may experience discomfort and bleeding when flossing, as well as if you floss incorrectly or with too much force. However, bleeding and gum discomfort are also symptoms of periodontal disease (gum infection caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar). Studies have shown that the pulsating motion of a water flosser reduces gum inflammation and bleeding while gently cleaning the area. If you don't floss regularly, you may experience some sensitivity when you start water flossing, but with continued use, the problem will gradually disappear. You can also adjust the temperature of the water so that the water is not too cold or too hot, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the gums. If the situation does not improve, you may have a bigger problem to deal with and need to contact your dentist.

Traditional flossing can be difficult for some people, such as those with arthritis, Parkinson's disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other conditions that affect hand movement, who may struggle to floss around their teeth. Fortunately, the water flosser is an easy-to-use mechanical interdental cleaning tool.

Finally, water flossing is also an excellent option if you have had restorative or orthodontic treatments such as braces, fixed bridges, implants, or crowns.

The effect of flossing

Water flosser works on the principles of hydrodynamics, the movement of water. The motion of the water effectively removes less adherent plaque and bacteria while gently cleaning the gum line. While this method of interdental cleaning can help reduce bleeding gums, it may not be as effective at removing plaque as traditional flossing.

Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice a day and interdental cleaning. If traditional flossing is not convenient for you, a water flosser is another option for you! With the help of a dental hygienist, you can find the best way to clean your teeth for a healthy, bright smile.