The Truth About Water Picking Versus Flossing

You floss and floss and floss. And you get bored, bored, bored. But you know that you have to do it; it’s what keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Flossing gets all of the gobs of gunk that hide between your teeth that can cause plaque, tartar, and even gum disease.

Flossing Or Water Picking?

The truth is, nothing can beat flossing for true dental health. The abrasiveness of the floss is what helps scrape your teeth and remove the nasty, sticky plaque buildup that can cause so much trouble. But sometimes, a water pick can help in ways that floss just can’t.

For those who have sensitive gums, flossing can cause bleeding and even irritation. For this reason, people might not floss at all to avoid the unpleasantness of it all. This is where a water pick can help. A water pick can remove particles from the teeth and gums by shooting a direct stream of water wherever you aim it. It can reduce bleeding gums and help with gum disease all without bleeding and pain.

Perfect For Some People

A water pick is ideal for people who wear braces since floss cannot reach the places it needs to reach do to the placement of the wires. A water pick can go anywhere, so using one will keep gums clean. Also, people who have gum disease will often have areas where the gum pulls away from the tooth, creating a pocket. No amount of flossing will touch that, but a water pick can clean out the pockets and promote healing.

Keeping Up With Your Gums

Clinical studies have shown that using a water pick can not only reduce gingivitis, but can reduce bleeding gums, and even remove a degree of plaque. Using a water pick, dental floss, and a good toothbrush is the absolute best combination for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. And seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups will continue to keep everything working the right way, both above and below the gum line.

And remember, it’s better for your teeth if you do something rather than nothing at all.