We all know that daily brushing is essential to keep our teeth healthy and clean. Certainly, you have heard before about dental floss, and its importance for cleaning and removing food residues between the teeth, but have you ever heard of the water floss device? In this article, we will learn more about dental water floss, and the difference between it and traditional floss.

What is water dental floss?

Water flosser, or as it is known in English as Water flosser, or Water picking, or Oral irrigators, is a special device that directs a stream of water to the teeth and gums, which helps remove food residues and prevent the formation of tartar, and is an alternative to traditional dental floss for those who find difficulties in using it.

How does this device work?

The water flosser works by battery and charging. Just like traditional floss, it aims to remove bacteria and food residues stuck between the teeth, before they harden and form annoying tartar that can only be removed by a dentist, and this is done by spraying a torrent of water under a certain pressure on the teeth and gums, specifically in the areas where The toothbrush can’t reach it.

Who can use a dental water pump?

This device can be used by people who find it difficult to use traditional dental floss, and among these people are the following:

In addition to the possibility of using this device by people who suffer from arthritis, anyone can include it in their daily oral care routine.

How to use water floss

Before we get to know how to use dental water floss, you should know that this device is not a substitute for brushing teeth, just as it may not reach the areas that traditional dental floss reaches (between the teeth), so it is a good alternative for the cases mentioned, as for Ordinary people can use it with brush and floss to maintain oral health and hygiene, and to reach hard-to-reach areas.

To use this device, you can fill the water tank with warm water, then direct the designated part of the device to your teeth, turn it on, and do not forget to stand in front of the sink to avoid splashing water around you and making a mess.

The sprayed water comes out in steady pulses. Hold the handle at a 90 degree angle to your teeth, brush your back teeth first, don’t forget behind the top and bottom teeth, and point it in between the teeth as much as possible.

The cleaning process takes about two minutes. After completion, it is recommended to empty the tank of water to avoid the growth of bacteria inside it.

Can I use mouthwash in a water flosser?

Some people may consider adding an amount of mouthwash to the water tank, not only to add a refreshing taste to the water, but also as an additional oral hygiene measure, and you can try this, but be sure to read the instructions that came with the device from the manufacturer first for the recommended safe use of the device without causing damage.
Pure essential oils should not be used undiluted (such as tea oil), as they may damage the device.

Advantages of water dental floss

• easy to use.
• The possibility of using it for people who have undergone orthodontics, fixtures, or dental implants.
• Reach hard-to-reach areas by brushing or flossing.
• Fresh breath, mouth odor.

Disadvantages of dental water floss

• Expensive, and its cost is not suitable for some people.
• It does not remove all of the plaque buildup the way traditional threading does.
• Limited in places of use, as it must be used in front of the sink, to avoid splashing and making a mess.
• It needs storage space, and needs an electricity source for charging, and a source of water, which makes it difficult to use it outside the home.

Traditional floss or water floss?

Traditional floss is an excellent and effective tool for cleaning between the teeth, and it can also be used to clean the surface of the tooth from top to bottom, while water floss overcomes the disadvantages of traditional floss in terms of injuring the gums and causing bleeding, and it can also remove food residues from the surface of the teeth effectively. Better, in addition to helping to remove bacteria, it should be considered as an alternative. Brushing or flossing is not recommended.