The importance of maintaining an effective dental hygiene routine cannot be overstated. Apart from enhancing your smile, boosting your confidence, and preventing the onset of decay leading to pain and the possible loss of a tooth, healthy teeth have overall health benefits. Among the greatest threats to dental health are the tiny food particles that often become trapped between teeth and which brushing frequently fails to dislodge. Although the fine thread known as dental floss works well, a water flosser works better.
It might surprise many to learn that dental floss is far from new. In practice, it was invented by a dentist from New Orleans more than two centuries ago, in 1815, Despite its initially slow adoption, its modern derivatives are now available from dentists, pharmacies, and supermarkets worldwide in an annual market valued at almost USD 605 million in 2023. However, this new development in oral hygiene aids could soon lead to a sharp decline in that figure.
How Does a Water Flosser Work?
Alternatively known as an oral irrigator, this novel device directs a pulsed stream of water between the teeth to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles from the gaps between the teeth and along the gumline. The simple but effective design consists of just three components: a water reservoir, a pump, and a nozzle and operates as follows:
- The reservoir is filled with water or a mixture of water and mouthwash and will typically hold sufficient fluid for approximately two minutes of flossing.
- Once switched on, the pump is activated and will begin to force the water out through the nozzle in a series of rapid pulsed bursts.
- Positioning the nozzle at the gum line and in line with gaps between the teeth provides an effective means to clean areas that would be far more difficult to access using traditional dental floss. In addition, the pulsed action of the water on the gums acts as massage therapy, leading to improved circulation and gum health.
These devices are particularly beneficial for those with dental work like bridges, crowns, implants, or braces as they can navigate around such structures without damaging them or causing any discomfort.
The Water Flosser vs. Conventional Dental Floss
Despite being an effective means to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, conventional dental floss has limitations. For example, it is generally unsuitable for people with sensitive gums or tightly spaced teeth. Here are some other ways in which this alternative oral hygiene aid excels:
- Effectiveness: A pulsating water stream has a marked advantage when tackling those hard-to-reach areas and can remove up to 99,9% of biofilm from treated surfaces in seconds.
- Ease of Use: No dexterity or special care is necessary. Once switched on, the device only needs the user to position it as required.
- Gum Health: Dental floss often causes irritation, discomfort, and even bleeding, whereas the action of a water flosser promotes healthy gums.
These are just a few of many equally compelling reasons to consider upgrading your oral hygiene routine. If you would like to experience the benefits of a water flosser first-hand, why not book a consultation at one of the Dr Ivan Marx dental practices in Gauteng?