15 Jul Water Tooth Picks — Should You Buy One?

We often get asked about water flossers here at McIlwain Family Dentistry. Do they work? Are they worth the money? Are they that much better than regular flossing? In this month’s blog, we’re going to answer those questions for you!

Do they work?  We find them to be excellent at what they are intended to do, and the American Dental Association would agree. In 2017, the ADA recognized the Waterpik Water Flosser as the first powered interdental cleaner to receive the ADA Seal of Acceptance. “This product was shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis in areas between the teeth, often the most difficult areas for patients to effectively clean,” said Dr. John Dmytryk, chair of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs’ Seal Subcommittee. “By granting the ADA Seal of Acceptance to the Waterpik Water Flosser, consumers for whom these devices are appropriate can be confident that they can be a safe and effective component of their daily oral care when used as directed.”*

Are they that much better than regular flossing? While we fully encourage patients to continue a regular flossing routine, using a powered interdental cleaner such as a water flosser can help get to the hardest to reach places to clean in your mouth easier and more effectively than using regular floss alone.

Are they worth the money? Money that is spent on preventative care is money saved on dental repairs due to negligence. If you are someone who doesn’t enjoy flossing with string but still wants to do what they can to maintain optimum oral health, then perhaps a water flosser is just what the doctor ordered!

If you have any other lingering questions keeping you on the fence about purchasing a powered interdental cleaner/water flosser, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and ask away!

*https://www.ada.org/en/press-room/news-releases/2017-archives/february/waterpik-becomes-first-powered-interdental-cleaner-to-receive-ada-seal-of-acceptance