THE PROS AND CONS OF WATER PICKS

When you’re investing in your dental health, the best thing you can do is schedule regular cleanings and practice routine brushing and flossing. But when it comes to flossing, there are a couple of different methods to choose from. While many people prefer the traditional string floss, others are discovering water picks. However, if you find yourself on the fence about the method that’s right for you, let Dobson Ranch Dental Care help you decide. Below, we’ve laid out some of the pros and cons of water picks to help guide you in the best dental care possible.

Pros & Cons of Water Picks

HOW WATER FLOSSERS WORK

A water pick, or water flosser, moves pressurized water through your teeth to give you that fresh-flossed feel. Unlike traditional flossing, this method doesn’t require much coordination or a mirror. Instead, you can simply target the areas you want to blast with water. Additionally, many water picks come with interchangeable bristles, making flossing easier for those with metal braces.

PROS OF WATER FLOSSERS

If the idea of scraping your teeth and getting between your gums with traditional floss doesn’t appeal to you, water picks are for you. Because these handheld machines use pressurized water, there’s no need to floss back and forth or get deep below the gum line. The blast of water is more than enough to remove food particles and bacteria. Not only do water picks help to prevent cavities, but they also help prevent gum disease. Finally, this option is perfect for patients with arthritis or other disabilities that make regular flossing difficult. As a bonus, the massaging action of the pick is a great way to promote healthy gums.

CONS OF WATER FLOSSERS

One of the main cons of water flossers is that they’re rather expensive. Unlike traditional floss that you can buy for just a few dollars, water picks tend to start at around $50 a unit. And depending on the brand you go with, you could lose a lot of counter space in the bathroom. Still, there are some sleek, cordless options out there, but you’ll have to keep in mind their power and reliability. Additionally, you’ll have to replace the head attachments every four to six months. And finally, water picks don’t always remove all the plaque that traditional string floss can.

OUR CHOICE

When it comes to your flossing method, we are promoters of anything that helps make it an enjoyable experience. When you enjoy doing something, you’re more likely to keep doing it. If you don’t like the feel of traditional floss, then we highly recommend you try water picks. If you have a water pick but hate the bulkiness, we recommend you go with a cordless, handheld option or switch back to string floss. Either way, we just want to know that you’re flossing and removing as much plaque and bacteria as you can.

VISIT OUR DENTAL EXPERTS

Your dental care is important to us, which is why we always encourage keeping up with regular exams and dental care. But, we also have other services that can benefit anyone and help restore your smile. We proudly offer residents throughout Mesa, AZ, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and root canal therapy. So, whether you’re scheduling a regular appointment or something else, give us a call at (480) 838-8558.