Waterpick and flossing for cleaning teeth, which one is better?

Having clean teeth makes a smile look beautiful, right? Well, the method of cleaning teeth is very important to make a beautiful and healthy smile. After brushing your teeth, there are several methods of cleaning your teeth that can be done, including waterpik and flossing. What's the difference between the two?

Is brushing your teeth not enough? Why should you add flossing or waterpik?

More than 500 species of bacteria can be found in plaque in teeth, along with food waste, water and other components. The buildup of plaque around the teeth and on the gum line will have an impact on tooth and gum disease. Because of this, the American Dental Association recommends additional cleaning besides a toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends using an additional method, namely by cleaning between the teeth after brushing. Brushing along with cleaning between the teeth has been shown to interfere with plaque formation and remove plaque.

What is flossing?

Flossing is a method of cleaning teeth using a thin piece of floss that is inserted between the teeth one at a time. The rope used is not just any rope, but is made soft and specially for the teeth so that it can sweep up and down on each tooth surface. This flossing movement is directed to move the dirt and food particles remaining on the teeth outwards.

Disadvantages and advantages of cleaning teeth with flossing

The advantage is that this method is efficient at removing any remaining dirt between the teeth. In addition, this method is also relatively inexpensive and the rope can be purchased at the nearest pharmacy or convenience store that sells it.

Dental floss, the thread used for flossing, is very easy to find. Using the flossing method is quick and easy and can be done anywhere. The small size of the dental floss also makes it practical to pocket and carry everywhere.

The negative thing, not all between the teeth can be reached by this method. Bleeding on the gums can also occur if the user is too hard and is not used to the friction.

What is waterpik?

Waterpic, also known as water flossing, is a dental care method that uses water to flow into the mouth and gums. Instead of flossing between your teeth to remove plaque, this method uses water pressure to massage the gums and push the slipped food out of between your teeth.

The advantages and disadvantages of cleaning teeth with waterpik

Waterpik is easy to use, it is like pressing a button, pressurized water will come out. Waterpik is also suitable for people who use stirrups instead of flossing with thread.

Pressed water spray that comes out of the waterpik tool, and will feel like massaging the gums. This massage can also improve gum health. By using a waterpik, all hard-to-reach teeth are easier to reach than using dental floss to clean.

However, Waterpik also has drawbacks. In terms of price, waterpik is expensive compared to using dental floss. Waterpik storage requires its own space because of its size that is not small. To use a waterpik you also need electricity and water, making it difficult if you want to use it outside the home.

Then, which one is better?

Which tooth cleaning method is good is determined by our own needs and abilities. It all depends on which one you like the most, which is the most affordable with you and can be used for everyday life. What is important, can clean teeth and gums every day.

Some people like the manual flossing method of cleaning their teeth. Some other people actually like using a waterpik.

Even so, doctors usually recommend using flossing because it is easy to find.

Besides cleaning your teeth yourself, don't forget to check with the dentist regularly every 6 months. Don't forget to brush your teeth twice a day, morning and before going to bed at night.