Is Using a Water Pick as Effective as Using Floss?

We all know to expect three tools will be used in our mouths when we go to the dentist: the toothbrush, the water pick and floss.

Of these three tools, flossing seems to be the one we dislike the most. Many find flossing daily to be a difficult habit to put into practice. There’s something about flossing that many find gross, taxing and downright impossible to make time for.

Is it possible to replace our floss with a powerful water pick and achieve the same results?

Water picks use the power of force to wash away food debris from around gum lines, between braces, under and around permanent bridges and retainers. They are also a great way to remove bacteria sitting against your teeth, between your teeth and around the gum line.

However, water picks cannot do something that flossing does quite well.

Flossing literally wipes or scrubs bacteria and plaque from your teeth. The scrubbing motion or rubbing of the floss against the surfaces of your teeth cannot be duplicated with a water pick.

Water picks are great at washing away food particles and some of the bacteria, but they cannot perform the same friction against each tooth that flossing can. Creating friction is the key to successfully removing bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth.

Flossing is also great at cleaning your teeth just below the gum line. Thin floss can slip effortlessly below the gum line and help prevent gum disease. Water picks can only clean the teeth down to the gum line.

When flossing and water picks are combined, the results are excellent.

Begin your routine by first flossing your teeth to scrub the debris from the tooth surfaces and remove food from between the teeth.

Then brush all surfaces of your teeth to completely remove the bacterial film from every side of every tooth.

Next, use the powerful force of the water pick to remove any remaining, loose debris.

Complete your routine by rinsing your mouth out with water or a mild mouthwash to completely remove the bacteria and food loosened by flossing.

This complete dental hygiene routine will provide the best overall care for your teeth and thus your overall health.