{"id":1812,"date":"2022-03-14T15:06:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-14T20:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elmbrookfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=1812"},"modified":"2025-08-25T13:26:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T18:26:27","slug":"does-your-dentist-recommend-the-waterpik-or-dental-floss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elmbrookfamilydental.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/14\/does-your-dentist-recommend-the-waterpik-or-dental-floss\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s More Effective: Waterpik or Dental Floss?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"woman<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Harley-Davidson Museum or Lambeau Field? Beer brats or cheese curds? Friday or Saturday nights? Some decisions are easier than others. When it comes to cleaning in between teeth, dental floss and a Waterpik water flosser each have their own merits. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Brookfield about the pros and cons of dental floss, plus the benefits and drawbacks of the Waterpik, so that you can make the best choice for your oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are the Pros and Cons When It Comes to Utilizing Dental Floss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental floss dates back to prehistoric times and was first recommended in print by a book published in 1819. Floss of the 1800s was usually made from unwaxed silk and after World War II it was replaced by nylon. It\u2019s an important part of dental care to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. The main benefit of floss is that it\u2019s easy to control so that you can clean each tooth in full. Maneuvering the floss in between teeth allows you to wipe each tooth clean before plaque can turn into tartar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, if you rely only on floss, some areas of your mouth may be unreachable. You may have trouble flossing between teeth that are very close together. It\u2019s important to rinse your mouth after you floss to remove plaque and residue scraped free from your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Attributes and Drawbacks to Using the Waterpik?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a company, Waterpik began in 1962 as Aqua Tec Corporation with the invention of the oral irrigator. Waterpik is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. You might potentially lean toward a Waterpik over floss if you wear braces or have nonremovable bridgework, crowns, or dental implants. Also, people with arthritis or those who have trouble maneuvering string floss may need the Waterpik. It is easy to use, gets into the hard-to-reach areas, and cleans between teeth that are very close together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the negative side, a Waterpik may not remove all plaque, plus it\u2019s messy and certainly much more expensive than buying dental floss. Plus, it may take a while to figure out your preferred water temperature and power setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making the Right Call for Your Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The American Dental Association approves each of these choices, assuming you do a thorough job. Research has shown there\u2019s minimal difference in plaque removal between these two. Be sure to brush at least twice per day and use your preferred method of cleaning in between your teeth at least once daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not crucial whether you choose flossing or the Waterpik \u2013 it\u2019s crucial that you choose one of them and utilize your preferred method daily. For further information, get your dentist\u2019s opinion on the matter during your next checkup and cleaning in Brookfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Elmbrook Family Dental<\/a>, dental insurance is welcome, and we offer appointments in the early mornings and evenings. From massage chairs to warm neck pillows, helping you be comfortable during your visit is very important to us. We have six dentists<\/a> on staff ready to help you. Feel free to get their thoughts on the flossing vs. Waterpik debate during your next checkup and cleaning. You can schedule one on our website<\/a> \u2013 just select our Brookfield location that is most convenient for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Harley-Davidson Museum or Lambeau Field? Beer brats or cheese curds? Friday or Saturday nights? Some decisions are easier than others. When it comes to cleaning in between teeth, dental floss and a Waterpik water flosser each have their own merits. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Brookfield about the pros and cons […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat\u2019s More Effective: Waterpik or Dental Floss | Elmbrook Family Dental<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"They both clean in between teeth but in very different ways. 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