Reduce Dental Visits with the Water Flosser

Water Flosser

It is often thought that 100% fool proof oral hygiene methods are non-existent. This may be true, but adopting good oral hygiene measures can prevent dental visits to a great extent. Let me tell you how.

Often, we think that dental decay is solely brought about by bacteria. There could not be a more erroneous statement. The reason for most dental problems such as cavities, gum diseases and plaque is not bacteria alone. Bacteria and fungus exist in the oral cavity always. They are not coming in new to cause decay. Deterioration of your teeth is largely due to food debris stuck between teeth or other areas of the mouth, where regular brushing cannot dislodge them. Surprised? Let me tell you more.

Outcomes of Poor Oral Hygiene

1. Bad Breath — Bacteria acting on food stuck between teeth causes bad breath
2. Decay of Teeth — Bacteria acting on food stuck between teeth creates acid formation, leading to formation of cavities, plaque and decay
3. Gum Disease — Poorly maintained teeth also affects gum health, leading to sensitive gums that bleed and ultimately lead to mobile teeth

Dental Care Myths

Here are some myths existing related to dental care.

1) Tooth decay is caused solely due to bacteria — In reality, decay is the by-product of food getting stuck in between hard to reach places within the mouth. Bacteria and fungus resides naturally in our mouth environment and are not newly present.

2) Suppressing oral bacteria brings down decay — In reality, when you suppress the bacterial presence in your mouth, it can disrupt the balance of the oral ecosystem that is made up of a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to overgrowth of certain bacteria or fungi, which can lead to oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other issues.

3) Flossing and brushing limits decay — Brushing alone may not be enough to completely prevent tooth decay. It may be important for maintaining good oral hygiene, but a toothbrush may not reach all surfaces of the teeth, particularly areas between teeth where food debris can accumulate. This is why dental professionals recommend using additional methods such as water flossing to remove debris and bacteria that can cause tooth decay

About Flossing…

Dentists often advice patients to floss regularly, but this may not be a very safe way to clean between teeth, particularly in the case of those with clumsy hands or limited mobility. Let us see why flossing can be a little too ineffective in maintaining oral hygiene.

1. Pushes food further into gums — Floss can inadvertently push food debris further into the gums, and this is counterproductive.
2. Difficult to use: Some people may find it difficult to use dental floss correctly and effectively, particularly if they have limited dexterity or mobility in their hands.
3. Inefficient in removing plaque: Plaque may not be effectively removed by floss. This is because it is a hard layer of deposit on teeth enamel that needs a stronger mechanism for removal.
4. Trauma to gums: Incorrect or over-aggressive flossing technique can cause trauma to the gums, leading to bleeding and inflammation.
5. Causes Discomfort: Flossing can be uncomfortable for some people, especially those with sensitive gums or teeth.
6. Is Time-consuming: Flossing can be time-consuming, especially if you have to floss all of your teeth.
7. Easy to Give Up: Many people find flossing to be tedious or uncomfortable, and as a result, they may be less likely to floss regularly or leave out flossing altogether.

Which preventive oral care method is better?

For the many reasons cited above, it is important to complement tooth brushing or flossing with other oral hygiene practices such as water flossing. Together, these practices can help to ensure a high level of oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay and gum disease, thereby reducing your visits to the dental office.

Why the Water Flosser?

Water flossers are an increasingly popular choice for people looking to maintain optimal oral hygiene. They are effective, easy to use and can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. A water flosser uses a consistent stream of water at selected pressures to remove plaque, bacteria and food particles from between the teeth and from below the gum line. This can help prevent gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.

The biggest benefit of using a water flosser is that it is much more effective than traditional flossing. A water flosser works by shooting a high-pressure stream of water between the teeth, removing plaque and debris from areas inside the mouth that traditional flossing cannot reach. It is also much easier to use than normal flossing and can be carried out in a fraction of the time.

Another great benefit of using a water flosser is that it is gentle on the gums. Traditional flossing can be harsh on the gums, but a water flosser is much gentler. This makes it ideal for people with sensitive gums or those with braces. It also helps reduce the risk of gum inflammation and gingivitis.

The convenience of a water flosser is also a major benefit. It is cordless, portable and easy to use. You can use it anywhere, anytime and it takes just a few minutes to get your teeth clean and healthy. It is also perfect for those who are short on time and need to quickly clean their teeth.

A Word of Caution Though

If you are suffering from existing dental issues such as dental decay or gum disease, it may not be wise to buy a water flosser for immediate results. Wisdom must tell you that you have to visit a registered dental practitioner to clear existing problems first. This is because if there has been food accumulation in hard-to-reach places such as in between your teeth, this accumulated food waste would have hardened due to passage of time and bacterial interference, and would be difficult to remove using water flossers in one go. Similarly, those with gum problems or cavities need to clear these first with the dentist.

Don't be worried about the initial bleeding from the gums. This will stop after 2 days of use once the gums healthy. Learn how to use the water flosser effectively (Watch Video) such as how to switch between upper and lower jaw teeth and between right and left sides. If you are using water flossers such as the Hanu Dent water flosser, an automatic cut off after 3 minutes will help in easier shifting between the jaw and sides. Also this flosser needs to be charged only once a week, allowing you to concentrate more on the cleaning.

In conclusion, a water flosser can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. It is an effective, easy to use and convenient option that can help you maintain optimal oral hygiene. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your teeth and gums healthy, a water flosser is the way to go!