What is a Water Flosser

by Tim Gordon

A water flosser is a handheld oral care device important in teeth care. It is also known as an oral irrigator. This device produces a stream of water that goes between the teeth. The jet of water seeks to remove food debris, plaque and bacteria lodged in the teeth. 

A water flosser works hand in hand with daily flossing to enhance your daily oral care routine. 

There are several water flosser benefits associated with water flossing. This article explores the key points you need to know about water flossers.

Types of Water Flossers

There are different types of water flossers available in the market today. You should consider your needs and specific water flosser features before making a choice.

Some of these features are flosser size, pressure, and type. Adequate knowledge about these will help you choose the right water flosser. The four types of water flossers are:

1. Countertop Water Flosser

The countertop water flosser is the heaviest water flosser available. It is often found on the countertop and plugged into the nearest electrical socket. It comes with a refillable irrigation tank.

2. Cordless or Battery-Operated Water Flosser

The cordless water flosser is quite different from the countertop water flosser. It is a slim, small, and portable waterflosser. It is the go-to water flosser to take with you on the weekend away or when you’re backpacking across countries.

3. Shower Flosser

This flosser type is attached to the shower head, making it easy to multitask. With this, you can floss your teeth before or after you take a shower. The shower flosser does not need an electrical outlet, unlike its counterparts. This type also frees you from having to refill. But, it can be tasking to maneuver.

4. Faucet Flosser

The faucet flosser is the most common type of water flosser. It is like the shower flosser because it also has a cord. The cord connects the water basin with the faucet flosser. The faucet flosser, like the shower flosser, comes with maneuverability problems.

Below are other factors you should consider when choosing a water flosser:

  • Pressure Setting
  • This function is an important feature when using a water flosser. The pressure settings can vary from person to person and even from day to day. Varying pressure settings are for gum sensitivity.

    The space between the teeth also affects the pressure setting of the water flosser. Tuski water flosser comes with four pressure settings. These are; normal, soft, pulse, and DIY. This feature allows you to choose the best for your teeth.

  • Water-Tank Size
  • Another essential factor is the size of the water tank. The ideal water flosser should be able to clean at least one tooth before refilling. Tuski water flosser has the ideal size of 360mL, making it easy to clean your teeth with ease and comfort. Asides from the size, the water tank should be detachable. This makes the refilling convenient.

    Water Flosser Benefits

    You can't go wrong by making water flossing part of your regular hygiene. To help you learn more, highlighted below are the benefits of water flossing:

    1. Water Flossing Improves Gum Health

    By water flossing, removing plaque and food debris becomes a lot easier. Water flossers also reach areas of the mouth that are difficult to access. Cleaning those areas improves gum health. It also aids the prevention of gum-related diseases like gingivitis.

    2. Water Flossing Offers Deep Cleaning

    For those who have experienced gum diseases, water flossing is often encouraged. This is because it cleans the teeth well. It gets to areas that the toothbrush cannot access. Food debris and plaque are removed from the areas where traditional flossing cannot reach.

    3. Water Flossers Are Less Abrasive

    If you compare water flossing with traditional flossing, water flossing wins. This is because water flossing is very gentle on the teeth and gums. Water flossers are less likely to irritate your gums.

    4. Water Flossing Is Ideal for Braces

    Braces can make traditional flossing challenging. Water flossing circumvents all these orthodontic appliances. The water jets reach behind the wires and remove all the particles lodged between the teeth.

    Who Should Consider a Water Flosser?

    Everyone should include water flossing in their oral routine. This is because its advantages can’t be overemphasized. There are certain conditions where a water flosser can prove to be an effective tool. Highlighted below are some of these conditions:

  • Bleeding Gums
  • Those who deal with bleeding gums will enjoy water flossing. Out of the many causes of bleeding gums, flossing too hard is one of them. By water flossing, bleeding gums are no longer a problem, and oral hygiene is maintained.

  • Braces
  • People who wear braces will agree that food particles tend to get stuck behind the brackets. Food debris also gets stuck underneath the wires of the braces. Water flossing is helpful when it comes to dealing with these food particles.

  • Dry Mouth
  • Saliva helps in cleaning the mouth. It also prevents plaque buildup in the mouth. Certain medications and even genetics can lead to inadequate saliva buildup. That can result in gum diseases and cavities. Water flossing is helpful when dealing with dry mouth and removing sticky plaque.

  • Food Stickiness
  • Some people are more likely to have food stuck in their mouths than others. This can be due to several factors, like the shape of your teeth. Yet, a water flosser can work around this condition to remove food particles stuck in the teeth.

    Water Flosser FAQs

    Do doctors approve of water flossers?

    Water flossing has been approved by the American Dental Association, ADA. It supplements oral health hygiene to remove food particles from the teeth.

    How often should I use a water flosser?

    Dentists encourage everyone to water floss their teeth at least once a day. This is to help maintain the teeth and build good oral health.

    Is it safe to use a water flosser?

    Water flossers are safe for adults. It is helpful for those with braces and people who have a hard time with traditional flossing.

    Is water flosser better than dental floss?

    The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends water flossing over string dental flossing. Water flossing is effective in removing plaque.

    Are water flosser tips universal?

    Yes, water flosser tips are universal and removable.

    Tim Gordon

    Writer

    Nov 02, 2022

    Tim Gordon is a Chicago-based content writer and editor with 10+ years of experience in technical writing. Tim works closely with both B2C and B2B businesses to help them produce high-quality yet easy-to-digest professional content that provides value to users and educates them. Throughout his career, Tim has crafted blog posts, help guides, white papers, and user manuals in personal care, dental hygiene, wellness, patient education, and more.