waterpik vs flossing: pros and cons

Why does it matter?Nothing is more flattering than a gorgeous, healthy smile, but taking care of your teeth and gums is about more than just good looks.  Poor oral hygiene can cause cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease.
Gum disease can negatively affect heart health.  The bacteria that causes gum disease can also get into the bloodstream and target the fetus, possibly leading to prematurity and low birth weight in babies.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a good start, but regular brushing may not be enough to clean out food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between teeth.
Toothbrush bristles aren’t small enough to clean effectively in these tight spaces.  For this reason, interdental cleaning, such as flossing, is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).
You may be trying to decide which is better for cleaning in between teeth: dental floss or a Waterpik water flosser.  Getting input from your dentist is always a good idea.
It also helps to understand the differences and similarities between the two so that you can decide which will provide the most benefit for you.  It’s important to understand each tool and understand what they can and can’t do.
Waterpiks: Pros and ConsWaterpik water flossers are also referred to as dental water jets or oral irrigators.  The first oral irrigator was invented in 1962 by a Colorado dentist who was helped by his patient, a hydraulic engineer.
Water flossers use a pressurized stream of pulsating water to clean away food particles, bacteria, and plaque between teeth and under the gumline.
Who should use a Waterpik?You prefer to use a Waterpik instead of floss if you;

• wear braces
• have nonremovable bridgework
• have crowns
• have dental implants

A Waterpik may also be easier to use than standard floss for people with arthritis, or for anyone who finds strong floss difficult to maneuver and work with