The waterpik was first invented in 1962. There has been a great deal of confusion since then as to which is better for your oral health: regular flossing or a waterpik? Which one is recommended by dentists? Rather than jumping straight to the answer, let’s examine the pros and cons of each method.

Flossing

It may seem like a boring piece of string, but it is much more than that. Flossing is an excellent method of removing food that is trapped between the teeth or below the gum line. Using this method is a very efficient way to accomplish this task, and it is probably one of the cheapest items you will ever purchase. Flossing is quick, easy, and you can do it virtually anywhere. Unfortunately, untrained hands may have difficulty reaching certain areas of the mouth when flossing. There is also the possibility of minor bleeding or sensitivity to the gums.

Waterpik

Our dependence on technology has never been greater than it is today. The waterpik is a special device that shoots a stream of water into the mouth, using pressure to massage the gums and push food away from the teeth. The device is extremely easy to use, making it an excellent choice for individuals with braces or other types of dental work. Gum health can be greatly improved by the massaging effect. It is also easier to maneuver, allowing you to reach those hard-to-reach places that regular floss simply cannot.

Waterpiks, on the other hand, can be costly and difficult to store in your bathroom.Additionally, it requires access to electricity and clean water, which means it cannot be carried as comfortably as a pocket-sized floss container.

As a matter of fact, there is no right answer as to which is the better method of flossing. Depending on your needs and circumstances, both are excellent options for flossing. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, a waterpik reduced plaque by 74.4 percent, while flossing only reduced it by 57.7 percent. As compared to traditional floss, Waterpiks can also reduce the risk of gingivitis and bleeding gums. Nevertheless, many dentists still recommend string flossing as the most effective method of cleaning between your teeth.

We are here to assist you in maintaining your oral health for life, no matter what decision you make. To schedule your next appointment, please contact our office today.

There has been a trend towards being eco-friendly for a while, but this issue is more pressing now than ever before. Fortunately, we still have time to change our habits in order to prevent irreversible climate change.

Choosing the right oral care products and disposing of them properly can help us take care of the environment. You can keep your mouth healthy in a sustainable way by following these tips!

Be aware of how much water you are using.

This may seem obvious or even common knowledge. You can make a significant impact on the environment by reducing the amount of water you use while brushing. If you turn off the water while brushing, you could potentially save 8 gallons of water per day. In your home, that’s more than 200 gallons a month per person. Children who are taught these habits early will be more likely to lead a sustainable lifestyle in the future.

Brush with a bamboo toothbrush.

Many toothbrushes are made from non-degradable and non-recyclable materials, such as plastic handles and nylon bristles. It means that the 50 million pounds of plastic waste generated by toothbrushes every year never really leaves the planet. Unlike plastic toothbrushes, bamboo toothbrushes are compostable and biodegradable, which means they can be easily disposed of in landfills.

Make use of an electric toothbrush.

Certain electric toothbrushes have a reusable bottom or base, and the top is replaced when the bristles become worn. Although waste is still generated, it is significantly less than getting a brand new toothbrush every few months. To further reduce waste, use an electric toothbrush that plugs into the wall instead of batteries.

Recycle

There is probably more to your oral health care routine than just a toothbrush and water. There is a green toothpaste option available at almost every major retailer. If you have bottles of mouthwash, plastic containers to hold floss, or other plastic materials, ensure that you recycle them properly. If you are unsure whether some of your containers are recyclable, you can ask your local recycling center. It can go a long way towards preventing plastic from ending up in unwanted places.

Dentists practice eco-friendly dentistry in greater numbers than ever before. Some may not even be aware that they are doing so. Dentists who are environmentally conscious utilize digital x-rays and patient records. Furthermore, they may be able to use environmentally friendly dental materials without adding hazardous substances to wastewater.

Think green and keep yourself and the planet smiling. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment.