In 1962 the waterpik was first invented. Since then, people have been curious to know which is better for your oral health, regular flossing or water picking? Which one do dentists recommend? Before we skip directly to the answer, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each of the techniques.

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Flossing

It may just seem like a boring piece of string, but it’s so much more. Flossing is a great way of removing food that is in between the teeth or below the gum line. It’s a very efficient method of doing so and it’s probably one of the cheapest things you’ll ever buy. Flossing is quick, easy, and you can get it done just about anywhere.

Unfortunately, in unpracticed hands, normal flossing can make it hard to reach some areas of the mouth. It can also cause minor bleeding, worsening or causing gum sensitivity. 

Water Picking

Today, we’re more dependent upon our technology than ever before. The waterpik is a special machine that shoots a stream of water into the mouth, using pressure to massage the gums and push food away from your teeth. It’s incredibly easy to use, making it a great choice for people with braces or other types of dental work. The massaging effect can be a great benefit to gum health. Water picking is also easier to maneuver, getting to those hard to reach places that regular floss just can’t seem to reach. 

However, Waterpiks can be expensive and clunky to store in your bathroom. It also requires access to electricity and clean water too, meaning that you can’t travel with it as well as you can with a handy pocket sized floss container. 

The truth is, there really is no right answer as to which is the better flossing option. Depending on your needs and your circumstances, both are great options to get your flossing done. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that water picking reduced plaque by 74.4 percent while flossing only reached 57.7 percent. Water picking can also reduce your chances of gingivitis or bleeding gums when compared to traditional floss. However, many dentists still recommend string flossing as the best way to clean the gaps between your teeth. 

Whatever you decide, our experienced dental team is here to help you maintain your oral health for life. Call our Periodontist Orlando FL office today to schedule your next appointment. 

Your oral health is important to you. But taking care of your smile is just as important as taking care of the planet. With these three easy to use tips, there’s a way you can do both at the same time.

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Keep an eye on your water usage

It may seem obvious, and even common knowledge. But reducing the amount of water you use while brushing can truly make a significant difference. If you turn the water off while your brushing, you could potentially save up to 8 gallons of water a day. That’s over 200 gallons a month per person in your home. If you have children, teaching them these habits early will set them up for a sustainable lifestyle.

Choose your toothbrush wisely

When it comes to eco friendly toothbrushes, you have a lot of options. There are brushes made out of recycled plastic or aluminum. There are also biodegradable toothbrushes made out of wood. There’s even an electric toothbrush out there that only requires a one hour charge every six months. With so many great options available to you, it should be easy to find one that works for you. Make sure you do your research. 

Recycle

Your oral health care routine probably uses more than just a toothbrush and water. You can find green toothpaste options at every major store. If you have bottles of mouthwash, plastic containers to hold floss, or other plastic materials, make sure you recycle them properly. If you’re unsure of whether some of your containers are recyclable, you can ask your local recycling center and they’ll provide you with the information. This can go a long way in keeping your plastic out of places it shouldn’t be.

More dentists than ever are practicing eco-friendly dentistry. Surprisingly, some of them may not even be aware that they are doing so. These environmentally conscious dentists use digital x-rays and patient records. They could also use sustainable dental materials while avoiding adding hazardous substances to wastewater. 

Keep yourself, and the planet smiling by thinking green. Schedule your next appointment by contacting our implant dentist Orlando office today.