Today, we’re talking about the water flosser, also known as interdental cleaner, interdental irrigator, or water jet.
A water irrigation device oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out particles of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you insert the tube into your mouth, turn it on, and then lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open to let the water dribble out as you navigate the stream of shooting water around the gumline, pausing briefly at each gap between adjoining teeth.
There have been over 65 studies that have validated the safety and proficiency of water flossing for calculus reduction, plaque biofilm removal, bleeding reduction, inflammation reduction, and gingivitis treatment.
Should Your Child Use a Water Flosser?
To answer this question, meet with Dr. Acton to acquire an oral care treatment plan that factors in tooth and gum health, physical dexterity, and lifestyle.
The following circumstances may affect whether or not Dr. Acton advises you to provide an interdental irrigation device for your child
- Braces or other orthodontic appliances
- A physical condition that decreases the ability to brush and/or floss
- Gingivitis
- Gums that bleed when flossing
- Aversion to flossing
- Sensitive teeth
The welcoming team at Cary Family Dental would love to help your child learn the most appropriate processes for keeping gums pink and healthy and firmly attached to cavity-free teeth.
Here’s some background on the water flosser: The first water-shooting device for cleaning between teeth was created in the early 1960s by Colorado dentist Dr. Gerald Moyer and John Mattingly, a hydraulics engineer. The instrument is now known by the brand name Waterpik, though many people use the term generically. Since its origin, other companies have entered the market with similar products. (Note: Cary Family Dental does not necessarily endorse any specific brand.)
Sources:
Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS, “Interdental Cleansing,” The American Dental Hygienist Association, https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7123_Waterpik_Irrigation.pdf, accessed March 10, 2017
Carol A. Jahn, RDH, MS, “The Water Flosser: Your Tool For Optimal Oral Health,” https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/education/pdf/Waterpik_WaterFlosser_ContinuingEducation.pdf, accessed March 10, 2017
“Water Flossing,” MouthHealthy (ADA), http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/water-flossers, accessed March 10, 2017
Contact Cary Family Dental:
919-371-4428
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1149 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511
