Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine at home is vital to ensuring good oral health. If you brush twice a day and floss at least once, and if you visit your dentist at least twice a year, you’re well on the way to healthy teeth and gums. But if you want to “up the ante” on your at-home oral hygiene, you might consider taking the next step with a water flosser. Whether you use a water flosser to replace your traditional floss or use it as a supplement to your regular brushing and flossing routine, there are some great reasons why you should use these effective dental hygiene tools.

• Water flossers work better than traditional floss. The pulsating water is much more effective at removing food particles, plaque, and bad bacteria, both above the gum line and just beneath it. This helps to reduce your risk of cavities, not to mention periodontal disease.
• Water flossers aren’t as hard on your gums as traditional floss. If you consistently use floss once a day or more, you can damage your gums if you’re not careful. Water flossers are much easier on your gum tissue, as well as being more effective than regular floss.
• You’ll be less likely to damage dental restorations and/or dental appliances. Traditional floss can get caught up in braces, crowns, fillings, etc. If you’re not careful, you can even damage your dental work with regular floss. Using a water flosser is a much safer alternative.
• Water flossers are easier to use. Once you practice a few times with a water flosser, you’ll find that it’s actually easier to use than regular floss. This is especially true for people with limited mobility who might find holding traditional floss and reaching in between teeth a bit challenging. Once you become accustomed to using it, a water flosser is also faster than traditional flossing.

You play a huge role in your own dental health, so why not take the next step when it comes to an effective oral hygiene routine at home? Water flossers come in a variety of styles and varying price ranges, so there’s likely to be one that works for you. If you’re not sure which one to purchase, ask your dentist for a recommendation. If you want to do everything within your power to ensure that you enjoy good oral health for a lifetime, “up the ante” on your oral hygiene routine with a water flosser.