In a recent Greeley Dental Care Blog post, we discussed cleaning between your teeth using a jet of water vs. string dental floss. In this discussion, we will compare floss vs. water vs. AIR! Yes…Air!
If you compare air flossing vs. water flossing, you’ll find that both of these tools are flossers. Both clean around and between teeth and prevent gum disease, but they are different in their methods.
Water flossers such as the Water Pik and Sonicare AirFloss are two popular models of electric flossing tools used to promote healthy oral and dental hygiene. The WaterPik and other water flossers use a stream of water. Air flossers use a stream of air, and small ‘micro droplets’ of water.
While the air flossers do use some droplets of water, most of the power is from small, bursts of air. Water flossers, however, use a continuous stream of water. Surprisingly, air flossers use just one teaspoon of water! While both types of flossers are liked by patients, each has advantages and disadvantages. So what are the differences and which one is better?
According to Life Health HQ, the Advantages of the WaterPik include:
Both the water and air flossers are great tools for promoting healthy gums. But which is the best choice? In a study published in 2012 in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, clinicians found that that the water flosser reduced significantly more plaque from tooth surfaces than the air flosser. The study was conducted over a four week period, comparing two groups who used either a Sonicare AirFloss or a WaterPik, in addition to regular brushing. The study found that:
The studies we have at the moment indicate that the water flosser is the better option, but ultimately, the best flossing tool will be the one you will actually use on a daily basis. That has always been the issue with normal string flossing. Many patients wonder if an air flosser or water flosser can replace manual string flossing.
Regular string flossing is still valued by most dentists and dental hygienists and ideally should be performed even when using an air flosser or water flosser. String floss physically scrapes the tooth to remove plaque, and no other technology can quite beat that scraping motion.
However, patients with braces or fixed bridges probably prefer a water flosser or air flosser since those tools will help dislodge particles that string floss cannot easily reach. It’s also important to remember that water and air flossers are great for preventing gum disease by cleaning gum pockets that floss doesn’t reach. They definitely serve a need specifically for gum health that traditional floss does not fulfill.
Always feel free to ask questions when you come in to Greeley Dental Care for your visits with our professional hygienists or Dr. Dhoon or Dr. Briskie and they can help you decide which choice is right for you!
Contact Greeley Dental Care if you have any questions about the flossing tools available today. Our professional team is here to help! Schedule an appointment today by clicking HERE or calling 970-373-5012.