More and more, our patients are adding Waterpik electric flossers to their dental health routines. We see the good results in their checkups. Now, with new technology, Waterpiks have become an even more valuable tool to benefit your oral health.
Waterpiks remove plaque from the teeth using a stream of water along with some massaging action that benefits the gums. The high-pressure stream can clean deeper into the gum line than string flossing can, and it is a recommended flossing method for braces, bridges, and veneers. Some people floss only with Waterpiks, but most dentists advise using both.
Research has confirmed that Waterpiks are beneficial for oral health. A National Institutes of Health study in 2013 concluded the Waterpik Water Flosser, along with brushing, removed more plaque from tooth surfaces than string flossing and brushing. The American Dental Hygienists Association recommends water flossers, and the American Dental Association last year awarded the Waterpik Water Flosser the organization’s first Seal of Acceptance for powered dental cleaners.
The basic machine still works as it did when it was invented in 1962, but during the half-century since, improvements have made it more effective and more convenient, such as varied pressure and floss settings, for example, along with faster bristle speed and helpful timers.
Here are some of its latest features:
Whitening: Yes, your Waterpik can whiten your teeth easily in one step. This version of the machine automatically infuses a gentle whitener into the water. The company says the product removes 25% more stains than brushing alone. It’s more effective than strips and other home methods and less expensive than a trip to the dentist.
Travel: Waterpik makes two products for jet-setters: The Sidekick and the Traveler. With their global voltage compatibility, these models can be plugged in anywhere. Both pack compactly into carrying cases and are sized to fit on small sinks. The Traveler is a smaller version of the basic model, while the Sidekick features a cool, contemporary design available in three colors.
Cordless: With all the advantages and amenities of the full-size unit, these compact irrigators are perfect for taking with you when you might need to brush during the day as well as for travel and small bathrooms. Their electrical charge lasts four hours – long enough for most time away. They’re only for use with U.S. and Canadian electricity though.
Kids: This bright green kid-size unit includes easy controls and an orthodontic tip for use with braces. It comes with decals for personalized decoration. Kids may floss more if they have their own fun unit.
Price: If you’ve avoided the Waterpik in the past because of price, you will be pleased to see the cost is much less than it used to be. Basic models are the least expensive, of course, and they’re just as effective at removing plaque as the versions with more features.
Complete Care: This device combines the Water Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush in one package, relieving some clutter from your sink top. The Sonic brush includes a setting to whiten teeth.
Whichever Waterpik model you choose, we’re confident regular use will lead to cleaner, whiter teeth, and healthier gums.
