Today, the Addison Dentist is reviewing the water flosser, also known as an 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 put 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 direct the stream of shooting water around the gumline, pausing momentarily at each gap between adjacent teeth.
There have been over 65 studies that have verified the safety and effectiveness 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, speak with our team to receive an oral care treatment plan that factors in tooth and gum health, physical dexterity, and lifestyle.
The following conditions may influence whether or not we guide you to provide an interdental irrigation device for your child
- Braces or other orthodontic appliances
- A physical disability that reduces the ability to brush and/or floss
- Periodontal disease
- Gums that bleed when flossing
- Aversion to flossing
- Sensitive teeth
The compassionate team at the Addison Dentist would love to help your child learn the best-suited techniques 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.
Ready to find out if a water flosser is the right choice for your child’s oral care routine? Contact the Addison Dentist today to schedule a consultation, and let our team help you choose the best tools and techniques to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright!
Contact The Addison Dentist:
469-998-2515
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4145 Belt Line Rd Ste 208
Addison, Texas
75001
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
