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Many people consider flossing a hassle and have instead turned to using a Waterpik® as a substitute. However, there aren’t any guarantees with a Waterpik, which is why the staff at Main Street Dental in La Crosse, WI, are weighing in. While a Waterpik does offer convenience, you may be surprised to find at your next dentist visit that all the plaque you’re targeting isn’t being cleaned away.

Waterpiks focus on imitating the effects of flossing by shooting thin, high-powered jets of water between teeth. This has many advantages, such as removing lodged food or debris and helping to clean around braces and dental bridges. It’s also a safe way to clean around the gum line where it’s difficult to sometimes reach with floss. However, despite these benefits, they don’t outweigh the positives of regular flossing.

dentistRegardless of how strong the Waterpik's jets are, they aren’t sufficient for cleaning plaque from the spaces between your teeth. These areas can’t be rinsed—they have to be “wiped,” in a sense. When you floss, you’re scraping plaque from these surfaces so bacteria doesn’t have the opportunity to spread and cause decay. If you have difficulty using floss, speak with your dentist at your next visit so they can show you the most effective technique. It’s also important to keep cost and convenience in mind, as most Waterpik's are bulky and carry a high price tag. They may also be difficult for your children to use.

Ultimately, if you have dexterity problems, a Waterpik is a great solution. But to truly clean your teeth, it’s best used alongside flossing and regular brushing. If you’re interested in learning more about proper dental hygiene tools, turn to a dentist at Main Street Dental. They focus on providing every patient with preventative dentistry services and can also offer cosmetic services as well. Call (608) 784-4063 today to schedule an appointment with a dentist, and visit their website and Facebook to learn about their restorative dentistry services.

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