Water flossers?

[kingoftheroost]

I'm thinking of buying a water flosser, but I don't know if it would be a smart purchase. I've read nothing but good reviews about a particular brand, but are water flossers better at cleaning the teeth than traditional methods of flossing?

The only information I've been able to find online so far has all been made available by the various companies who produce these machines, so they will only publish things that make the product look good.

Do any of you have experience with these things, and if you do, what sort of feedback has your dentist/hygienist given once you switched from traditional flossing to using a water flosser?

I've also seen air flossers, so if anyone would like to comment on those, please do.

[ShutTheSuccop]

I am a periodontist...

that being said, nothing, and I do repeat NOTHING takes the place of conventional brushing and flossing.

What I love to tell my patients:

Floss the teeth you want to keep...you can ignore the rest!

The reason that most "studies" say it is more effective is that people do not know how to properly floss. If you have not ever been taught how to do it properly, ask your dentist. No shame in that...I did not know how to floss properly until dental school!

[kingoftheroost]

Originally Posted by ShutTheSuccop

I am a periodontist...

that being said, nothing, and I do repeat NOTHING takes the place of conventional brushing and flossing.

What I love to tell my patients:

Floss the teeth you want to keep...you can ignore the rest!

The reason that most "studies" say it is more effective is that people do not know how to properly floss. If you have not ever been taught how to do it properly, ask your dentist. No shame in that...I did not know how to floss properly until dental school!

Sadly, I didn't know how to do it before being diagnosed with periodontal disease three years ago (not that I had been flossing anyway). But now I'm especially vigilant in the care of my teeth and gums, so I'm hoping to find the most effective way to clean them.