What’s the Deal with Waterpiks?

You’ve probably heard about Waterpiks by now. Maybe someone you know has one, or maybe you just heard about them from a reference on TV, like inthis scene on Seinfeld.

So, what’s the deal with these things, anyway? What is a Waterpik?

A Waterpik (also known as an oral irrigator or dental water jet) is an alternative to floss. It uses a pulsating jet of water to remove plaque and bits of food from between the teeth and below the gum line.

What are the Benefits of Using a Waterpik?

Flossing can be a little hard on the gums. Many folks experience some light bleeding after a flossing session. Sometimes, these small cuts can lead to an infection.

A Waterpik is a much gentler alternative. There’s no risk of infection (which is especially advantageous if you have dental implants).

Other benefits of using a Waterpik include:

• Surface plaque removal: In     addition to removing debris from between the teeth, a Waterpik is also incredibly effective at removing the mossy slime that can build up on the surface of your teeth. Specifically, a University of Southern California studyfound that just three seconds of Waterpik use removes 99.9% of plaque biofilm from the treated area.
• Reach deeper into your gums: Floss is much more limited physically than a Waterpik. With the extra reach provided by a Waterpik, you can further protect yourself from cavities and their consequences.
• Fast and easy to use:  Each flossing session can take up to a couple minutes. Using a Waterpik is not only more effective – it’s more efficient, too. And, it    doesn’t require as much manual dexterity, which is a big plus for young children and the elderly. Just don’t forget to supervise a young child using a Waterpik, as they can get hurt if they accidentally spray themselves in the eye.

How Much Does a Waterpik Cost?

As with just about any product, the cost of a Waterpik depends on which model you buy and where you buy it.

Generally, you can expect to pay about $50 for the most basic model and closer to $100 for a more advanced model. There are a number of different accessories you can buy for your Waterpik as well, including Plaque Seeker and Pik Pocket tips (those will run you about $9 each) and travel cases (also $9).

If you have any questions about Waterpiks or anything else related to oral care, feel free to contact us and ask.