Wellness

[Allegedly]

I have been using a Waterpik for six months. On Tuesday I had a dental cleaning and checkup. I was told that although my gums look healthy, the hygienist could tell I was not flossing. What? I told her I had been using the Waterpik and it is billed as a replacement for flossing. She told me I still need to floss even with this. Any other experiences? Should I stop using the Waterpik? <p>

[gazelle77]

You still need to floss. Did the directions say it replaced flossing?

[Big Sister]

Keep using the Water Pik, don't stop.

[4Kicks]

I floss AND use the WaterPik. Now DH uses ONLY the WaterPik. Our dentist never says a thing to him about flossing and is very happy with his care. Good thing, because NOTHING would get him to floss anyway.

Personally, I think sometimes it depends on your teeth and how they are spaced. Dental professionals may pop in here and give you better advice. I use those floss picks, MUCH easier to use!!!

[Kachina624]

Have you seen the Waterpik that attaches to the shower? I have one but haven't installed it yet.

[skuggles]

definitely not a replacement for flossing. adjunct

[Allegedly]

On 5/1/2014 gazelle77 said: You still need to floss. Did the directions say it replaced flossing?

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Yes, Waterpik provides research that they are just as effective as manual flossing. In my case it has not been true. My hygienist told me I still need to use floss. I guess I was hoping to eliminate the flossing. <p>

[QueenDanceALot]

I use a water pik and my hygienist told me the same thing, that I still needed to do a string flossing. She said it was still important for the places where the teeth make tight contact with one another.

I do it all.

[LilacTree]

My dentist also told me to stop using a WaterPik, but I think he is wrong. I have four bridges I my mouth and the only way to get under them is with a WaterPik. I also floss where I can, but I am losing my teeth (which I have spent many thousands on trying so hard to keep). It is a combination of genetics, RA, and the prednisone I have been using and trying to taper off.

I don't use a hard stream, but I would not discontinue using the WaterPik. I don't know what dentists have against them. Less appointments for $300 cleanings, perhaps?

[Perkup]

For those of us who weren't born with strong pearly whites, it's obvious that anything you can do to retain those teeth throughout your life is worth the time and effort. A water pic is a great asset in doing this - especially if you have any bridgework. But it doesn't eliminate the need to floss regularly.

Good example - DH is 95 years old and has all his own teeth. He did have to have a cap made last year because he accidentally chipped a front tooth. But he brushes with a vengeance every morning and evening, and I have seen him get out of bed and return to the bath because he forgot to floss. It's worked for him, and I wish I had been taught better oral hygiene in my earlier years. I have lots of bridgework - not always my fault-weak teeth!!

Do whatever you can to keep your teeth. You never know how long you'll need them.