Is a Water Pick Right for Me?

With the hundreds of products available on the market today for cleaning your teeth, it can be difficult for many of our patients to decide which products to take and which to leave. Among the newer products available on the market, water picks offer an intriguing cleaning solution for many of our patients.

A water pick is often also referred to as a water flosser even though water picks do not replace the important act of flossing. Water picks work by blasting water to irrigate the spaces between your teeth and other hard to reach pockets of the mouth.

It is important to know that using a water pick is not a substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth.  Over time plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth. This plaque harbors bacteria and germs that can lead to bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay. A water pick can be a great complimentary device to your normally cleaning routine, offering a fresher feeling to your teeth and gums.

Despite the nickname “water flosser” water picks do not get completely in between each of your teeth. Water picks may not be an effective solution for cleaning between teeth that are crooked, overlapping or tightly spaced. Floss is the only guaranteed way to eliminate debris from between your teeth. If you suffer from painful gum disease or simply have sensitive gums, a water pick may feel therapeutic for many patients. Patients with braces may also uniquely benefit from the cleaning power of a water pick.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Hudson Valley, make an appointment.