Water Flossers For Families: A Guide To Cleaner Smiles For All Ages

Everyone knows that brushing twice daily is essential for proper oral health. But the toothbrush isn’t the only piece of technology that might help you and your family to protect your teeth and gums. Let’s consider the water flosser, and why it’s becoming so popular among families.

The Benefits of Water Flossers for Family Oral Health

The bristles of the average toothbrush can’t reach the spaces between your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Flossing is the practice of scrubbing that space between the teeth – usually with a special length of string. However, there’s another approach, called water flossing, that uses a stream of water to do the same job. You can think of it as a pressure-washer for your teeth.

Water flossers use electricity to do the job. They aren’t as technique-intensive, which makes them a perfect fit for younger children, and adults who lack the time to learn to floss. In practice, they can be more effective than traditional flossing, because you’re more likely to stick with a habit that’s easier to pick up in the first place.

Choosing the Right Water Flosser for Different Ages

There are several different kinds of electric flossers to choose from. Some of them might be suited to different members of the family. For younger children, and adults with sensitive teeth, being able to adjust the water pressure might be critical.

How to Incorporate Water Flossing into the Family Routine

Simply investing in a water flosser isn’t enough to protect your teeth. You’ll need to actually make use of it, too. This means developing a routine that everyone can follow, every day.

The good news is that it’s easier to do this as a group than it is to do it on your own. Make sure that you hold one another accountable, and that you take the time to teach your children and correct their technique, in the same way that you would do when teaching your kids to brush. Once you’ve consistently flossed in this way every day for a month, the habit might become difficult to break.

Water Flossers for Orthodontic and Special Dental Needs

For family members who wear dental appliances, like braces and retainers, traditional flossing might be impractical. The flossing tape might be difficult to work around the braces. You might therefore prefer water flossers. Research published in Dentistry Journal also suggests that water flossing can be particularly good for those who suffer from gum inflammation and bleeding.