Dental hygiene: is the water flosser really effective?

Water flossers are on the rise on social networks. Some brands even claim cleaning six times better than brushing alone. What is it really?

A water flosser is an oral hygiene device designed to clean interdental spaces using a pulsed water jet.

The water flosser is most often used in addition to brushing to remove food remains between the teeth and clean areas inaccessible to the brush. “ Food debris that gets stuck promotes the formation of dental plaque and then tartarrecalls Dr Jérémy Amzalag. This creates the basis for cavities and can lead to gum disease – such as gingivitis or periodontitis – and, ultimately, tooth loss. » Hence the importance of cleaning the interdental spaces well.

« These devices are easy to handle and improve dental hygiene around teeth, implants and denturess, continues the dental surgeon. They are based on technology generating a jet of air as well as microdroplets. Their very fine tip allows you to reach hard-to-reach areas, which helps eliminate dental plaque. » The water contained in the tank can, in certain cases and if the device allows it, be mixed with mouthwash to complete the cleaning action.

The water flosser is particularly aimed at people with orthodontic appliance as well as the carriers of crowns, d’implants or of bridges.

Comments echoed by the recommendations of the European Federation of Periodontics (EFP) which advises to “ clean the interdental spaces at least once a day using interdental brushes, and dental floss if the spaces are too narrow for conventional brushes. This interdental cleaning should be done before brushing your teeth. » Available in different sizes, the brushes are particularly recommended for people with periodontal disease, whose interdental spaces are wider.

Tartar is dental plaque which has mineralized (hardened) on the teeth: once installed, it can no longer be removed by a jet of water… even powerful! “ Only scaling carried out by a dentist can effectively eliminate it, confirms Dr Jérémy Amzalag. On the other hand, the water flosser helps to reduce dental plaque and therefore prevent the formation of tartar. »

Daily use is recommended, in addition to brushing. “ You can use it in the evening and, if necessary, add an alcohol-free mouthwash diluted in water », advises the specialist.

It is often recommended to use it before brushing in order to dislodge food residue, but the order remains secondary: the main thing is to integrate regular interdental cleaning into your routine.

These devices are generally safe and well tolerated. They can be used on sensitive gums, provided you start with low pressure and use lukewarm water. However, it is preferable to avoid their use immediately after dental surgery or in the event of an acute infection and to seek advice from your dentist in the event of periodontal disease.

In summary, the water flosser is not essential: dental floss et interdental brushes already provide very effective mechanical cleaning. However, it can constitute an interesting supplement, particularly for people who wear orthodontic appliances, bridges or implants and those with dexterity difficulties (osteoarthritis, etc.).