Airflosser or water flosser - are they worth it?

[trishka]

So I'm in my mid-20s and on a few of my teeth, I'm starting to get gingivitis and my dental hygienist has terrified me that I'm going to get periodontal disease because I don't floss. I hate flossing and there are parts of my mouth where floss literally gets stuck between two teeth. My hygienist has had this problem before. So, I was considering buying either the Sonicare Airfloss or a Waterpik water flosser. If I do decide to go with the water flosser, I haven't decided if I go cordless or their classic one with the large water tank, but will likely go cordless as I don't think I have enough space in my bathroom for it. So my question is if you have either one or any experience with one of these, are they worth it? Do I still have to do regular flossing and use this as a supplement, which is what some online reviews have suggested?

[GatineauGirl]

I have bought both and prefer the classic one, by far. I like its tank and power better. Yes, it's better to combine this with flossing. You know....flossing is just one of those daily 'things' that you just gotta do if you want to keep your teeth. I love the feeling of freshly brushed, flossed and 'water-piked' teeth! You are worth it. Life without teeth, or with dental problems, can be an expensive pain and nuisance.

I found that well.ca has a water pik for a good price. (No, I don't get a kick-back, LOL.)

[trishka]

Thanks for the comment. I know that I should be flossing but am hoping to get something that would make it easier for me, and therefore something I'd do everyday.

[Lynn49]

We've been using those little green flossing thingies..., but we also have a WATERPIK. On a recent visit to our hygenist, she told us that we should continue to use both...they each have a purpose.

We've always taken rigorous care of our teeth even though in the beginning I absolutely hated, hated dentists!!! Honestly, I once just bolted from my chair when I was a tween! Since married, my hubby has insisted on regular dental care and we found a dentist that treats me like the 6-year old I am when I'm there. I have regular cleanings every 3 months and they're very mild now that I go regularly..over the past years. Dental problems lead to many other health problems, one of them being heart disease....it's imperative that you have your teeth cleaned and treated; then continue flossing using any method you can use, even if, for now, it's not every single day, although you should work up to that. Those little green ones come in bags of a hundred or so and they're not expensive at all..I can't manage with a length of floss! LOL!!

Take good care, Hon...it's so very important to your general health!!

[trishka]

Thanks Lynn. I've decided not to get the waterflosser and will move back to an electric toothbrush. I've started to use those flosser things but I still have problems getting into my back teeth.

[Lynn49]

Thanks Lynn. I've decided not to get the waterflosser and will move back to an electric toothbrush. I've started to use those flosser things but I still have problems getting into my back teeth.

If there's plaque build-up, then you may not be able to get between some teeth, I'm guessing...get a good cleaning, then ask your hygienist to help you manipulate those glosser things to get the feel of how to get to those back teeth....it's so important that even an appt to do that would help so much...good luck, Trishka!

[trishka]

If there's plaque build-up, then you may not be able to get between some teeth, I'm guessing...get a good cleaning, then ask your hygienist to help you manipulate those glosser things to get the feel of how to get to those back teeth....it's so important that even an appt to do that would help so much...good luck, Trishka!

I had a cleaning and check up shortly before I started looking into an alternative to flossing and I get regular check ups/cleaning. My hygienist even has trouble flossing back there and says its because my molars are close together.

[jcao]

A water flosser is not needed unless you have braces.. I only used it when i had braces.. now i use a contraption similar to that green one posted above and it does the job just fine.