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Should You Get Your Child a Water Flosser?

Lafayette should I use waterpik?

Today, we’re reviewing the water flosser, also known as interdental cleaner, interdental irrigator, or water jet.

A water irrigation tool oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out fragments of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you insert the tube into your mouth, turn it on, and then lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open to let the water dribble out as you maneuver the stream of shooting water around the gumline, stopping briefly at each gap between adjoining teeth.

There have been over 65 studies that have confirmed the safety and efficacy of water flossing for calculus reduction, plaque biofilm removal, bleeding reduction, inflammation reduction, and gingivitis treatment.

Should Your Child Use a Water Flosser?

To answer this question, speak with Dr. West to receive an oral care treatment plan that factors in tooth and gum health, physical dexterity, and lifestyle.

The following circumstances may influence whether or not Dr. West counsels you to provide an interdental irrigation device for your child

  • Braces or other orthodontic appliances
  • A physical restriction that reduces the ability to brush and/or floss
  • Gum disease
  • Gums that bleed when flossing
  • Aversion to flossing
  • Sensitive teeth

The state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment team at Boulder County Smiles would love to help your child learn the best techniques for keeping gums pink and healthy and firmly attached to cavity-free teeth.

Here’s some background on the water flosser: The first water-shooting device for cleaning between teeth was developed in the early 1960’s by Colorado dentist Dr. Gerald Moyer and John Mattingly, a hydraulics engineer. The device is now known by the brand name Waterpik, though many people use the term generically. Since its inception, other companies have entered the market with similar products. (Note: Boulder County Smiles does not necessarily endorse any particular brand.)

Sources:
Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS, “Interdental Cleansing,” The American Dental Hygienist Association, https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7123_Waterpik_Irrigation.pdf, accessed March 10, 2017
Carol A. Jahn, RDH, MS, “The Water Flosser: Your Tool For Optimal Oral Health,” https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/education/pdf/Waterpik_WaterFlosser_ContinuingEducation.pdf, accessed March 10, 2017
“Water Flossing,” MouthHealthy (ADA), http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/water-flossers, accessed March 10, 2017

 

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

303-665-5335

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

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