Waterpik

Waterpiks are useful for cleaning plaque and old bits of food out from underneath gums preventing gum disease.  You aim the water stream so that the water shoots underneath the gums and between teeth cleaning out loose plaque.  It does not clean out the spots where teeth touch, so you should still follow up with some sort of flossing method to help prevent tooth decay between teeth, but if you have difficulty getting floss down far enough underneath gums to hug either side of the tooth, this could be a great alternative.  Good for people with arthritis in their hands or dexterity issues.  Can also be great for cleaning under bridges, during treatment with metal braces, or underneath fixed retainers after orthodontics.  If you absolutely love those “Y” shaped floss pickers that don’t clean well close to gums and don’t want to let them go in favor of regular string floss or a Listerine handle, you could supplement with a Waterpik to keep gums clean and happy.  We also carry these in-office at a price of $60 if you want to take one home after your appointment.

Great for: Cleaning Under Bridges; Cleaning Around Metal Braces; Cleaning Around Fixed Retainers; Dexterity Issues or Arthritis in Hands; If You Don’t Want to Switch Away from “Y” Shape Floss Pickers but Still Want Happy Gums