You’ve probably heard of water flossers as a way to step up your child’s dental hygiene game. They’re often advertised as a fun and effective alternative to traditional flossing.
Maybe you’ve even thought about getting one but are still on the fence. Is it really necessary, or just another gadget that will gather dust in your bathroom?
And more importantly, will it actually help, or is it just one of those things that sounds good but doesn’t deliver?
In this blog, we’ll break it all down to help you decide if a water flosser is the right fit for your child.
Water Flosser: What Is It?
A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays a gentle stream of water to remove food particles and debris from hard-to-reach areas in your mouth, like under the gumline and between your back teeth.
It can help cut down the risk of gingivitis, cavities, bad breath, and other dental problems.
Does My Child Need a Water Flosser?
A water flosser can be especially useful for kids with braces, other dental appliances, or those who struggle with traditional flossing.
Braces and dental appliances can make it challenging to remove all food particles by brushing, and flossing itself can be tough, too.
A water flosser is also gentle enough for children with sensitive teeth, but keep in mind that the water stream might cause a tingling sensation.
Pay attention to how your child reacts the first few times to see if it’s a good fit for them.
Can I Use a Water Flosser as a Substitute for Regular Flossing?
While it’s often advertised as an alternative to flossing because of the name, we want to emphasize that it’s NOT a replacement for traditional flossing.
Regular floss physically scrapes away plaque and gunk between teeth, much like a toothbrush physically scrapes the other surfaces of your teeth.
Just like mouthwash cannot be a substitute for tooth brushing, a water flosser cannot be a substitute for flossing. Nothing compares to mechanically removing plaque and debris from the teeth.
A water flosser is a great addition to your child’s oral care routine. For the best results, make sure your child continues flossing the old-fashioned way and use a water flosser as an adjunct.
Read more: Brushing Alone Isn’t Cutting It: Teaching Kids the Value of Flossing
When Might My Kid Not Need a Water Flosser?
Using both floss and a water flosser is ideal, but if your child already brushes and flosses thoroughly and doesn’t have braces, retainers, or other dental appliances, traditional flossing may be enough to clean those tight spaces.
For some kids, sticking with the basics works just fine to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
It’s always a good idea to ask your child’s dentist if a water flosser would be helpful for your kid’s specific needs.
What Brand of Water Flosser Do You Recommend?
There are plenty of water flosser options out there, so picking the right one depends on your budget and preferences.
But if you’re looking to get started, we recommend the Waterpik Water Flosser Nano. It’s compact, easy to use, and does the job well.
Another great option is the Waterpik Sonic Fusion. This two-in-one device combines both a toothbrush and a water flosser.
Taking Care of Your Water Flosser
If you decide to get a water flosser for your child, keeping it clean is just as important as using it.
Just like how you replace your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months, you’ll also need to replace the flossing tip every few months too. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions.
A water flosser can definitely be a great addition to your child’s dental routine.
But, it’s not a replacement for brushing, flossing, or those regular dentist visits. All of that is non-negotiable for keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
And if you’re looking for a local pediatric dentist in Lafayette, we’re here to help! We offer full dental care for kids of all ages, from infants to teens.
We also serve families in Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Youngsville, Broussard, and surrounding communities too!