Can I use a water-based irrigating device instead of flossing?
Using water flossers instead of dental floss
Don’t use water irrigation devices as a substitute for toothbrushing and flossing. But they are effective around orthodontic braces that retain food in areas a toothbrush cannot reach. However, they do not remove plaque.
Water irrigation devices are frequently recommended by dentists for persons with gum disease. Solutions containing antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine or tetracycline, available through a dentist’s prescription, can be added to the reservoir.
