Do You Need a WaterPik for Your Gums if You Use an Electric Toothbrush?

WaterPik water flossers and electric toothbrushes are two of the most popular dental appliances on the market these days. A WaterPik water flosser shoots water at your teeth to help wash away food particles. Although it is great for patients with braces and gum disease, it isn’t able to get in between teeth and remove plaque as thoroughly as floss.

An electric toothbrush serves as a far better teeth cleaning device than a WaterPik because it can get rid
of plaque more effectively. It is the ideal device for patients who have trouble with manual toothbrushes
because of certain medical conditions such as arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, studies have
proven that electric toothbrushes are far gentler on the gums.

While electric toothbrushes are recommended over WaterPiks, they aren’t perfect. They can be quite
expensive. Electric toothbrushes are also bulky, making them quite inconvenient for patients who travel.
Additionally, the vibrations they cause may be aggravating and painful, especially for those with loose
or sensitive teeth.

Unless your only goal is to remove plaque, you don’t need to purchase a WaterPik water flosser in
addition to an electric toothbrush. If you thoroughly clean your electric toothbrush and replace its
head every few months, your can achieve optimal oral health without a WaterPik water flosser. If you
do have gum disease or braces, however, you may want to use both an electric toothbrush and a
water flosser.

Whatever you do, it’s important to understand that a WaterPik is not a replacement for brushing and
flossing your teeth. You still need to brush your teeth for at least two minutes each day and use floss
daily to get in between your teeth and remove any plaque that has accumulated. Additionally, you’ll
need to visit your dentist every six months for a professional exam and dental cleaning.