In the waterpick vs toothpick debate, one can easily guess which one will reign supreme. While toothpick is a cheap and handy way to dislodge large food particles from teeth, they are far from efficient and according to dentists, not good for your oral health.
While a waterpick on the other, despite being expensive, is efficient and good for oral health. And if you think about it, as a waterpick is reusable and can last for years, while a box of toothpicks needs to be bought every two months or so, waterpick seems to be the more cost-efficient option in the long run. Let’s do a detailed comparison of the two and then you can decide for yourself, waterpick or toothpick.
Ever since birth, the idea of brushing two times a day has been hammered into our heads, however, sometimes cleaning is needed between the designated brushing hours as well. Throughout the day, we eat and drink, which can lead to food particles getting stuck in between the teeth. Sometimes these food particles can be a real pain and that’s when a toothpick comes in handy.
Due to their size, toothpicks can be easily carried and used on the go and are preferred by many for post-meal cleaning. Toothpicks can easily remove the large food particles stuck between your teeth, however, they can neither remove plaque nor reach the deep crevices. Not to mention that toothpicks pose some serious dental risks.
There is a plethora of risks associated with using toothpicks like damage to gums and dental work, infection, inflammation of gums, etc. Given below is a detailed account of why a toothpick might not be the best cleaning option for you:
If you use a toothpick harshly or if it is poorly made, chances are that it can break and get stuck in your gums. These broken, and wedged toothpick pieces can then lead to gum inflammation and can get further aggravated if they aren’t removed as soon as possible. Pieces stuck for a long time can also cause infection that can be extremely painful and dangerous. In case a broken piece of toothpicks gets stuck in your gums, remove it as soon as possible by yourself or with the help of a friend. In case it cannot be dislodged, visit a dentist or hygienist to get it removed before the broken piece causes further damage.
Toothpicks are intentionally made pointy so as to easily remove any particles stuck in between your teeth. However, these pointy ends can puncture gums and also accidentally cut your mouth, resulting in an open wound that serves as an open invitation to infection-causing bacteria. The bacteria can come from anywhere, however the most likely source is the toothpick surface itself.
Toothpicks pose a threat to dental work like veneers and fillings. In case there is a gap in an existing dental restoration or an issue with the dental work, the use of a toothpick and further exacerbate it. Constant and harsh use of toothpicks can cause loosening, fracturing, and ultimately loss of dental restorations. As the filling material is not as strong as a tooth, gaps can develop. Even a tiny gap in the filling can fit in the pointy end of the toothpick, widening it and causing the filling to fall out.
Repeated and harsh use of tooth picks can cause your tooth enamel to wear away. Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth that protects it from erosion, decay, sensitivity, and infection. Any damage to the enamel can result in dental problems like cavities.
“Toothpicks can damage your gum tissue, especially if used with too much force, causing it to recede over time. The best way to clean between teeth? Stick to good old-fashioned floss for a safer and healthier option!” Dr Amber Rowe, DDS
“If you use a toothpick quite often, it can also lead to irreversible damage to gums. The most gum-friendly thing to use would be some floss and interdental brushes. Toothpicks can be quite damaging to your gums, so next time avoid them” Dr. Elyas Yonis, BDS
“If you are unable to remove the broken (toothpick) piece, you can cause more issues trying to do so by further lacerating the tissues and causing more inflammation or potential infection, which can be dangerous and painful,” says Cheryline Pezzullo, DDS
A waterpick or water flosser is a handheld device that can help clean in between the teeth, massage gums, and clean the tongue. Brushing two times a day is not enough to keep your mouth healthy, as a brush cannot remove food and bacteria stuck in between your teeth, and its reach is limited. Neglection of these areas can lead to cavities as well as gum disease. Therefore, brushing should always be followed by flossing, preferably water flossing. A water flosser is a dentist-recommended, clinically proven tool that helps dislodge stubborn food particles and bacteria. A professional water flosser, like BOLT, can also help get rid of tartar and plaque.
While flossing is a great way to get in between the teeth and reach far-off regions of the mouth, it can be challenging for some people. Individuals with arthritis, carpal tunnel, and Parkinson’s find string flossing to be a difficult task, furthermore, people who have sensitive gums complain of discomfort and bleeding while string flossing. Therefore, for such individuals, a water flosser is a handy tool that helps clean the mouth without any challenges. Furthermore, if you suffer from periodontal disease, a water flosser will prove to be God send for you as its pulsating motion can not only reduce gum inflammation but also bleeding.
For those with restorative or orthodontic treatment like implants, braces, crowns, or non-removable bridges, a water flosser is a great tool to rely on. It helps gently clean the area around and underneath the braces, regions that a mere brush cannot reach. Orthodontic patients can effectively use a water flosser to clean teeth as it can overcome physical barriers and help achieve a cleaner mouth.
“If you need to address the plaque and your bleeding gums, then a water flosser is effective and does a great job at this.” Dr Lisa Vallesteros, DDS
“Water flossers are good, and there are studies that say that they are actually better than using normal floss. If you have reduced manual dexterity or if you don’t really like normal floss, water flossers are a really good alternative to get rid of plaque from between your teeth.” Dr Alison Mace, BDS
“You Need a water flosser if you have any of the following: Actively bleeding gums, pockets around your gums greater than 5mm, root canals, implants, bridges, or braces. Each of these creates crevices where bio-filming bacteria will fester if you don’t use a water flosser.” Derik J. Sven, MPH, RDH
The biggest drawback of a water flosser, that stops many in their tracks on their way to buy it, is its hefty price. Even though there are cost-effective water flossers out there, they come with minimal functions that suit only those with basic needs. But if you have periodontal problems or orthodontal treatments, then you need a professional water flosser, that carries nozzles to address these challenges. Most professional water flossers in the market range in price from $80 to $150, which can be a pretty hefty sum to pay, even if you consider the long-term advantages.
That is why BOLT made sure to keep its prices as low as possible all while offering all the features of a professional water flosser. Not only does the BOLT water flosser support 9 pressure modes, but it also comes with different nozzles i.e. basic, tongue, orthodontic, toothbrush, and periodontal that cater to different issues. The BOLT water flosser also supports an ergonomic design that makes it a great choice for those suffering from issues like carpal tunnel, arthritis, and Parkinson’s.
Toothpicks come with a ton of dental risks, and are just not worth it, despite being cheap and handy. The risk posed to teeth results in the expenditure of more money than simply buying a water flosser. A water flosser, even though expensive, is an effective oral hygiene tool that eradicates dental problems, without causing any damage to your teeth.
