Waterpiks for Your Kids

Children will do anything they can to get out of flossing. Most of the time they will completely fail to floss after they have brushed. Other times, if they do floss they will do it so quickly that it is ineffective at removing plaque and they might as well not have flossed at all. Instead of constantly fighting to get your child to floss, consider making flossing fun with the use of Waterpiks.

What is a Waterpik?

A Waterpik is a dental product uniquely designed to clean teeth just like flossing but without having to deal with the stringy floss or long process.

The Waterpik is a small rectangular box that has an attached wand. The wand creates a constant stream of pressurized water that can be used to flush food particles, bacteria, and other debris from between your teeth.

Why Parents Should Consider Purchasing a Waterpik for Their Kids

Parents often look at the price of Waterpiks, which can range from $20 all the way up to $300, and are reluctant to purchase such a costly piece of dental equipment. While a Waterpik is expensive, it can actually save you a lot of money by preventing future dental problems.

If you have a child who either fails to floss or doesn’t floss properly, you could end up having to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on future dental work. Failure to floss can lead to a number of costly dental problems ranging from cavities and gingivitis to tooth loss and tooth fractures.

Waterpiks are faster and quicker than traditional flossing so children who are reluctant flossers are more likely to want to properly clean their teeth. So while it may seem like a costly investment, you will probably save money by not having to pay for fillings, root canals, deep cleanings, and other expensive dental procedures in the future.

When Should a Parent Consider Getting a Waterpik?

Anyone could benefit from using Waterpiks. However, parents should consider getting a Waterpik if their child meets any of the following criteria:

• First learning to floss. Children who are first-time flossers often don’t floss properly. Using Waterpiks will make sure the food particles and debris are properly removed if your child isn’t properly flossing.
• Huge dislike for flossing. Children who don’t like to floss often don’t floss at all. Using a aterpiks may encourage your child to keep their teeth and gums healthy without having to floss.
• Wearing Braces. Flossing with braces is extremely time-consuming, not to mention difficult. Waterpiks can easily remove food particles and debris that has gotten stuck between the wires and brackets of your child’s braces.

For parents who have children who properly floss on a daily basis, a Waterpik may not be a necessity. It may enhance your child’s daily flossing, but it isn’t an item that you absolutely must purchase.

Does Using a Waterpik Replace Traditional Flossing?

There is a common misconception that when a Waterpik is used there is no longer a need for traditional flossing. This isn’t completely accurate.

Waterpiks are great dental tools that can improve your child’s oral health, but it does not replace traditional flossing. Traditional flossing involves using a ‘wiping’ motion to removes sticky plaque that builds up between the teeth. A Waterpik, while it does remove food particles from between the teeth, does not have the force or power needed to remove plaque.

Even though a Waterpik doesn’t remove plaque for parents of children who do not like to floss it can prove helpful as using a Waterpik is better than not flossing at all.

Wondering if a Waterpik is right for your child? Schedule an appointment with Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our friendly dental staff and doctors can help determine if your child could benefit from using a Waterpik. We can also provide helpful tips that will encourage your child to want to floss. Call our ponte vedra dentist office today to schedule an appointment!