WaterPik for Younger People

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Jonas - 10 Dec 2006 00:41 GMT

I am 29 years old. I have a few fillings but no crowns or other major
dental work. My gums used to get tender but have been in pretty good
condition lately. Regardless, I thought that I would buy a Waterpik to
add to my regimen of brushing and flossing. I tried it out. I can't
see the benefit of it. In fact, I believe that it might be detrimental
to my gums if I put it on a high setting. I swish with water after I
brush. Doesn't doing this have a similar effect to using a Waterpik?
I'm confused. Should I even be using this cumbersome machine?

Your response is appreciated.

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dentaltwin@earthlink.net - 10 Dec 2006 01:33 GMT

> I am 29 years old. I have a few fillings but no crowns or other major
> dental work. My gums used to get tender but have been in pretty good
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Your response is appreciated.

Your perception is accurate, for the most part. If you brush and floss
and are in reasonably good periodontal health, the Waterpik will not
help significantly. And if you do not brush and floss well, Waterpik
will not take up the slack.
Furthermore, patients who use Waterpik on high setting can
inadvertently drive debris into the periodontal pocket and cause an
abscess.
Very occasionally, I've heard of dentists who have patients use a
canula at home to irrigate the gums with specific medications. But by
and large I think even this is a waste of time.
Stick with brush and floss.

Steve Bornfeld

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Jonas - 10 Dec 2006 19:54 GMT

Thanks for the advice.

> > I am 29 years old. I have a few fillings but no crowns or other major
> > dental work. My gums used to get tender but have been in pretty good
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> Steve Bornfeld

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