Waterpik: Replacement for flossing?

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Phokus

Lifer
Nov 20, 1999
22,994
779
126
it's better than your routine of not flossing daily, but imho, a waterpik will not get all the plaque off/out. it does do a good job of removing debris like popcorn skins as you know.

do you have periodontal pockets? what i mean is, when she did your periodontal exam measurements were there readings above 3mm? If so, a waterpik is good for flushing out those pockets, but you still should floss.

I assume i don't since it wasn't measured.
 

moshquerade

No Lifer
Nov 1, 2001
61,504
12
56
I assume i don't since it wasn't measured.
Should be measured every time you come in for a cleaning or they are being negligent. It's called a periodontal exam, and if you are coming in for a "twice yearly deep cleaning/shaming" then I'd bet you have some pocketing going on. Even if you don't have any pocketing they should be measuring to verify that too. Healthy gingiva measures 3mm or less when a periodontal probe is placed below the gumline. Any reading higher than that and you've lost attachment. Lost attachment is a step towards bone loss.

Here is a healthy measurement. The green area reads up to 3mm.

4813231-i1.jpg
 
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Phokus

Lifer
Nov 20, 1999
22,994
779
126
Should be measured every time you come in for a cleaning or they are being negligent. It's called a periodontal exam, and if you are coming in for a "twice yearly deep cleaning/shaming" then I'd bet you have some pocketing going on. Even if you don't have any pocketing they should be measuring to verify that too. Healthy gingiva measures 3mm or less when a periodontal probe is placed below the gumline. Any reading higher than that and you've lost attachment. Lost attachment is a step towards bone loss.

Here is a healthy measurement. The green area reads up to 3mm.

4813231-i1.jpg

Gross

Thanks, i guess i'll have to ask next time
 

Riverhound777

Diamond Member
Aug 13, 2003
3,360
61
91
It's all about the floss sticks. I use them twice a day on avg, sometimes more depending on what I eat. I hate regular floss.