Air or water dental flossers?

Jikes ! They both sound like torture to me - The Boys from Brazil ?
I've never heard of these flossers , I just use tape .

It is quite a pleasant gentle sensation actually. I used to have problems with sensitive, bleeding gums and had to visit the hygienist every three months. My French dentist put me on this particular regime (water floss, very soft brush, bicarbonate of soda, recommended mouthwash) over five years ago and now I have no gum problems, far less plaque and only need a scale and polish every 8/9 months.
I just need a more reliable water or air flosser!

I've similar problems with crowded teeth hard to floss. Never heard of these floaters so will investigate, no doubt they don't come cheap.

There used to be water jets which were integrated in the bathroom taps, but I expect these went out of favour because there would be a danger of turning on the tap too hard. I had a Panasonic battery operated one which didn't last very long, and since my last visit to the dentist, I've been using tiny tiny brushes which get a whole lot of gunge unwanted bits of food out.

Flossing before cleaning has now become a habit - the thought of polishing those crumbs if you don't get them out before brushing seems just daft.

I did love the water flossing method, though, and would like to hear of a reliable gadget to do it with, too. If possible, one where the water doesn't run down your arm in the process!!!

There is a thing called Water Pic (or something like that!) We had a free one and I hated it. We use those bottle brushes.

I use the bottle brushes too. It is a very complex and lengthy procedure!
I have tried Panasonic and several other brands and they work fine, but they never last.

I use this one: Wellness HealthPro FC-10 Professional. The first one went back as it started working on its own! However, it works much better than Waterpik Ultra Cordless, who have terrible customer service. My OH uses Panasonic Dentacare EW1270 Portable Oral Irrigator and has no complaints.

The main problem seems to be with the battery charging, and I can't understand it as I have no problems with my electric toothbrush which gets used for much longer each day but has lasted 5 years so far. Why don't the water flossers use the same battery?

Ah thanks. I think the Panasonic was the best of them. The one I bought in January was the one that works all on its own!
I suspect part of my problem is our very hard water so I might try using bottled.

I use the Sonicare Airfloss Pro which works very well for me. I was going to the Hygenist every 3 months and now I only need to see her every 6 months so I consider it worth the initial expense.

I've used this one for about a year with no problems . HX8255/02 Sonicare AirFloss

Thanks all - have ordered the Sonicare AirFloss HX82.

Oh dear - I would have advised avoiding the airfloss as I really didn't like the 'punch' of air when I used it: always thought it was going to dislodge fillings/crowns rather than debris! The only advantage it has over water flossers is that it's less messy but def doesn't give the thoroughly clean feeling of a water jet. I've tried a few and prefer the longevity & ability to select flow & implement type of Waterpik WP-900 complete care. It's bulky & needs mains electricity but has the whole kit and kaboodle in one place, including a sonic toothbrush. I've had this model for about 3 years with no problems (touch wood!) and would buy again. Good luck!

I do like the sound of your French dentist's regime, Mamie, could you tell me how you use the bicarbonate of soda?

I would be interested in your regime,too, Mamie. Funnily enough, I've just been thinking about water flossing over the past two days. I also see the hygienist every three months and find it really difficult to floss, as my teeth are so close together. I try to use the wire interdental brushes, but they bend and then I can't get them between my teeth at all!

Oral B water & air absolutely brilliant on a crowded mouth. I wonder how I managed without one. Never had even a trace of bleeding gums since getting one. Save up your Boots points! Be careful about pressing button before inserting into mouth, otherwise you can "shoot yourself in the eye"

i have never flossed - flossing HURTS!!!
and i've never used those little brushes either.
i pay close attention to cleaning my teeth with a battery operated brush [can't remember the make] and i never seem to have anything stuck between my teeth at the end.
apart from a little tartar build up at the back of my bottom front teeth, there's nothing for my dentist to clean at my check ups.

I think I need to start with a disclaimer that I would only follow it on the advice of a dentist.
He started with a one-off three week course of antibiotics.
The daily cleaning regime is water (air) flosser, ordinary toothbrush plus toothpaste morning and lunchtime, bicarb (from the pharmacy) and a very soft 15/100 toothbrush at night, then interdental brushes and finally a mouthwash called Eludril.

Do you do this after every time you eat, Mamie?
I only use the little brushes, dipped in water, and that is after every meal. Then I brush my teeth.

Yes I do, but bicarb only once a day for the last clean before bed. I don't eat between meals either.

Different size bottle brushes and dental floss picks.
They are so much easier to use than dental floss.

I always use the strips or little bottle brushes, had no idea water to air flosses even exist other than at the dental surgery. You live and learn.

Me too, I've never come across either water or air flossers. I'll check out my local Boots next time I'm in town. They certainly sound worth trying out. thanks to the OP for raising this, leading to some good intel. Most helpful

We've bought a water flosser off Amazon, and we're learning how to get the best out of it without drowning in the process. So far it's been brilliant! I'm seeing the hygienist soon so it'll be interesting to hear what she says.

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