Can a Waterpik replace flossing?

[ilovemacs]

I'm just wondering as I have trouble flossing, can a waterpik replace it? Thanks!

[ilovemacs]

I'll ask my ortho next time I go in! In 20 days!

[mariahfromchicago]

I don't floss much, but I do use a waterpik everyday!
- mariah

[Jen Finnamore]

I waterpik everyday and maybe floss about once a week...and I find it to be just as good.
I actually use one of the higher settings and have no problems.
I have found that it has actually improved the overall health of my gums by firming them up.

[dimeech]

I just asked my ortho the other day about the absolute need to floss every day. Ha said in a PERFECT world: do it every day. He also said in REALITY: people (even w/braces) do not do it nearly enough- aka probably 1-2 times per week. I said what if I floss e/o day and waterpick daily.... he said that would be WONDERFUL and that that was very realistic. So that will be my personal goal. (It's sort of what I've been doing anyway.)

[artroxu]

I dont know if i'm paranoid or what but I floss every day. The floss with the stiff end is way easier than the floss threaders. You should be able to find that at almost any store w/ a decent selection like Walmart or Target. Its called Crest Glide Threader Floss and comes in a little cardboard box that has like 30 single use packets in it so you can put them in your survival kit if you have one. I like that they are each pre-measured.
One thing I've found that makes it easier is, say your flossing your lower teeth, start at the base of your tooth, put the floss under the wire and pull through toward the center of your mouth, instead of starting above the wire and inserting the floss pointed toward your gums. That seems to make it way easier.