A good home care routine is one of the most important steps in dental hygiene. There are now many tools on the market that make it easier and more efficient to do our daily cleaning.

Today, I’d like to focus on water flossers, one of the best tools to help improve oral care at home. Most Americans don’t floss daily for one reason or another. I often hear clients complain that it is too difficult and time consuming. If you are one of those people, water flossing can be a great alternative. It’s easier to do, especially for those with limited dexterity, and is quick and refreshing.

The pulsing action of water flossers can do a beneficial job removing debris from underneath the gums. Furthermore, the water oxygenates the pocket around the tooth, killing many bacteria. While water flossing is not a perfect replacement for manual flossing, I often find people are more willing to do it, so the benefits are substantial.

There are many exceptional water flossers on the market. Waterpik, Hydrofloss and Sonicare are good, reliable brands. The Sonic Fusion from Waterpik is unique in that it combines a water flosser and an electric toothbrush into one. Some other flossers are cordless, making them more versatile, so they may be easily used, for example, in the shower.

They generally come with multiple tips customized for different indications. There are standard tips and others specialized for implants or bridges, which easily get into the hard-to-reach places most people have trouble reaching with floss. Having multiple, easy-to-switch tips also makes it convenient to share one water flosser between multiple people while still maintaining hygiene.

Water flossers have become increasingly popular due to how much more likely people are to use them compared to floss. If you don’t floss often, consider integrating a water flosser into your home routine, particularly if you have a lot of dental work, implants or bridges.

Because of the variety available, everyone should be able to find one that fits their budget and routine. If you do, the next time you go to the dentist, don’t be surprised if your hygienist is impressed with the health of your gums.

Dr. Baumann is with Palm Desert Smiles, a family-owned dental group in Palm Desert, and can be reached at (760) 568.3602 or www.palmdesertsmiles.com.