Episode #83: Do Waterpiks work?

Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

Opinions on oral irrigators are varied and in this episode, Dr. B explains how his has changed over time and why. In response to a listener’s question about the benefits and uses of water flossers, he dives deep into the origins of the tool, why he was previously wary of them, and how they should be used to optimize safety and effectiveness. Dr. B specifies who should use water picks and why, and shares the caveats for using them, as well as his concerns about the use of dental floss. Tune in to discover the ideal personal oral health toolkit to optimize your overall health!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief recap of James Nestor’s recent breath retreat [00:16]
• The growth of our listenership [02:26]
• Introducing today’s topic: water flossers [02:50]
• How Dr. B’s opinion of water flossers has changed over the years [03:28]
• The early origins of oral irrigators [04:50]
• The results of various studies on water flossers [07:03]
• How a water flosser should work for safety and effectiveness [08:25]
• Dr. B’s current recommendations for using a water pick [11:34]
• His concerns about the use of dental floss [12:17]
• Caveats for using water flossers [13:45]
• The ideal personal oral hygiene toolkit [15:20]
• How oral health impacts overall health [17:58]
• How to find a functional dentist [19:25]

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

James Nestor

Webetop Water Flosser

RADIUS Silk Floss

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