A water flosser is an oral hygiene tool that uses a pressurized stream of water to clean teeth and gums. This method, often called hydro-flossing, effectively removes food debris and loose, soft plaque from the mouth. However, water flossers cannot remove established tartar, which is the hardened buildup on tooth surfaces. The device functions as an excellent preventative measure by disrupting the sticky film of bacteria before it can mineralize. It lacks the physical force necessary to detach calcified deposits.
Plaque Versus Tartar
Understanding the difference between plaque and tartar is necessary for proper oral care. Plaque is a soft, colorless, or pale yellow biofilm that constantly forms on the teeth, composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. This sticky film is physically soft and can be removed daily through thorough brushing and flossing at home. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode tooth enamel, which leads to tooth decay and gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
If plaque is not removed within 24 to 72 hours, it begins a process called mineralization. Minerals like calcium and phosphate, found naturally in saliva, bond with the plaque, causing it to harden into a solid deposit called tartar, or calculus. Tartar adheres tightly to the enamel and often appears as a yellow or brown deposit near the gumline. Once this hardened, rock-like substance forms, it cannot be removed by non-abrasive at-home methods like a toothbrush or a water flosser.
Water Flosser Function and Capabilities
The water flosser operates by delivering rapid pulses of water, typically between 1,200 and 1,400 pulses per minute, through a specialized tip. This pulsating stream creates a hydrodynamic force that dislodges food particles and washes away the soft, unmineralized biofilm from tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. The mechanical action helps disrupt bacterial colonies and flush them out of the mouth. This is a key step in preventing them from hardening into calculus.
Water flossers are particularly beneficial for cleaning hard-to-reach areas that traditional string floss may struggle with, such as under the gumline and around dental work. For individuals with braces, bridges, implants, or crowded teeth, the water stream can navigate around hardware and tight contact points to remove trapped debris. Studies suggest that a water flosser can be as effective as string floss at reducing gum inflammation and bleeding. However, the stream’s hydraulic pressure, even on the highest setting, is insufficient to break the chemical bond of mineralized tartar from the tooth surface.
Professional Treatment for Tartar
Once calculus has formed, its removal requires professional intervention from a dentist or dental hygienist. The procedure used to remove these calcified deposits is called scaling, which involves specialized tools capable of breaking the strong mineral bond. Dental professionals utilize either manual scalers or ultrasonic instruments that use high-frequency vibrations to shatter the hardened tartar. The physical force of scaling is necessary because tartar is a rock-hard accumulation of mineral deposits.
Scaling is performed both above and, when necessary, below the gumline to ensure all deposits are removed. If tartar has caused advanced gum disease, a deeper cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing may be recommended to smooth the tooth roots and allow the gums to reattach. Regular professional cleanings remain a necessary component of oral hygiene to remove any calculus that has accumulated, working alongside daily preventative efforts like brushing and water flossing.