Make the connection
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 23rd October 2020
The best way for patients to look after their oral health is under the guidance of a dental professional. However, widespread lockdown measures across the UK meant that thousands of patients were not able to attend dental appointments for many months. The reality is that, unless patients are in pain, their oral health could remain fairly low on their list of priorities.
Although many patients still fail to make the connection, the link between oral health and the general health of the body is well documented. Research suggests that there is an interrelationship between oral infection, inflammation and systemic health[i] and patients need to be aware of this in order to avoid, not only dental problems, but the possibility of health complications in the future.
Currently, dental practices are continuously working through a backlog of cases which means that it may be some time before some patients can visit for a routine check-up and the reinforcement of oral health education. Plus, with increased safety measures within practices like social distancing, some individuals may be feeling apprehensive about returning. It is therefore essential to encourage patients to optimise their oral health routine while they are away in order to help them to stay as healthy as possible at home.
Daily flossing is a fundamental part of a good oral health routine, helping to preserve the long-term health of the teeth and gums. Nevertheless, patients frequently complain about the time-consuming intricacies of using string floss or interdental brushes, which can often prevent them from flossing properly or regularly. The Waterpik® Water Flosser, however, overcomes these difficulties and enables patients to enhance their oral health routine with quick, easy and effective daily flossing.
The Waterpik® Water Flosser is an advanced oral health adjunct that uses a combination of water pressure and pulsation to remove bacteria and debris from interproximal spaces, gingival margins and below the gum line, to clean areas that toothbrushing alone cannot reach. It is accredited by the Oral Health Foundation and is clinically proven to be more effective than string floss and interdental brushes for removing plaque and improving gingival health.[ii] ,[iii] Indeed, there are over 75 studies supporting the safety and effectiveness of the Waterpik® Water Flosser range and there is a convenient solution for everyone.
Waterpik® understands that every patient is different and has developed a range of products and accessories that offer clinical benefits to address a wide array of oral health needs. There are also water flosser models to suit any space including countertop, compact and cordless models as well as the Waterpik® Complete Care range that combines a power toothbrush and a water flosser into one convenient, space-and socket-saving unit.
Dental professionals can also recommend the Waterpik® Sonic Fusion® – the world’s first water flossing toothbrush, which has been clinically proven to be twice as effective as regular brushing and flossing.[iv] And of course, there is the ever popular Waterpik® Whitening Water Flosser that combines water with a gentle stain removing agent to safely restore the natural whiteness of the teeth in only four weeks – something that could provide just the motivation needed to convert even the most stubborn non-flossing patient.
During these difficult circumstances, the dental profession needs a way to connect with patients, which is why Waterpik® has recently teamed up with the Tooth Fairy App.
Using video calling facilities, this innovative solution enables clinicians to reach patients and deliver advice and information as well as the reassurance, care and attention that many individuals may need before they can safely return to the practice.
You can discover more about Waterpik® by arranging a virtual Lunch & Learn with one of our Professional Educators, who will leave a free Waterpik® Water Flosser demo model for the practice. Physical sessions will also resume whenever it is safe to do so for individual practices. For more information simply visit the professional section of the Waterpik® website at: www.waterpik.co.uk/professional
For more information on Waterpik® products please visit www.waterpik.co.uk. Waterpik® products are available from Amazon, Asda, Costco UK, Argos, Boots, Superdrug online and in stores across the UK and Ireland.
[i] Gurenlian JR. Inflammation: the relationship between oral health and systemic disease. Dent Assist. 2009;78(2):8-43. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19413061/ [Accessed 21st July 2020]
[ii] Lyle D.M. Relevance of the Water Flosser: 50 years of data. Compend of Contin Educ 2012 April: 33 (4) https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/cced/2012/04/relevance-of-the-water-flosser-50-years-of-data [Accessed 21 July 2020]
[iii] Goyal C.R. et al. Evaluation of the plaque removal efficacy of a water flosser compared to string floss in adults after a single use. J Clin Dent. 2013 24(2):37-42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24282867 [Accessed 21st July 2020]
[iv]Goyal C.R. et al. Comparison of a Novel Sonic Toothbrush to a Traditional Sonic Toothbrush and Manual Brushing and Flossing on Plaque, Gingival Bleeding and Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2018;39(suppl 2):14-22. https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/cced/special-issues/2018/06/comparison-of-a-novel-sonic-toothbrush-to-a-traditional-sonic-toothbrush-and-manual-brushing-and-flossing-on-plaque-ginigval-bleeding-and-inflammation [Accessed 21st July 2020]
