What tonsil stones are and why you need to combat them
Also referred to as tonsilloliths by medical professionals, tonsil stones are solid lumps usually seen at the back of the sufferer’s mouth. They are caused by bacteria and debris like stuck food in the crevices and tiny gaps, so they are made up of mucus, bacteria, food, and calcified dead cells.
Generally, tonsil stones are formed from an accumulation of organic or natural substances, so the bacteria breeds and feeds as the stones develop and consequently gives off a stinking odor. To put it simply, tonsil stones are likely to cause bad breath and that is one of the reasons you need to combat them, but that’s not everything it causes.
The majority of the stones are likely to form in the cracks behind or crevice, on top or around the tonsils. Therefore, as the bacteria accumulate and feed, the stones will continue to grow. Subsequently, more stress is put on the tonsils and the gums of the sufferer, which will then cause inflammation. Of course, this can cause you a lot of pain and can ruin the entirety of your day as you are likely to struggle to swallow food.
Apart from that, you can also start experiencing some pains in your ear since the tonsils are located on the same nerve pathway as the ears. These are the only harmful things that are likely to be caused by tonsil stones, but even these are enough reasons to fight the tonsil stones with all your might. The bad breath especially can be extremely damaging, especially to your self-esteem as it could embarrass you and prevent you from engaging in social interactions.
Features to consider while choosing a Waterpik water fossil
We mentioned a thing about almost every Waterpik models being excellent, but that doesn’t mean they are completely similar in features and functions. To help you pick them apart and choose the best one, we’ve assembled the most important factors to choose from when buying a Waterpik flosser.
If it’s corded or cordless
This is often the first factor to consider when buying a water flosser. While the cordless models are designed for travels as they usually have a small construction that makes them easy to carry, the corded models will often give you a broader range of tips, larger reservoirs, and a bigger variance between pressure settings.
Of course, cordless models are better for people who are always on the go, but corded ones are always more suitable for large families and homes with many occupants.
If it’s a combo model
Most times, it’s either you buy a toothbrush or a water flosser, but there are some models like the Waterpik SF-02 Water Flosser that offer the combination of both in a single unit. These models are usually referred to as two-in-one models and they are simply incredible. While they are likely to be costlier than regular flossers, they give you the best of both worlds, and that makes them worth the hefty price tags.
Capacity
The water capacity is an important consideration, especially if you’re buying for home usage. With a large-capacity model, you can easily complete a single flossing or cleaning session without needing to refill the water reservoir. Boasting of a capacity of 90 seconds, both the Waterpik WP-72 and the Waterpik WP-667 are the largest models on our list in terms of capacity.
Number of pressure levels
While some models have only one or two pressure levels, others like the Waterpik WP-667 offer up to ten. Of course, nobody is likely to use all of the ten settings, but it’s a great thing to have options, especially if many people will be using the unit. Gentle settings are suitable for sensitive teeth, and gum massage, more intense modes are suitable for deep and effective cleaning.
Dimensions
It’s also important to consider the size. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the water capacity, the larger the footprint. With that said, considering the dimensions of your unit is as important as the capacity, as a large-capacity model is likely to cause you some problems if you don’t have ample space on your countertop.
Warranty
It’s always a great thing to opt for a model that’s backed by a warranty when buying an electronic device. These machines are susceptible to sudden faults, so you need to have a warranty in place to avoid having to buy another water flosser every now and then. The three-year warranty that comes with the Waterpik Sidekick Portable Water Flosser and two other models is the longest on this list.
Extra features
If you’re not limited by a budget, you could also look at some extra features. While these features may not be fundamental to the basic function of a water flosser, they will surely enhance your overall flossing experience. Some of the extras you may check include if there’s a rotating tip, if extra tips in the package, a storage case, and antimicrobial rinses.
