Many of our patients wonder just how vital it is to make an additional investment into electronic cleaning devices. With the advent of new technologies comes higher price tags, and it may leave you wondering if they actually clean better than their manual counterparts.
When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, you want to make an informed decision. Making this decision can be challenging, so we have offered a complete comparison between water flossers and traditional string dental floss to help.
How String Dental Floss Works
The process of dental floss uses a thin piece of string that is passed in-between each of your teeth. The string gently scrapes up and down each surface of the tooth to help remove plaque and food debris off of the surface of the tooth and under the gumline.
Advantages of Traditional Floss
There are several advantages when it comes to traditional flossing. For one, it is a very efficient method when it comes to removing left behind food and debris from between your teeth. The cost of floss is very low, and it is easily accessible from any pharmacy or grocery store. Lastly, a container of dental floss doesn’t take up much room, and it can be used anywhere.
Disadvantages of Traditional Floss
Despite the many advantages of using traditional dental floss, there are also a few disadvantages. Some patients may find reaching specific areas of the mouth difficult. Flossing can also cause minor bleeding, especially if you are not using the correct technique. When using traditional floss, be sure to monitor any worsening gum sensitivity and discuss any persistent discomfort with your dentist.
How Water Flossers Work
A water flosser works by shooting out a thin, pressurized stream of water. This type of floss uses much less hand coordination, as you simply hold the device over the surface you’d like to clean and the water does the work for you. Some models additionally come with interchangeable bristles for removing biofilm and cleaning between braces.
Advantages of Water Flossers
Water flossing, or water picking, utilizes a special machine that directs a stream of water into the mouth and gums. Rather than scraping the teeth to remove plaque, water flossing uses the pressure of the water to massage the gums and push the food away from the teeth. A Waterpik is easy to use, especially for people with braces, or other types of dental work like permanent or temporary bridges. The massage action can also improve gum health and reach areas that can’t be reached with traditional floss.
Disadvantages of Water Flossers
Perhaps the main disadvantage of a water flosser is the cost. A Waterpik can be expensive to purchase and will need space to be stored. It requires access to electricity and water, making it difficult to use outside of the home or while traveling if you do not choose a cordless option.
Which is More Effective, Water or Dental Floss?
Many studies have compared water flossing and traditional string floss. Overall, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association recommends water flossing over string dental flossing. Water flossers are effective at removing plaque and reducing gingival bleeding more than string floss. A water flosser is also particularly useful for those with limitations including arthritis or braces, where maneuvering string floss can be difficult.
Which Type of Floss is Right For You?
While the proper use of a toothbrush is effective for cleaning the proximal surfaces of teeth, brushing alone is not sufficient for cleaning the surfaces between your teeth. Whether you decide that a water flosser or traditional floss is right for you, the most important thing is that you floss every day regardless of the method you choose.
FAQs
Water flossers are effective at removing plaque and reducing gingival bleeding more than string floss. A water flosser is also particularly useful for those with limitations including arthritis or braces, where maneuvering string floss can be difficult.
Are water flossers better than traditional floss? ›
While it may not work as well as flossing in all cases, a Waterpik can still remove plaque and reduce gum disease. If you have braces, dental implants, or other dental work, a Waterpik may be especially helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
Do dentists actually recommend water flossers? ›
Dentists generally recommend water flossers as an effective way to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy. Water flossers are especially beneficial for those wearing fixed dental appliances like bridges, permanent retainers, and braces.
Are dental flossers as effective as regular floss? ›
While dental picks are certainly better than nothing, most dental health professionals agree that traditional floss is the best choice for daily flossing. It prevents the redistribution of bacteria because you're constantly using a fresh, clean segment of floss.
Why don t dentists recommend floss picks? ›
Traditional floss is recommended because it conforms better to the shape of the tooth. Wrapping traditional floss around the tooth helps clean the critical area around and below the gumline much better than a floss pick. Thus, patients who solely use floss picks may miss cleaning certain areas, leading to decay.
What is the disadvantage of water floss? ›
Perhaps the main disadvantage of a water flosser is the cost. A Waterpik can be expensive to purchase and will need space to be stored. It requires access to electricity and water, making it difficult to use outside of the home or while traveling if you do not choose a cordless option.
Is it OK to use a Waterpik instead of flossing? ›
Research has shown that there's minimal difference in plaque removal between using floss versus a Waterpik. Both Waterpiks and flossing are good ways to take care of your teeth and gums along with brushing. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning in between your teeth once a day.
Can a water flosser replace regular flossing? ›
While water flossers do a great job of removing food particles and rinsing away plaque by shooting a stream of water between your teeth, they cannot replicate the scraping motion of string floss that removes tartar-causing plaque that can eventually cause gum disease.
What is the healthiest dental floss to use? ›
Safe Dental Flosses
- Cocofloss – vegan with coconut oil and labeled PFAS free.
- Eco-Dent GentleFloss – nylon floss infused with essential oils and coated with plant wax.
- Eco-Dent Vegan Floss – nylon vegan waxed floss.
Disadvantages of flossing
This can make it challenging to properly clean between teeth and can lead to ineffective cleaning. Pain: Flossing can cause discomfort or pain for some people, especially if they have sensitive gums or dental work that is not properly fitted.
Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Is flossing no longer recommended? ›
It's recommended you clean between your teeth by flossing or using interdental brushes at least once a day. This helps to remove and control plaque and prevent future issues.
Is using a toothpick as good as flossing? ›
Interdental brushes and floss do a better and safer job at removing food between your teeth. While toothpicks work fine if used carefully, there are superior options - like above. Of course, the more you use a toothpick, the more likely you are to hurt your gums.
Can a Waterpik get plaque off? ›
Conclusion: The Waterpik Water Flosser and manual toothbrush is significantly more effective than a manual brush and string floss in removing plaque from tooth surfaces.
Should I use a water flosser before or after brushing? ›
Be sure to allow the water to empty from your mouth into the sink. The ideal time to use a Waterpik is before you brush your teeth. This is because doing so can allow you to remove food debris and plaque.
Is a water flosser better than regular floss for braces? ›
An easy and effective way to clean and floss braces and improve gum health is to use a WATERPIK water flosser with the Orthodontic Tip. It is clinically proven more effective than dental floss for people with braces.
