Flossing is one of those dental hygiene habits that almost everyone knows they should do, but far fewer actually do consistently. If you’ve ever struggled with traditional string floss, whether it’s awkward to maneuver, uncomfortable on your gums, or just plain difficult to work into your daily routine, you’re not alone. Water flossers have surged in popularity as a more comfortable and convenient alternative, but are they just as effective? Here’s a closer look at these two options.
How Does Traditional Floss Clean Teeth?
Traditional string floss has been the gold standard in interproximal cleaning, which is a fancy term for cleaning between your teeth, for decades. When used correctly, it physically scrapes the surfaces of adjacent teeth, dislodging plaque and food debris from the tight areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.
To get the full benefit, you need to wrap the floss in a C-shape around each tooth and slide it gently just below the gumline, careful not to snap it up and down. In truth, not everyone flosses this way, which is part of why so many patients end up with gum inflammation that can lead to gum disease!
How Exactly Do Water Flossers Work?
A water flosser, often referred to as a Waterpik (which is the most popular brand), uses a pressurized stream of water to flush debris and bacteria from between teeth and along the gumline. This means there’s no string involved and no awkward maneuvering in the back of your mouth. For many patients, this makes the experience significantly more comfortable and easier to stick with!
Water flossers are especially beneficial for people with braces, since the brackets and wires can be tough to clean between. Likewise, patients with dental bridges, crowns, or other restorations benefit from the ease of cleaning that water flossers offer. Of course, anyone with sensitive gums can also appreciate water flossers, since they can be more gentle than traditional floss.
Which Is Better for Protecting My Smile?
Research has shown that when it comes to plaque removal from tooth surfaces, traditional string floss has a slight edge since it physically disrupts and scrapes biofilm in a way that a water stream alone may not be able to do. However, studies have also found that water flossers can be more effective than string floss at reducing gum inflammation and bleeding, as well as cleaning around the gumline.
There is no wrong answer; at the end of the day, whether you use regular floss or a water flosser, what’s most important is that you stick with the habit consistently! If you’re unsure about which method is right for you, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist during your next checkup—they’ll be able to help you master your at-home hygiene.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Tricia Mockler, our team has proudly served patients in Campbell and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide selection of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, you can reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (408) 871-0877.