The Great Flossing Debate
As part of good oral hygiene, flossing helps clean between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Regular flossing removes plaque and food debris to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from occurring. But which method of flossing should you choose — traditional floss or a water flosser? In this blog post from your friends at Gentle Family Dentistry, we’ll compare the two flossing methods to help you decide which option may be right for maintaining your oral health.
At Gentle Family Dentistry, Dr. Dr. Jonathan Garger and our skilled dental team provide tips and recommendations on establishing effective flossing habits for better oral hygiene. Call 661-664-9900 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What Is Flossing and Why Do We Need It?
Flossing helps dislodge sticky plaque buildup and food debris from between teeth and just below the gumline. If left alone, this debris can cause tooth decay and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) — which can lead to chronic periodontitis.
By flossing daily, you greatly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and cavities between the teeth — some of the most difficult areas to treat and restore. Simply put, flossing daily provides immense preventative dental health benefits.
How to Use Traditional Floss
Traditional floss comes in unwaxed strands of nylon or bundles of ultra-thin wax-coated fibers. If you’re unsure how to floss correctly, follow these steps:
- Use an 18-inch length of floss wrapped around middle fingers with about one to two inches stretched between hands.
- Gently slide it down between two teeth, careful not to forcefully snap it down to avoid cutting gums.
- Make a C-shape wrapping floss around the base of the tooth and scrubbing up and down and back-and-forth along the adjacent tooth surface.
- Repeat for all tooth contacts, unwrapping new sections of floss as you progress.
If you have any questions about flossing, please don’t hesitate to ask our team at Gentle Family Dentistry.
Benefits of Traditional Floss
Many dentists and dental hygienists have recommended traditional string floss for decades. But what makes it special? Traditional floss offers many benefits, including:
- Precise Cleaning: Traditional flossing allows for precise targeting between teeth and along the gumline, ensuring thorough removal of plaque and debris.
- Portability and Accessibility: Traditional floss is compact, portable, and doesn’t require electricity. It’s readily accessible, making it convenient for use at home or while traveling.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional floss is an economical option. It offers an effective means of interdental cleaning without the need for additional equipment.
- Ease of Use: Flossing with traditional dental floss is straightforward and doesn’t involve a learning curve. It’s user-friendly for people of all ages, including those with orthodontic appliances.
Introducing Water Flossers
Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use pressurized streams of water pulses directed via a small tip placed in the mouth to blast away debris between teeth. Countertop models connect to your faucet and contain replaceable water reservoirs. Additionally, cordless models are entirely self-contained and waterproof for use in the shower if desired! The tip is gently moved along the gumline while aiming the pulsing streams of water to rinse the crevice between tooth and gum.
Water Flossing Benefits
Water flossing provides benefits that make it a convenient and effective choice for maintaining optimal dental health, such as:
- Gentle on Gums: Water flossers provide a gentle and comfortable alternative, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive gums or orthodontic appliances.
- Efficient Plaque Removal: The pulsating water jet effectively removes plaque and debris from between teeth and below the gumline, promoting comprehensive oral cleanliness.
- Reduced Mess: Water flossers minimize the mess associated with traditional flossing. There’s no need for string manipulation, reducing the likelihood of bleeding or irritation.
- Enhanced Convenience: Water flossers offer ease of use, particularly for those with dexterity challenges. The adjustable settings cater to individual preferences for a customized flossing experience.
- Versatility and Reach: With various nozzle attachments, water flossers can reach areas that traditional floss might struggle with. This versatility ensures a more thorough and adaptable interdental cleaning routine.
What’s The Verdict?
For optimal oral health, employing traditional floss and water flossing as part of your routine provides superior coverage. The easy use of portable floss picks makes it realistic to floss manually at least a few times weekly even when life gets busy. Add in water flossing on most other days, and your gum health will likely improve from the decreased inflammation. Your smile will shine brighter thanks to minimizing plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach spots!
Keeping up with a flossing routine isn’t always easy. But taking the time to properly floss your teeth every day pays dividends for your short-term and long-term dental health. Your smile will thank you!
Take Control of Your Oral Health!
Ready to elevate your oral care routine? Choose the flossing method that suits your lifestyle best. Whether it’s the precision of traditional floss or the convenience of water flossing, take a step towards a healthier, brighter smile today! Schedule your appointment with Dr. Dr. Jonathan Garger at Gentle Family Dentistry by calling 661-664-9900 today!
FAQs
Water flossing will remove more plaque than flossing, making it more effective. The most effective way to clean between teeth and along the gums is whichever method you use regularly and properly. You should add either string flossing, water flossing, or both to brushing as a nightly dental routine.
Is water flossing as effective as traditional flossing? ›
Is Water Flossing as Good as Dental Floss? The American Dental Association says water flossers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance can get rid of plaque. That's the film that turns into tartar and leads to cavities and gum disease. But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss.
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.
Is Waterpik more gentle than flossing? ›
Especially in comparison to string flossing, water flossing is much kinder to your gums and shouldn't hurt: String flossing can be painful -- If you use too much force or the space between your teeth is tight, string floss can snap and cut into your gum tissue.
Can a Waterpik replace traditional flossing? ›
However, it's important to recognize that a Waterpik is not intended to replace your daily flossing. Instead, it should be used to improve your flossing routine, allowing deeper cleaning and gingivitis prevention. Water flossers cannot clean as closely as traditional floss.
What is the disadvantage of water 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.
What is the healthiest way to floss your teeth? ›
“Make a C-shape to hug the side of the tooth, and move floss up and down five times, going slightly below the gums. Then make the C-shape around the adjacent tooth up and down to clean the side surface of that tooth before pulling the floss out and moving to the next tooth.” Keep it simple.
Why don't dentists like Waterpik? ›
However, some research shows that Waterpiks don't remove plaque as effectively as ordinary floss. It's best not to discard your dental floss in favor of a water flosser, as most dentists still consider floss the most effective way to clean between the teeth.
Do water flossers erode teeth? ›
Can a Water Flosser damage teeth or gums? Though some may find that their gums bleed when they first use one, a Water Flosser does not damage teeth or gums. It is gentle on the oral cavity and acts similar to flossing.
Is Waterpik good or bad for gums? ›
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.
Everyday we recommend a Waterpik or Shower Floss to our patients. If you've had gum recession or gum disease either type of oral irrigator will help prevent further bone loss. I also recommend oral irrigators for those with implants, bridges, or braces.
Why do gums bleed with Waterpik? ›
This is because bacteria buildup causes inflammation that makes the gums bleed more easily. Gum disease only worsens with time and can eventually result in tooth loss. So if your gums bleed while flossing with string floss or a Waterpik®, you should visit the dentist right away.
Why does my water flosser hurt? ›
If you have not been flossing regularly, you may find that you have some sensitivity when you begin using a water flosser, but this will resolve with regular use. You can also relieve sensitivity issues by adjusting the water temperature so it's not too cold or too hot.
Does Waterpik remove tartar? ›
Water flossing can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing the buildup of tartar. However, a water flosser may not remove existing tartar once it has formed. Using a water flosser can aid in tartar prevention, but it's not a substitute for professional dental cleanings.
Should you use Waterpik before or after brushing? ›
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. When you use a Waterpik before brushing your teeth, teeth brushing becomes more effective.
Is Waterpik better than floss for gingivitis? ›
The Water Flosser is often recommended for patients with active gum disease or a history of gum disease because it flushes bacteria from deep pockets where floss can't reach. The Waterpik only rinses, though, while floss actually scrapes off sticky film.
What's the difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser? ›
The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous. So now you know that a Waterpik is simply a type of water flosser, but what do these dental devices actually do?
Do water flossers remove tartar? ›
Water flossing can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing the buildup of tartar. However, a water flosser may not remove existing tartar once it has formed. Using a water flosser can aid in tartar prevention, but it's not a substitute for professional dental cleanings.
