Water Floss vs. String Floss: What's Best? (2024)

FAQs

Water Floss vs. String Floss: What's Best? ›

On the whole, the American Dental Hygienists' Association recommends water flossing over string dental flossing. It cites studies showing water flossers are effective at removing plaque and reducing gingival bleeding more than string flossing does.

Studies show that water flossers remove 29% more plaque than floss. Water flossers are also more gentle for people with gum sensitivity. In addition, patients with less dexterity tend to find water flossers easier to use than most other interdental cleaners.

Traditional Method Dental Floss

While both options are equally effective in removing tooth debris, waxed floss is less likely to shred and is easier to slide between teeth, plus the texture of the wax makes it easier for food slide out from those tiny cracks.

Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes. The Waterpik water flosser should be the standard of care for in-between clean.

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.

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.

Dr. Lau says that the most comfortable (widely used) floss is made with Teflon-coated shred-resistant polymer, yet it may not be the most effective due to its satiny texture. If possible, textured, thicker floss with a wax coating will be better at removing plaque before it hardens and becomes tartar.

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.

While it may be surprising, a study has found that flossing first followed by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque than brushing first, flossing second. In addition, flossing before brushing results in greater fluoride retention between teeth.

What floss not to use? ›

Choose flosses made without PFAS or PTFE.

If a product doesn't list coating ingredients or the floss material (and they usually don't), consider avoiding it, especially flosses marketed as “nonstick” or “glides easily.”

Ideally, patients will floss at least once a day. The best time to floss is at night before bed and before you've brushed your teeth. It's important to floss before brushing, as brushing will help displace any of the substances you dislodge from between your teeth from your mouth.

While flossing plays a role in removing plaque and imbedded food particles and reaching below the gumline, new clinical studies show that regular use of Listerine® Antiseptic offers patients 5x more sustained plaque reduction above the gumline between dental hygiene visits than brushing and flossing alone.

Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.

But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss. Don't throw away your traditional dental floss just to try something new. Most dentists still consider regular flossing the best way to clean between your teeth.

Water flossers are a great recommendation for most patients, particularly those who can't floss properly or are noncompliant with flossing. There is plenty of research supporting the safety and effectiveness of water flossers, and hygienists should recommend these products to patients on a routine basis.

A water flosser can help remove food particles between teeth. It also can remove plaque from teeth. If you use standard dental floss, and you don't have bleeding or other problems, there's no need to change.

A Waterpik Shouldn't Replace Brushing or Flossing

Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly. Using a Waterpik while continuing to practice good oral care can help you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

Clean By Flossing

String floss and threaders reach areas that brushing alone misses but can be hard to do right, especially when it comes to restorative dental work. Using a WATERPIK water flosser ensures you are taking the best care of your, crowns, bridges, and veneers, as well as your teeth and gums.

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.