Whether it’s Waterpik or another brand, you’ve probably seen water flossers that claim to clean between your teeth as well as dental floss. But are they as good? Do you need dental floss if you have a water flosser?
Water flossers are great tools, but they aren’t quite the same as dental floss. However, they’re a good option for patients with braces or dental work that makes standard dental floss harder to use.
Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry knows the pros and cons of water flossers vs. floss. Let’s explore which is best for your oral health.
Water Flosser vs. Dental Floss
We all know what dental floss is — waxed string that slides between your teeth to remove food particles and plaque. But what do we mean by water flossers?
A water flosser shoots a small stream of water between your teeth to loosen and remove particles and plaque. They’re often called Waterpiks after one of the more popular brands, but several options are available now.
Water Flosser Pros
Water flossers offer several advantages, especially for people with dental appliances or orthodontics.
Water flossers can get around braces, brackets, and wires far more easily than dental floss, which needs a floss threader for braces.
Water flossers can also be more gentle on sensitive gums, including those that bleed with dental floss use. A water flosser can get below the gumline without causing bleeding.
Water flossers can also get around dental work without dislodging it, such as bridges, crowns, partial dentures, veneers, and fillings. A water flosser is more gentle around these, especially if they’ve just been placed.
Look for water flossers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. These have been tested and studied and shown to be as effective as dental floss for cleaning your teeth. Not sure where to start? Check out our dentist-approved products, including our team’s favorite water flosser.
Water Flosser Cons
The biggest con of water flossers is that they don’t completely eliminate plaque between teeth. The water stream lacks the scrubbing power of dental floss, so it leaves a thin film of plaque behind.
As a result, use dental floss at least once a day to remove plaque completely. However, if that isn’t possible, then using a water flosser is better than nothing.
Water flossers also need to be used in a bathroom where you can plug the device in or charge it.
Dental Floss Pros
Dental floss has many advantages. First, it has the scrubbing power water flossers lack. It can clean off the tooth’s surface completely. It is the most tried-and-true method of cleaning between your teeth.
Dental floss is also versatile and portable. Whether it’s in dental floss picks or a small box, you can easily fit dental floss into a suitcase, toiletries bag, or even a pocket and carry it with you. This means you can use it anywhere after any meal.
Dental floss is inexpensive and doesn’t need charging. You can purchase it nearly anywhere, and you don’t need to wait for it to charge to use it.
Dental floss even comes in different flavors, so you can floss and get the fresh feeling of cinnamon or mint.
Dental Floss Cons
Dental floss can be harder to use around braces or new dental work. It may get caught in the brackets, wires, or around the new crowns.
Dental floss can fray while you’re using it, making it less effective. That’s why you should use waxed dental floss, which tends to fray less.
Dental floss can also irritate inflamed gums and cause bleeding. A water flosser can be gentler on irritated gums, but you still need to floss one way or another.
It may be harder to get a good angle with regular dental floss, especially on the back teeth. In these cases, a dental floss pick may be better.
Which One Should You Use?
Which should you use, a water flosser or dental floss? Use whichever you can use consistently. If you prefer a water flosser, then use it daily. If dental floss or dental picks are better for you, then use them.
The key is to clean between your teeth. This prevents tooth decay between teeth and gum disease, which can lead to infection and tooth loss.
Those with orthodontics and dental work may do better with water flossers. They may be easier to use.
Those who travel frequently will probably prefer standard dental floss for its portability and lack of need for electricity or charging.
FAQs About Floss and Water Flossers
Can a water flosser fully replace traditional floss?
Is a water flosser as effective for people with braces?
How often should I use a water flosser or floss?
Will a water flosser or dental floss get rid of tartar between my teeth?
Teeth Cleaning in Fayetteville, AR
Flossing is a vital part of good oral hygiene, and you can do it with traditional dental floss or ADA-recommended water flossers. You should also visit a dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning.
If you need professional dental cleaning in Fayetteville, AR, schedule an appointment with Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry.
