Water flossing vs regular flossing: which is better?

Flossing is important because it helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline, areas that a toothbrush may not reach effectively. Effectively removing plaque is crucial in preventing gum disease, cavities, and maintaining fresh breath.

With water flossing devices, such as Waterpiks, growing in popularity, you may be wondering if you should be using one as opposed to flossing with traditional dental floss. The truth is that they are both great tools in the realm of oral care, each with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. In this article, we will examine the use of both water flossers and dental floss, shedding light on the unique benefits they offer and the situations in which one might outshine the other.

What is a Waterpik?

A Waterpik is a brand name for a type of oral health device known as a “water flosser” or “dental water jet.” It’s designed for flossing teeth with water. This is otherwise known as water flossing. The device typically consists of a reservoir for holding water, a motor or pump to generate water pressure, and a handheld nozzle through which the pressurised water is directed into the mouth.

When might you consider using a Waterpik?

Anyone can use a Waterpik or any other water flosser. However, they may be particularly useful when you have:

• Braces

• Dental crowns

• Dental implants

• Limited dexterity

• Personal preference for one

How do water flossers work?

Water flossers use a motor or pump to pressurise water from a reservoir, which is then directed towards your teeth through a handheld nozzle or tip. Water flossers typically have a built-in water reservoir or a detachable water tank which you’d have to fill with water manually before using. Once the reservoir is filled, the device’s internal motor or pump pressurises the water for use in the flossing process. Users can adjust the water pressure to their preference, and by guiding the nozzle along the gumline and between teeth, the pressurised water effectively removes debris, food particles, and plaque, promoting good oral hygiene and gum health.

What are the pros and cons of water flossing vs string floss for dental flossing?

Pros of water flossing

• Effective cleaning: Water flossers can effectively remove food particles, plaque, and debris from between teeth and along the gumline with ease, promoting better oral health.

• Gentle on gums: They are gentle on the gums, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive or inflamed gums.

• Ideal for dental implants & braces: Water flossers are particularly useful for those with braces or dental implants as they can reach areas that traditional floss may struggle to access.

• Convenient and easy to use: Water flossers are user-friendly and easy to incorporate into most people’s daily oral care routine.

• Customisable pressure: Most models have adjustable pressure settings, allowing users to control the intensity of the water stream based on their comfort and dental needs.

Pros of using traditional string floss

• Affordable and readily available: Dental floss is widely available, inexpensive, and doesn’t require additional equipment, making it accessible to most people.

• Portability: Dental floss is compact and easy to carry, making it convenient for travel or on-the-go oral care.

• No electricity or maintenance: Unlike water flossers, dental floss doesn’t require electricity, charging, or regular maintenance.

• Manual control: Floss provides complete manual control over the pressure and placement of the cleaning, allowing users to tailor their flossing technique to their specific needs.

• Proven effectiveness: Dental floss has a long history of use and is recommended by all dentists for maintaining good oral health.

Cons of water flossing

• Cost: Water flossers can be relatively expensive compared to traditional dental floss. The initial investment is higher, and there can be ongoing costs for replacement nozzle tips.

• Water dependency: Water flossers require a water source to fill the reservoir. This can be inconvenient when on the go or travelling.

• Learning curve: Some individuals may find it initially challenging to use a water flosser correctly without making a mess. It can take time to develop the right technique.

• Limited portability: it’s not as portable as a packet of floss, making it difficult to use after a meal at a restaurant or whilst travelling.

• Risk of mess: Water flossing can be messier than traditional flossing, as water and debris can splash. It’s best to use them over a sink.

• Contact areas: Water flossers do not break through the contact areas of adjoining teeth and plaque can still remain at the contact areas.

Cons of traditional string floss

• Time-consuming: Flossing can be time-consuming, and some people may find it inconvenient to add to their daily oral care routine, leading to inconsistency in flossing.

• Difficulty for some dental work: It can be challenging to floss around orthodontic appliances, dental implants, or other restorations, which may require alternative methods or tools.

• Limited reach: Flossing can be less effective at reaching the very back of the mouth or tight spaces between teeth, making it necessary to use additional tools for comprehensive cleaning.

• Preference: Some individuals simply prefer other dental cleaning methods, and if they do not enjoy using dental floss, they may not be consistent with their flossing routine.

• Extra-waste: As string floss is single-use, you’ll find it contributes to more disposable waste, which can be a concern for those seeking eco-friendly solutions.

What should I choose?

When trying to decide whether a water flosser is worth the money over string floss, it comes down to personal preference. Ultimately, the best option is the one that aligns with your daily routine and habits. Some people prefer the portability of a pack of string floss whereas others value the ease of use of the water flosser. As long as you are regularly flossing, it doesn’t matter which one you pick.

Keep your teeth in tip top shape with regular dental cleans

It is extremely important to floss each day to maintain good oral hygiene. In addition to regular flossing, it’s also important to maintain regular dental check up and cleans. At Cambridge City Dental, our doors are always open to new patients. You can book an appointment online or by calling our friendly team on . We look forward to meeting you!

Book an appointment for your regular dental check-up. Contact our dentists in West Leederville today.