10 Feb What Works Better, Dental Floss or a Water Flosser?
We all know that daily flossing is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. But when it comes to choosing how to floss, you might be wondering if you should stick with string floss or upgrade to a water flosser. Does one work better than the other? Both are effective, but depending on your habits, a water flosser could be better. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of these two flossing methods.
Is a Water Flosser Better Than Dental Floss?
Dental floss has been the gold standard for decades, and it’s a highly effective tool for removing plaque. However, dental floss is also kind of a pain to use, which is why most people skip flossing their teeth. If you’re one of them, you should try using a water flosser instead.
Water flossers use a steady stream of pulsating water to clean between your teeth and along the gumline. They’re a great option if you find it difficult to use string floss. But although water flossers offer a more modern approach to flossing, newer doesn’t always mean better. They can still damage your gums if used incorrectly, and they aren’t as quite as effective as string floss when it comes to removing plaque.
Water Flosser vs. Dental Floss: Pros and Cons
- Dental floss is better at removing plaque between tightly spaced teeth and underneath the gums.
- Water flossers are great at cleaning along the gumline and at reaching around braces or other dental work.
- Dental floss can damage your gum tissue if you’re using it incorrectly. For instance, “snapping” the floss up between your teeth can make your gums bleed.
- Water flossers are good for people who have difficulty with string floss because of arthritis, sensitive gums, or limited range of motion.
Can a Water Flosser Harm Your Gums?
Water flossers are designed to be gentle, making them a safe option for most people. However, using a high-pressure setting for too long can cause irritation, especially if your gums are already sensitive. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to start with the lowest setting and adjust as needed to keep things comfortable.
If your gums bleed when using a water flosser, it could be because you haven’t been flossing on a regular basis. With consistent use, your gums will eventually grow stronger. But if the bleeding persists for more than a week, it’s probably a sign of gum disease, and you should schedule a dentist appointment.
Find Your Flossing Routine
The best flossing method is always the one that works best for you! The most important thing to remember is that flossing is only effective when you do it every day. If you usually skip flossing, switching to a water flosser might help you form better habits.
For the best results, consider using both! You can use dental floss first to remove plaque, then follow up with a water flosser to rinse away any leftover debris.
If you have questions about water flossers vs. dental floss, ask us at your next visit! We can provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences and your daily routines. Contact Prescott Dentistry to schedule an appointment for an exam and cleaning today.
Photo by Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/5/25.