Is it more effective to floss teeth with a water flosser or with standard dental floss?
Answer From Cindy Zhou, D.M.D., M.S.
Cleaning between your teeth every day is an important part of good oral health. Talk to your dentist to help you decide which tool is best for your needs.
Standard dental floss is an effective tool for cleaning the tight spaces between teeth and removing the sticky material, called plaque, that can build up in places a toothbrush can't reach. This may help reduce bleeding and gum disease.
A water flosser is a device that aims a stream of water at the teeth. It's also called an oral irrigator or a dental water jet. 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. Using a water flosser can be helpful for people who have braces, other orthodontics or dental work that makes it hard to use standard dental floss. A water flosser also may be useful for people who have trouble flossing by hand. To lower the risk of contamination with bacteria, a water flosser should be used by only one person. Don't share it with other people in your household.
If plain dental floss gets stuck in your teeth, try the kind that is waxed. If you have a hard time handling dental floss, try a floss holder. Other options might include interdental brushes, picks or sticks designed to clean between the teeth.
To ensure good oral health, clean between your teeth once a day and brush your teeth twice a day. Get regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health. If you have questions about flossing and what's right for you, talk to your dentist.
With
Cindy Zhou, D.M.D., M.S.
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Dec. 06, 2022
- Marchesan JT, et al. Flossing is associated with improved oral health in older adults. Journal of Dental Research. 2020; doi:10.1177/0022034520916151.
- Floss/interdental cleaners. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/floss. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.
- Water flossers and water flossing. American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/water-flossers/. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.
- Sawan N, et al. Effectiveness of super floss and water flosser in plaque removal for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Dentistry. 2022; doi:10.1155/2022/1344258.
- Bertl K, et al. Bacterial colonization during regular daily use of a power-driven water flosser and risk for cross-contamination. Can it be prevented? Clinical Oral Investigations. 2022; doi:10.1007/s00784-021-04167-1.
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FAQs
We're often asked by patients whether it's better to use dental floss or a water flosser (like a Waterpik), also known as an oral irrigator. Each one has its pros and cons. However, if you're just looking for a quick answer, dental floss is the superior option for maintaining your oral health.
Is a water flosser more effective than dental floss? ›
Results: The majority of the studies favored water flossers over dental floss in plaque reduction. Water flosser was also found to be effective in removing plaque from inaccessible interproximal areas of the tooth surfaces as compared to dental floss.
What are the disadvantages of a water flosser? ›
Cons of water flossing
- May be costly.
- Needs charging.
- Some models are bulky.
- May not work as well as traditional floss.
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. The clinical science behind the effectiveness of biofilm removal is unrivaled.
Do you need to use dental floss if you use a water flosser? ›
In these cases, you'll find a Waterpik tremendously useful because a high pressure stream of water will get gum line areas and deep pockets cleaner, faster. For patients with deep gum pockets and spaces between their teeth, I often recommend that they use a Waterpik and dental floss, in tandem, each and every night.
Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›
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.
What are the disadvantages of dental flossing? ›
Disadvantages of flossing
This can make it challenging to properly clean between teeth and can lead to ineffective cleaning. Pain: Flossing can cause discomfort or pain for some people, especially if they have sensitive gums or dental work that is not properly fitted.
Is it safe to use water flosser everyday? ›
Recommended Frequency and Duration of Use: It's generally safe to use a water flosser once or twice a day for two minutes at a time. Correct Technique for Water Flossing: Hold the water flosser tip at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and gums and aim the stream of water directly at the gum line.
Should I use a water flosser before or after brushing? ›
Be sure to allow the water to empty from your mouth into the sink. 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.
Are water flossers better yes or no? ›
If you use standard dental floss, and you don't have bleeding or other problems, there's no need to change. Using a water flosser can be helpful for people who have braces, other orthodontics or dental work that makes it hard to use standard dental floss.
Can I use mouthwash or other additives in a WATERPIK water flosser? Yes, although all you need for effectiveness is warm water, there are additives including certain types of mouthwash that are safe to use.
Can a water flosser replace regular flossing? ›
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.
Is it better to floss before or after brushing teeth? ›
Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
What's better water flosser or floss? ›
A Waterpik cannot offer the same level of cleaning, since the stream of water creates no friction that can loosen hard-to-reach pieces of food and other debris. Instead, most dentists recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to flossing.
What is the disadvantage of water floss? ›
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.
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.
Do water flossers work as well as string floss? ›
Water pick users say their mouths feel fresher after use, and that's because water flossers are more effective than dental floss or floss picks at plaque removal. Studies show that water flossers remove 29% more plaque than floss. Water flossers are also more gentle for people with gum sensitivity.
Are flossers just as good as dental floss? ›
While it's better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it's important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth's surface. Doctor Theuer recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here's why: A floss pick holds just a small length of floss stretched in a straight line.
Should you use a Waterpik before or after brushing? ›
Therefore, our recommendation is to consider using your Waterpik water flosser first before brushing your teeth. This will allow the stuck-on debris to dislodge and then you can easily brush the remaining area free of all particles.
