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. But using both can be a highly effective part of your oral care regimen.
Pros of Dental Floss
Dental floss is highly effective. Here are some reasons it’s so good when considering which flossing option to choose:
- Inexpensive
- Great at cleaning in the tight spaces between teeth
- Scrapes plaque off the sides of your teeth
- Gets rid of plaque that turns into tartar, which promotes tooth decay and gum disease
Cons of Dental Floss
Dental floss does have some drawbacks. In particular:
- It can be irritating or painful and cause bleeding in people with sensitive gums
- It’s hard to use when you have braces
- It’s also less effective when you have braces
Pros of Water Flossers
Water flossers definitely have their benefits, and even offer some advantages over dental floss. They’re:
- Gentle and much less likely to cause irritation, pain, or bleeding in people with sensitive gums
- Easier to use – especially with braces
- More effective at cleaning behind the wires of braces
- Good for flushing particles and bacteria out of the pockets that form when the gums recede from the teeth if you have gum disease
Cons of Water Flossers
Water flossers have one significant downside that makes them less preferable when you’re deciding whether to use dental floss or a water flosser:
- They don’t remove plaque from the teeth as effectively as floss
- Also, quality ones are more expensive than floss
- And they can be a little messier than floss, too
Conclusion: Dental Floss or a Water Flosser?
Again, because a water flosser doesn’t remove plaque as effectively as dental floss, it’s not an adequate substitute. After all, this is the main goal of flossing. Proper brushing and flossing with dental floss at least twice per day are important daily habits for promoting oral health.
But using a water flosser in addition to dental floss is a great idea. It’s especially useful if you have braces, and it can help you achieve a superior clean if you have sensitive gums or gum disease.
FAQs
Water flossing will remove more plaque than flossing, making it more effective. The most effective way to clean between teeth and along the gums is whichever method you use regularly and properly. You should add either string flossing, water flossing, or both to brushing as a nightly dental routine.
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? ›
I recommend hand flossing first to get the food debris out, then brushing to remove stain and plaque, and then water flossing to finish the clean.” Other disadvantages include: A water flosser may not remove all plaque from the surface of the teeth. It costs more than string floss.
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.
Do dentists recommend water flossers? ›
Periodontist Dr Khurrum Hussain says, “I recommend using oral irrigators alongside an effective tooth-brushing technique, focusing on toothbrushes and interdental brushes.” He adds, “Oral irrigators are particularly beneficial for patients undergoing orthodontic therapy who may have difficulty using interdental brushes ...
Can you replace flossing with a water flosser? ›
It can be a good substitute for traditional flossing, especially for those who find flossing hard. While it may not work as well as flossing in all cases, a Waterpik can still remove plaque and reduce gum disease.
Can I stop flossing if I use a Waterpik? ›
However, combining both flossing and Waterpiks can achieve great results! Folks with dexterity problems or people who will just never floss will greatly benefit from Waterpik use and it is definitely better than doing nothing to clean in between your teeth.
Do doctors recommend water flosser? ›
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.
Can Waterpik cause gum recession? ›
While water flossers are generally considered safe for most people, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse or incorrect use can lead to gum damage. On the other hand, water flossers have been shown to improve gum health by removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease.
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.
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.
Should you brush your teeth before or after using a water flosser? ›
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.
What is the difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser? ›
The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.
Why don't dentists recommend Waterpik? ›
However, they cannot replace brushing, flossing, or visits to the dentist. Waterpiks cannot remove plaque or stuck-on debris that can accumulate on teeth over time. Therefore, using a Waterpik and practicing good oral care habits such as brushing twice daily and flossing once a day is essential.
Which is better string floss or water flosser? ›
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.
What brand of water flosser do dentists recommend? ›
Best Overall: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
Just so you know, Waterpik as a brand is highly recommended by dental professionals, and this model — and all of the brand's others — is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
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.
