Water Flossing vs. Flossing: Which Is Right for You?

Flossing is an often neglected, but integral part in a good oral care routine. It helps avoid a bunch of oral conditions, but for some people, traditional flossing just doesn't cut it. 

The first line of defense for maintaining healthy teeth and gums is brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time. However, the areas between your teeth cannot be completely cleaned by a good toothbrush. 

For this reason, the American Dental Association advises flossing once a day to get rid of food particles and plaque, the sticky substance that builds up on your teeth that can cause gum disease and cavities.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional flossing, you may have heard about water flossing. Water flossing is rising in popularity and is a great tool for people with braces, problems with fine motor skills, or sensitive gums. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of water flossing vs flossing, along with: 

• What water flossing is exactly 
• What is traditional flossing 
• Water flossing vs flossing: the breakdown 
• Who should consider water flossing 
• What about using both?
• Should you really be flossing every day?

Let's get into it!

What is Water Flossing?

How Water Flossers Work 

Water flossers are devices that use a small jet stream of water, which is directed in between your teeth, and around the gums, to dislodge various particles. This high pressure stream of water will dislodge food particles, bacteria, and plaque to help optimize your oral hygiene. 

Water flossers come with multiple different attachments, and pressure settings, which allows you to adjust the flosser to your needs. 

Many people who have braces, dental implants and sensitive gums prefer water flossers, but more on that later. 

Types of Water Flossers 

• Countertop Water Flossers: Counter top flossers are the most common type of flosser. They are plugged into an outlet, on your countertop, and have a container attached with water which the flosser uses to clean your teeth. 
• Cordless Water Flossers: Cordless water flossers are the next generation of water flossers. They are battery operated, making them both smaller and portable. This device is then used to clean between your teeth, and does not need to be plugged in. 
• Shower Flossers: Shower flossers are less common, but are convenient to use. They attach to the shower head, and use the water from the shower to power the flosser. 

Benefits of Water Flossers 

• Ease of Use for Braces: For people with orthodontic devices, such as braces, traditional flossing often does not get in between and underneath the wires where plaque and food debris can build up. Water flossing can reach these hard-to-reach spots. 
• Implants: For people with dental implants, bridges, and crowns, water flossers can be a great way to increase the longevity of these implants. The water flosser can help clean the implant, without causing damage to it. 
• Environmentally friendly: Water flossers have the benefit of creating very little waste. Unlike traditional floss, which is used and then discarded, water flossers simply use water, which is refilled time and time again. 
• Gentle on Sensitive Gums: For people with sensitive gums, water flossers offer a great way to clean between and around the teeth, without irritating the gums, or making them bleed. 

What is Traditional Flossing? 

Traditional flossing involves using a thin string, which is glided between your teeth, and pulled up to remove plaque build up, and food particles stuck here.

There are many benefits to flossing regularly, such as the removal of plaque, protection of your gums and prevention of cavities. 

There are many different types of traditional floss. Older types of floss are often unwaxed, whilst more modern floss is waxed. Waxed floss helps the floss to glide between the teeth, by reducing friction. 

When used with proper technique, traditional floss helps most people to clean the food particles and plaque from between the teeth. It is often recommended that flossing is done before brushing the teeth, as this allows the tooth brushing to remove any food particles removed by floss. 

Water Flossing vs. Flossing: The Breakdown 

When it comes to comparing water flossing vs traditional flossing, there are a few things you need to consider. Both of these methods may have advantages, and disadvantages, based on your unique needs. 

Effectiveness

Both traditional flossing and water flossing is effective in removing plaque. However, a few studies have found that water flossing is slightly more effective in removing plaque, compared to traditional flossing methods. 

Water flossers have also been shown to better remove plaque in the back molars for people who have orthodontic devices, such as braces. 

So whilst both methods of flossing are capable of removing plaque, water flossing may actually take the cake. Especially when it comes to removing plaque that is found in the back molars, or for people who have braces, for example.  

Ease of Use

For many people, traditional flossing and water flossing are both straightforward to use. 

However, for people with dexterity issues, such as those with arthritis or those with neurological conditions, a water flosser is often easier to use. Unlike traditional floss, water flossers can remove plaque found on the teeth without being perfectly slotted between our teeth. 

The benefit that traditional flossing has, however, is that it is convenient to store. Traditional floss can fit in your back pocket, making it more convenient for travel, or for small cabinet spaces. 

Gum Health

Plaque is often the leading cause of gum disease. What surprises most people, is that flossing can often have the greatest benefit for the gums, not just your teeth. 

Both traditional flossing, and water flossing, are effective in removing plaque from between the teeth. Therefore, both are also effective in preventing gum disease. 

Some studies have found that water flossing is more effective in removing plaque from between the teeth, hence, it may be better at promoting gum health, compared to regular flossing. 

Cost

When it comes to the cost of water flossing vs flossing, traditional floss is often a lot more affordable than water flossing. 

There is no doubt that water flossing is more expensive at the start, however the running costs are very low. Whilst traditional floss is very cheap, it needs to be purchased time and time again as you run out, unlike water flossing. 

In general however, the cost of water flossing is greater than traditional floss. 

Who Should Consider Which Method?

Both water flossing, and traditional flossing has the ability to remove plaque, and food particles between your teeth. So then, when is traditional flossing better suited to you, and when should you choose water flossing? 

Water Flossing May Be Ideal For…

People with braces: Water flossing is great for people with braces, as it allows you to clean between your teeth, and underneath the wires between the braces. 

People with implants: People with dental implants often struggle to get to those hard-to-reach areas, and may be prone to damaging the implant with floss. 

People with bridges: People with bridges may not be able to use traditional floss as easily, especially those who need to floss underneath the bridge. 

People with limited dexterity: People who struggle with fine motor skills, such as those who have suffered a stroke, have Parkinson's disease, have lost a limb or have arthritis in their hands will find water flossers easier to use compared to traditional flossing methods. 

People with sensitive gums: People with sensitive gums that find that their gums are prone to bleeding when using traditional floss, may be better suited to using water floss. Water flossing is generally more gentle on the gums compared to string flossing. 

People wanting to try something new: If you, or a loved one, is always wanting to try the newest technology or gadgets, then a water flosser is a great way to explore the newest technology available on the market. 

• Environmentally conscious people: Water flossers are great for people looking to reduce waste produced by traditional flossing techniques. The water flosser is reusable, and does not contain any single use components. 

Traditional Flossing May Be Better For…

Experienced flossers: If you have nailed using traditional floss, and have had compliments from your dentist about your dental hygiene, then continuing to use regular dental floss may be the best choice for you. 

People who are budget conscious: Traditional floss is recommended for people looking to save some money on their oral care, as traditional floss is cheaper than water flossers. 

People looking for travel-friendly options: If you are someone who likes to save space in their bathroom, or travels frequently, then traditional floss is a great option for you. It can be stored away, taking up very little space compared to water flossers. 

Can You Use Both? 

Yes, it is possible to use both traditional flossing methods together with water flossing. In fact, both methods can complement each other, and leave your teeth even cleaner than when just utilizing one method. 

If you do choose to use both methods, consider using traditional floss first, and then water flossing. Traditional flossing can remove the plaque and food debris from between the teeth, whilst water flossing can easily wash away these particles. 

Another way to use both methods, is to first floss, then to brush, and finally finish off with water flossing, to remove any particles left behind. 

Should You Floss Every day? 

According to the CDC, whether you use water flossing or traditional flossing, it is important to do so daily. 

There are numerous benefits to flossing every day, no matter what methods you choose, such as: 

Removal of plaque: Flossing helps to remove the plaque that gets stuck between your teeth, and cannot be removed by brushing alone. Flossing also removes any food particles which get lodged between your teeth, which ensures that the plaque causing bacteria is kept at bay. 

Reduces your risk of gum disease: Flossing every day is essential to maintain the health of your gums. Studies have shown that daily flossing helps to protect your gums against gum disease, which, when advanced, can result in tooth loss. 

Lowers your risk of cavities: Cavities cause damage to the enamel of your tooth, forming small holes which will eventually result in tooth sensitivity, infections and unpleasant dental bills. Flossing your teeth every day protects the areas of your mouth that cannot be reached by brushing alone. 

Fresh breath: No one likes to have bad breath, and sometimes, you may notice, brushing alone is not enough to keep bad breath at bay. Flossing every day removes food particles and bacteria from between our teeth that contribute to bad breath. 

What Experts Say

“There's no need to switch if you use regular dental floss and don't have any bleeding issues or other issues, according to Dr. Anjum Chaudhary, MDS. 

For those who find it difficult to use regular dental floss due to orthodontics, braces, or other dental procedures, using a water flosser can be beneficial.

For those who find it difficult to floss by hand, a water flosser could be helpful. Only one person should only use a water flosser to reduce the chance of bacterial contamination. Keep it private from other members of your family.” 

Conclusion

When it comes to comparing traditional flossing methods to water flossing, there are a number of things to think about. Whilst both have benefits, the main thing to take away is that both are effective cleaning methods. The best method is one that you will use every day. 

In general, traditional floss is better for those who are on a tighter budget, or those who like to travel light. 

Whilst water flossers, such as Boka’s Power Flosser are great for people who have trouble using traditional floss, those looking to try something new, and those looking for the very best way to clean their teeth. 

If you are still unsure what flossing method is best for you, then visiting a dentist is a great idea. Apart from the regular check-ups you should be having, popping into the dentist's office and asking them for advice is the best way to get personalized recommendations on which flossing method is best suited to you is a great idea..