Should I Use Traditional Dental Floss or a Water Flosser?

Sometimes, it can be easy to make important decisions, like what color your new car should be, or where you’d like to go for vacation. But one area that leaves many people confused is how best to clean between their teeth: with traditional string dental floss, or with a water flosser. If you’ve been wondering which method you should use for removing harmful deposits of plaque and debris from your smile, here’s a closer look at your options, and how to decide which one will work best for your oral health!

What is a Water Flosser?

While you may have heard of it referred to by a brand name like Waterpik or as a water irrigator before, a water flosser is a device that uses pressurized H2O to loosen and free particles of food debris, bacteria, and plaque from your mouth. When sprayed between the teeth, it can even act in lieu of traditional dental floss, and is especially helpful for patients who wear braces, or who have permanent retainers or restorations like dental bridges.

Which is Best: String or Water Flossing?

Sometimes, the answer to this question depends on who you ask. However, studies have show that both are pretty close in effectiveness, and there have been many that have found one more beneficial than the other. Ultimately, it is up to your own preference and the recommendation by your dentist depending on your individual smile. For example, if you wear braces, you may be better off water flossing, as it is easier to clean around the wires and inside the nooks and crannies of your brackets. Conversely, if you are in excellent oral health and have a nicely aligned smile, you may only need to use traditional floss to properly clean between your teeth. However, if you prefer one method over another and believe it will make it more likely for you to floss daily, you should certainly go with whatever works best!

Don’t Forget to Brush…

Remember, whichever way you decide is best to floss your teeth, be sure to include it as part of a complete oral health routine, including brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist twice a year for your regular checkups and cleanings!

About Our Practice

At Tahquitz Dental Group, Dr. Dev and Dr. Fowobaje want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile no matter which method you use to clean it. If it’s been more than six months since your last exam and cleaning, be sure to book your next visit soon, so we can help protect your teeth and gums and even advise you on the best way to care for your gorgeous grin on your own. To book an appointment for preventive care, visit our website, or call us today at 760-325-6480.