Water Flosser vs Floss: Is Water Flosser Better Than String Floss

by Tim Gordon

Table of Contents

How Does Traditional String Floss Work? How Does Water Flosser Work? Can Water Flossers Replace Dental Floss? Conclusion

Flossing is very important when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing alone is not enough to keep the teeth and mouth healthy. Flossing helps to remove food and plaque. Also, it aids you in preventing potential cavities, tonsil stones, plaque, gingivitis and gum disease. 

Another undeniable benefit of flossing is that it makes the teeth look brighter. There are two major flossing options. And learning what works best for you is important. The options people explore are traditional flossing and water flossing. 

How Does Traditional String Floss Work?

Flossing with the traditional string requires a thin piece of string. The string passes between the teeth to remove food debris and plaque. It scraps up and down the tooth to remove plaque and food debris off the surface of the tooth and the gum line.

String Floss Pros

The advantages of traditional string floss include:

  • It is an effective and efficient method of removing food, debris, and plaque from the teeth.
  • It is cost-effective and accessible.
  • It is small, portable, and travel-friendly.
  • It is usable anywhere.

    String Floss Cons

    String floss also comes with its disadvantages as well.

    These disadvantages include:
  • It can be difficult to reach specific areas of the mouth with string floss.
  • String flossing can be hard on the gums, resulting in minor bleeding.
  • Traditional flossing can worsen gum sensitivity and result in general discomfort.

    • How Does Water Flosser Work?

    A water flosser works by spraying water in steady pulses. The constant jet of pressurized water rids the teeth of food particles and plaque. With a water flosser, all you have to do is hold the device over the teeth. The water will do all the cleaning for you.

    Water Flosser Pros

    Some of the advantages of water flossing include:

  • It helps to remove pressure on the gums.
  • The steady stream of water from the water flosser massages the teeth and the gums.
  • It removes every food particle from the corners of the mouth.
  • It works well with braces and other types of dental work.
  • The constant water pressure helps to improve gum health.
  • The water flosser also reaches areas that traditional flossing cannot access.

    Water Flosser Cons
  • Water flossers are relatively expensive compared to traditional string floss.
  • Some water flossers also need electricity and water to function.
  • If you do not choose the cordless option, it can be difficult to use outside the house.

    • Can Water Flossers Replace Dental Floss?

    Many people wonder if water floss is better than string floss. Studies have shown the differences between water flossing and string flossing. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association recommends water flossing over traditional string flossing.

    Water flossing provides a great alternative to traditional dental flossing. With water flossers, the chances of irritable and bleeding gums are greatly reduced. Water flossers work well with braces and other orthodontic appliances.

    Water flossers can replace flossing. Water flossing is quite helpful in removing plaque. It also aids in reducing gingival bleeding. Also, you can combine string floss and water floss in conditions where plaques can’t be completely removed. This will help you to achieve more effective results.

    Conclusion

    Caught between water floss and thread floss? After reading this article, you have gained an insight into the best option. With water flossing having a high recommendation from the ADA, it is a worthy choice. You might worry about selecting a good brand of water flosser. Don't stress yourself; Tuski offers a perfect water flosser you can rely on to maintain your oral health.

    Tim Gordon

    Writer

    Nov 02, 2022

    Tim Gordon is a Chicago-based content writer and editor with 10+ years of experience in technical writing. Tim works closely with both B2C and B2B businesses to help them produce high-quality yet easy-to-digest professional content that provides value to users and educates them. Throughout his career, Tim has crafted blog posts, help guides, white papers, and user manuals in personal care, dental hygiene, wellness, patient education, and more.