The Great Flossing Debate
As part of good oral hygiene, flossing helps clean between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Regular flossing removes plaque and food debris to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from occurring. But which method of flossing should you choose — traditional floss or a water flosser? In this blog post from your friends at Gentle Family Dentistry, we’ll compare the two flossing methods to help you decide which option may be right for maintaining your oral health.
At Gentle Family Dentistry, Dr. Dr. Jonathan Garger and our skilled dental team provide tips and recommendations on establishing effective flossing habits for better oral hygiene. Call 661-664-9900 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What Is Flossing and Why Do We Need It?
Flossing helps dislodge sticky plaque buildup and food debris from between teeth and just below the gumline. If left alone, this debris can cause tooth decay and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) — which can lead to chronic periodontitis.
By flossing daily, you greatly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and cavities between the teeth — some of the most difficult areas to treat and restore. Simply put, flossing daily provides immense preventative dental health benefits.
How to Use Traditional Floss
Traditional floss comes in unwaxed strands of nylon or bundles of ultra-thin wax-coated fibers. If you’re unsure how to floss correctly, follow these steps:
- Use an 18-inch length of floss wrapped around middle fingers with about one to two inches stretched between hands.
- Gently slide it down between two teeth, careful not to forcefully snap it down to avoid cutting gums.
- Make a C-shape wrapping floss around the base of the tooth and scrubbing up and down and back-and-forth along the adjacent tooth surface.
- Repeat for all tooth contacts, unwrapping new sections of floss as you progress.
If you have any questions about flossing, please don’t hesitate to ask our team at Gentle Family Dentistry.
Benefits of Traditional Floss
Many dentists and dental hygienists have recommended traditional string floss for decades. But what makes it special? Traditional floss offers many benefits, including:
- Precise Cleaning: Traditional flossing allows for precise targeting between teeth and along the gumline, ensuring thorough removal of plaque and debris.
- Portability and Accessibility: Traditional floss is compact, portable, and doesn’t require electricity. It’s readily accessible, making it convenient for use at home or while traveling.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional floss is an economical option. It offers an effective means of interdental cleaning without the need for additional equipment.
- Ease of Use: Flossing with traditional dental floss is straightforward and doesn’t involve a learning curve. It’s user-friendly for people of all ages, including those with orthodontic appliances.
Introducing Water Flossers
Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use pressurized streams of water pulses directed via a small tip placed in the mouth to blast away debris between teeth. Countertop models connect to your faucet and contain replaceable water reservoirs. Additionally, cordless models are entirely self-contained and waterproof for use in the shower if desired! The tip is gently moved along the gumline while aiming the pulsing streams of water to rinse the crevice between tooth and gum.
Water Flossing Benefits
Water flossing provides benefits that make it a convenient and effective choice for maintaining optimal dental health, such as:
- Gentle on Gums: Water flossers provide a gentle and comfortable alternative, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive gums or orthodontic appliances.
- Efficient Plaque Removal: The pulsating water jet effectively removes plaque and debris from between teeth and below the gumline, promoting comprehensive oral cleanliness.
- Reduced Mess: Water flossers minimize the mess associated with traditional flossing. There’s no need for string manipulation, reducing the likelihood of bleeding or irritation.
- Enhanced Convenience: Water flossers offer ease of use, particularly for those with dexterity challenges. The adjustable settings cater to individual preferences for a customized flossing experience.
- Versatility and Reach: With various nozzle attachments, water flossers can reach areas that traditional floss might struggle with. This versatility ensures a more thorough and adaptable interdental cleaning routine.
What’s The Verdict?
For optimal oral health, employing traditional floss and water flossing as part of your routine provides superior coverage. The easy use of portable floss picks makes it realistic to floss manually at least a few times weekly even when life gets busy. Add in water flossing on most other days, and your gum health will likely improve from the decreased inflammation. Your smile will shine brighter thanks to minimizing plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach spots!
Keeping up with a flossing routine isn’t always easy. But taking the time to properly floss your teeth every day pays dividends for your short-term and long-term dental health. Your smile will thank you!
Take Control of Your Oral Health!
Ready to elevate your oral care routine? Choose the flossing method that suits your lifestyle best. Whether it’s the precision of traditional floss or the convenience of water flossing, take a step towards a healthier, brighter smile today! Schedule your appointment with Dr. Dr. Jonathan Garger at Gentle Family Dentistry by calling 661-664-9900 today!
FAQs
With a water flosser, streams of water will go between the teeth to remove plaque, while string flossers require you to be more aggressive by jamming the string into the small gaps between your teeth. For this reason, water flossers can reduce the bleeding and inflammation that can be caused by string floss.
Is water flossing as effective as traditional flossing? ›
But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss. Don't throw away your traditional dental floss just to try something new. Most dentists still consider regular flossing the best way to clean between your teeth.
Do dentists actually recommend water flossers? ›
Dentists generally recommend water flossers as an effective way to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy. Water flossers are especially beneficial for those wearing fixed dental appliances like bridges, permanent retainers, and braces.
Is Waterpik more gentle than flossing? ›
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.
Which is better, water flossing or string flossing? ›
They found instead that water flossers were just as effective as string floss, not more so. That is why they recommended water flossers to those with braces, retainers, or who have fine motor skill issues.
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.
What are the cons of a water flosser? ›
Cons
- If the cost is an issue, then you may not want to get a Waterpik as a flosser as it will be more expensive initially.
- You can't use it without electricity, thus limiting its mobility. ...
- Plaque, even after it is removed by your dentist or in the shower, sticks to your teeth and can be difficult to remove.
However, some research shows that Waterpiks don't remove plaque as effectively as ordinary floss. It's best not to discard your dental floss in favor of a water flosser, as most dentists still consider floss the most effective way to clean between the teeth.
Why don't dentists recommend Waterpik? ›
Water flossers will not remove all the plaque from your teeth, and they can be far more costly than traditional string floss. However, they do have many benefits. They are pretty easy to use and can be great for hard-to-reach areas, like the very backs of your molars.
Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›
Keeping the tool clean aids in the removal of potentially harmful particles such as spores, bacteria, and mycotoxins, as well as potential food sources such as organic matter and mineral buildup.It also helps ensure that the machine continues to work properly; a malfunctioning waterpik is an open door for retaining ...
Everyday we recommend a Waterpik or Shower Floss to our patients. If you've had gum recession or gum disease either type of oral irrigator will help prevent further bone loss. I also recommend oral irrigators for those with implants, bridges, or braces.
Why do my teeth hurt after flossing water? ›
In most cases, the ache you feel is because your teeth are getting used to being properly cleaned. This is especially important in the case of gingivitis. If it isn't properly addressed in its early phases, it will evolve into periodontitis. Remember to do gentle movements and consult with your personal dentist.
Why does my water flosser hurt? ›
If you have not been flossing regularly, you may find that you have some sensitivity when you begin using a water flosser, but this will resolve with regular use. You can also relieve sensitivity issues by adjusting the water temperature so it's not too cold or too hot.
Why does water flossing feel so good? ›
Flossing Shouldn't Hurt Your Gums
String flossing can be painful -- If you use too much force or the space between your teeth is tight, string floss can snap and cut into your gum tissue. Water flossing is more comfortable -- When you use the water flosser, the pulsating warm water has a soothing effect on the gums.
Does flossing create gaps in teeth? ›
Gaps between your teeth are indicators of gingivitis or problems with your gums. There are various reasons why you may develop gaps between your teeth. One of the reasons is improper flossing. However, so long as you floss correctly, flossing will likely not cause gaps, states Redding Family Dental.
Does water flossing strengthen gums? ›
In conclusion, water flossers can be a safe and effective way to clean between teeth and along the gum line. When used properly and in moderation, they can even improve gum health. However, it's important to be mindful of the pressure setting and to follow proper technique to avoid any potential gum damage.
What is the healthiest way to floss your teeth? ›
“Traditional string floss [versus a floss pick] is the best way to floss your teeth and will result in clean and healthy teeth and gums,” Dr. Palmer says. Keep it simple. “Wrap floss around middle fingers, and use your forefinger and thumb to have more control close to the tooth,” explains Dr.
Which flossing method is better? ›
Traditional Method Dental Floss
While both options are equally effective in removing tooth debris, waxed floss is less likely to shred and is easier to slide between teeth, plus the texture of the wax makes it easier for food slide out from those tiny cracks.
Are you supposed to water floss everyday? ›
How Many Times Per Day Should I Use My Water Flosser? You should use your WATERPIK water flosser at least once per day. Why? To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once per day and brush your teeth at least twice per day.
