With more emphasis now being placed on oral health and its connection with healthy living, flossing is no longer a nice thing to do but a necessary part of your daily oral hygiene regimen. However, some experts still claim that they are not to be used as a replacement for traditional floss.
Fortunately, with the development of water flossers, we now have an ideal alternative to traditional floss. Water flossers offer more convenience, comfort, and efficiency. However, some experts still claim that they are not to be used as a replacement for traditional floss.
This post takes you through the comparisons of water flossing vs string, helping you to determine the best option.
What Is A Water Flosser?
A water flosser is a dental device that uses a stream of pressurized water (or a combination of water and air) to clean away food particles, plaque, and bacteria between teeth and under the gumline. It is also known as an oral irrigator, a wet flosser, or a dental water jet.
To use a water flosser, here are some of the key steps to undertake:
- Fill the water reservoir with warm water up to the recommended level. If desired, you can add an antibacterial solution or the best mouthwash to the reservoir.
- Attach the flosser tip to the handle of the water flosser. You can use more specialized tips, like an orthodontic tip, if you have braces.
- Adjust the pressure setting to your liking.
- Lean over the sink and place the flosser tip in your mouth.
- Turn the water flosser on and start flossing by directing the water stream along the gum line and between your teeth.
- Move around the flosser, ensuring to clean all areas of the teeth, including the front and back of each tooth.
- Turn off the water flosser and spit the water into the sink when done.
- Clean the water flosser by emptying the remaining water from the reservoir and wiping down the handle and tip.
Pros and Cons of Water Flossing
Water flossing has gained massive recognition worldwide thanks to its effectiveness, convenience, and comfort it gives to its users. However, there are still a few setbacks associated with water flossing.
Here are a few pros and cons of water flossing to help you determine if this is the right solution for you:
- Effective at removing plaque: Water flossing has been shown to be effective with plaque removal from between teeth and along the gum line. Some studies indicate that water flossing is 29% more effective at removing plaque than traditional flossing.
- Easy to use: Water flossers are easy to use and require no special skills or techniques.
- Suitable for people with dental appliances: Water flossing is a gentle and effective way to clean between teeth and around dental appliances like braces, which can be difficult to clean with traditional flossing methods.
- Helps reduce gingivitis: Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Water flossing not only helps to eliminate bacteria and food particles along the gum line, but it is also gentle on your gums, hence a perfect gingivitis prevention solution.
- Cost: Water flossers can be more expensive than traditional flossing.
- Requires electricity and water: Water flossers require electricity and water to operate. If you don't have access to a power outlet or water, you won't be able to use a water flosser.
Is Water Flosser Better Than Traditional Flossing?
Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that you won’t eliminate by only brushing. Traditional flossing involves the use of a thin string to clean between teeth. Using such flossers has been quite helpful to people that wish to maintain their oral hygiene.
However, with the popularity of water flossers rapidly growing, is it time to shelve traditional flossing? Are water flossers better than string floss? In fact, are water flossers good?
Let’s delve deeper and compare water flossers vs traditional floss methods.
Water Flossing vs String Flossing
String floss is the most traditional method of flossing. It involves using a thin nylon string to clean between teeth and along the gum line.
While string floss is highly effective at removing plaque and food particles, it can be difficult to use, especially for people with braces, dental implants, or other dental appliances.
When considering a water flosser vs dental floss, water flossing is a more comfortable and effective alternative to traditional string flossing. Water flossers are more gentle on the gums and do not cause bleeding or discomfort, as with string floss. This makes them a better option for people with sensitive teeth and gums.
Water flossers are also easier to use, even for people with braces, implants, or other dental appliances.
Water Flossers vs Floss Picks
Floss picks are small plastic tools that hold a short piece of dental floss. They are convenient to use and are a popular alternative to string floss.
However, floss picks are less effective at cleaning between teeth and along the gum line than string floss or water flossers.
Water flossers use a powerful stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gum line, removing plaque and food particles more effectively than floss picks.
Water Flossers vs Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small, cylindrical brushes designed to clean between teeth and the gum line. They are effective at removing plaque and food particles, but they can be difficult to use in tight spaces and may cause bleeding and discomfort in people with sensitive gums.
Water flossers are a more convenient and comfortable option than interdental brushes. They are quite effective in cleaning hard-to-reach areas while being gentle on the gums and do not cause discomfort or bleeding, which you may get during interdental cleaning.
Best Water Flossers of 2023
Water flossing is a crucial addition to anyone’s oral care regimen. However, as a first-time user, it may be a daunting experience trying to find one that meets your needs.
Whether you want to use water flossers for the first time or you simply want to check out some good recommendations, here are the top five best water flossers of 2023:
Snow Water Flosser
The Snow Water Flosser is an elegant and practical solution for your oral hygiene needs. With its sleek design and easy-to-use interface, this device is a great addition to your at home dental routine. The Snow Water Flosser is made of antibacterial-treated plastic to prevent bacteria and germs and is travel-friendly as it is fully collapsible.
The water flosser has three power modes (pulse, normal and soft) and it can be used with Snow’s whitening additive for an extra whitening boost. The Snow Water Flosser is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality water flosser that delivers optimal cleaning results everywhere!
Aquasonic Aqua Flosser
The Aquasonic Aqua Flosser is a budget-friendly option that is easy to use and effective in cleaning between teeth and below the gumline.
This device has 8 pressure settings, making it suitable for people with sensitive gums and teeth. Moreover, it has a large water tank that can hold up to 600ml of water, meaning you won’t have to refill it frequently.
There are seven interchangeable tips, including a tongue scraper and a periodontal tip, making the Aquasonic Aqua Flosser a versatile tool for oral hygiene.
Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser is a popular choice among dentists and consumers alike. It comes with ten pressure settings, making it easier to customize the pressure to your liking.
This water flosser also has seven interchangeable tips, including a plaque seeker tip, an orthodontic tip, and a pik pocket tip. The Aquarius has a large water tank that can hold up to 650ml of water, which means you can floss your entire mouth without having to refill it.
Waterpik is a globally-recognized brand in the dental industry. The company has numerous products under its line, and you can find even more options by checking out our comprehensive Waterpik reviews.
Waterpik Rechargeable Cordless Plus Water Flosser
The Waterpik Rechargeable Cordless Plus Water Flosser is a portable option perfect for those always on the go.
It has four pressure settings and four interchangeable tips, making it a suitable tool for dental hygiene. When considering the Waterpik water flosser vs dental floss, you will enjoy more benefits with this product, including extra convenience, portability, and more.
Spotlight Oral Care Water Flosser
The Spotlight Oral Care Water Flosser is a stylish option that comes in a sleek black or white design. The device has four interchangeable tips, including a tongue cleaner and an orthodontic tip.
The water tank can hold up to 600ml of water, which is enough for a thorough cleaning of your mouth. The Spotlight Oral Care Water Flosser also has a timer that helps you keep track of how long you’ve been flossing, ensuring that you’re flossing for the recommended two minutes.
Which Option Is Best For You?
Water flossing does not replace brushing teeth. Moreover, it has a few setbacks some users may find traditional flossing a better solution. But is water floss better than string floss? The best solution for you all depends on your personal needs and preferences.
Other factors like your budget also come into play.
Nevertheless, based on the strengths and setbacks of water flosser vs regular floss, it is evident that a water flosser is ideal for everyone and most helpful to those with orthodontic appliances like braces.
As a rule of thumb, always consult with your dentist to help you determine which option best suits your needs.
If you are concerned about having many dental appliances on your countertop, you may consider some of the latest and advanced options, like a toothbrush and water flosser combo product, which you can find out more about on our Waterpik Sonic-Fusion Review.
FAQ
Water flossers have been proven to be as effective as floss in removing plaque, bacteria, and other debris from between teeth and along the gumline.
Water flossers are safe and effective for use on our teeth. This is why dentists approve and recommend water flossers.
It is generally recommended to floss your teeth at least once a day. You should use your water flosser, ideally after brushing your teeth.
Water flossers can effectively remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth and below the gumline.
Water flossers are not a replacement for traditional dental flossing, but they can be an effective supplement to a regular dental hygiene routine.
Sources
- An Overview of Different Interdental Cleaning Aids and Their Effectiveness. (2019). Retrieved 6 April 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31159354/
- Evaluation of the plaque removal efficacy of a water flosser compared to string floss in adults after a single use. (2013). Retrieved 6 April 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24282867/
- Effectiveness of Super Floss and Water Flosser in Plaque Removal for Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (2022). Retrieved 6 April 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36090126/
