Which One Is Better for Your Teeth?

Brushing alone isn’t enough to remove dental plaque from your teeth. Diligent teeth brushing only removes about 60% of the plaque. That’s why the American Dental Association (ADA) suggests flossing daily. Flossing helps you reach the remaining 40% of your teeth and get to the areas your toothbrush can’t reach. 

Flossing involves using a wax-coated string to remove food and debris from between your teeth, while a Waterpik uses a pulsing stream of water between the teeth and along the gumline. There’s debate over which option is more effective at cleaning between your teeth, with the Waterpik having a very slight advantage.

When it comes to flossing your teeth, you have multiple options available to you. However, the two most commonly used methods for cleaning between your teeth are water flossers and traditional floss.

Most dentists are fine with either method, provided you clean between your teeth every day. It’s more a matter of personal preference.

Waterpiks

Waterpiks are a popular brand of water flossers, handheld devices that are either electric or battery-powered and spray streams of water between the teeth in regular pulses. Many available water flosser brands, including Waterpiks, have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, meaning they were tested and are effective in removing plaque from your teeth.

Using a water flosser is a good option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. They may also be appropriate for people with braces or those with dental bridges, where it can be harder to reach certain parts of the mouth. Ask your dentist if a Waterpik is a good option for you.

Flossing

Floss, which was originally made of silk fibers twisted into a long strand, is now made of nylon or plastic. You can find flavored and unflavored floss on the market, as well as with or without wax. According to the ADA, there is no difference in effectiveness between waxed and unwaxed dental floss. However, they note that in very rare cases, people can be hypersensitive to waxed or coated floss. 

Research on which method of cleaning between teeth is more effective is mixed. However, more recent research suggests that water flossing may have a slight advantage.

One study found that while water flossing can reduce symptoms of gingivitis (gum disease), such as bleeding gums, there is no evidence of reduced plaque compared to traditional flossing. 

An older study found that the Waterpik removed 29% more plaque than traditional floss, while a more recent study noted that water flossing is an effective method for removing plaque and reducing gingival (gum) inflammation compared to traditional floss.

Regardless, consistently cleaning between your teeth and addressing each tooth is more important than the method you use. Dental experts say it takes plaque about 24 hours to build up around your teeth, and removing it from between your teeth with flossing helps prevent gum disease and cavities. Choose the method that best suits your needs and budget.

Choosing between a Waterpik and traditional floss often comes down to a matter of personal preference, flossing ability, and the dental work in your mouth. There are some advantages and disadvantages to both options.

Pros and Cons of Waterpiks

Waterpiks may be useful for people who struggle with traditional flossing because they have difficulty or pain moving their hands or wrists.

This can happen as you age or if you have underlying health conditions like arthritis or multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the nerves. Waterpiks may also be more helpful for people with dental appliances or dental work in their mouths, like braces or bridges.

On the other hand, there are some downsides to water flossers. They may:

• Be more expensive than traditional floss
• Be messier than floss
• Be less effective at touching every tooth as thoroughly as flossing
• Require more maintenance and care

Pros and Cons of Traditional Floss

Flossing is the most well-known way of cleaning between your teeth, so people often opt for this method first. It’s more economical than purchasing a Waterpik, can be less messy, and clean each individual tooth. It also requires no additional maintenance or care and is disposable.

Flossing can be difficult for some people to master, especially if their hands shake or they have limited movement. It can also be more time-consuming than using a Waterpik, as water flossers are more rigorous in their cleaning ability, allowing you to move more quickly. Most people who opt for traditional floss do so because it’s portable, low-cost, disposable, and precise when cleaning between teeth.

Whether you’re using a Waterpik or traditional floss, the process of cleaning between your teeth takes practice. Once mastered, you can rest assured that you’re cleaning away food particles and other debris in the mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach, which helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

Waterpiks

A Waterpik requires following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and cleaning. These general steps can help you get started:

1. Fill the device’s reservoir with warm water.
2. Click the tip in place at the top of the handle.
3. Lean over your sink before turning the device on so that the water can run out of your mouth.
4. Put the tip in your mouth and prepare to floss.
5. Turn the device on, focusing on the areas between each tooth and along the gum line.
6. Make sure you’re getting each individual tooth.
7. Use the on/off switch to stop water flow if needed.
8. Store and clean the water flosser as directed by the manufacturer.
9. Clean the water flosser regularly and replace the tips as recommended by the manufacturer to make sure your device stays sanitary.

Flossing

Flossing your teeth may take some practice, especially if you’ve never done it before. In fact, many dental experts recommend flossing by feel rather than by sight and to avoid the mirror if looking at your reflection makes flossing confusing.

Some general guidelines to help you get started include:

1. Remove about 18 inches of floss from the container.
2. Wrap the floss around one of your middle fingers and then repeat with the opposite middle finger.
3. Use your thumbs and pointer fingers to hold the floss and gently insert it between your teeth.
4. Make a “C” shape with the floss and glide it against the side of each tooth.
5. Move the floss gently up and down to remove food and other debris.
6. Avoid jerking the floss or aggressive movements; instead, use smooth, gentle motions.
7. Repeat this process for every tooth, including your back teeth.
8. Discard the floss.

The ADA recommends cleaning between your teeth once a day to remove food particles and other debris. This helps prevent dental conditions like cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. You can use a water flosser, such as a Waterpik, traditional floss, or another interdental cleaning device.

Choosing the best method for you depends on personal preferences, underlying health conditions, and whether you have any dental devices in your mouth, like braces. Both flossing and Waterpiks are effective if used properly. Some research suggests that water flossing may be slightly better. Regardless, consistently flossing is important for your overall dental health.