Water Flossers vs. Traditional Floss: Which Cleans Better?

Hey there, smile enthusiasts! As your friendly dental hygienist, I get asked all the time: “Which is better, traditional floss or a water flosser?” Well, grab your toothbrush and let’s break it down.

Traditional Floss: The Classic Choice Traditional string floss is the gold standard for a reason. It’s fantastic for scraping plaque and food debris from between teeth and under the gumline. Plus, it’s portable, affordable, and doesn’t require charging or water reservoirs. The downside? It can be tricky to use if you have braces, dental work, or arthritis.

Water Flossers: The Modern Marvel Water flosser, like the popular Waterpik, use a pressurized stream of water to flush out plaque and food particles. They’re especially great for patients with braces, bridges, or gum issues. Water flossers are also gentler on sensitive gums. However, they can be a bit messy, pricey, and not as easy to pack for travel.

So, Which One Cleans Better? Here’s the truth: Both are effective if used correctly! Traditional floss is excellent for physically scraping plaque, while water flosser shines when it comes to reaching deep pockets and tricky spots, making water flosser a great tool.

The best flossing method is the one you’ll actually use every day. If you’re unsure which is right for you, let’s chat about it at your next hygiene visit!

Schedule your hygiene appointment today, and let’s keep that smile sparkling bright. See you soon!

Susan, RDH