Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Health-GettyImages-1490455140-867589cab1104d58b38a8c29bdc3bba0.jpg "Young blonde woman wearing a purple tank top is standing in front of her bathroom mirror and using a water flosser")
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- Water flossing may have a slight advantage over traditional flossing for gum health.
- Both flossing and Waterpiks are endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA) when used properly.
- Waterpiks can be better if you have braces or limited hand movement.
Waterpiks and flossing address different dental hygiene needs. Waterpiks help reach difficult areas, which possibly decreases gingivitis symptoms.
Choosing Between Water Flossers and Traditional Floss
When it comes to flossing your teeth, you have multiple options available to you. The two most commonly used methods 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. These handheld devices are either electric or battery-powered and spray streams of water between your teeth in regular pulses.
Many available water flosser brands, including Waterpiks, have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. 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 helpful for people with braces or those with dental bridges.
Flossing
Floss, which was originally made of silk fibers twisted into a long strand, is now made of nylon or plastic. There's flavored and unflavored floss, as well as with or without wax.
According to the ADA, there's no difference in effectiveness between waxed and unwaxed dental floss. In very rare cases, people can be hypersensitive to waxed or coated floss.
Which One Is Better for Your Oral Health?
Water flossing may decrease symptoms of gingivitis (gum disease), such as bleeding gums. However, there's no evidence that it works better than traditional flossing.
An older study found that the Waterpik removed 29% more plaque than traditional floss.
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. Removing it from between your teeth helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
Which One Should You Choose?
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.
Pros and Cons of Waterpiks
Waterpiks may be useful for people who struggle with traditional flossing. They can have difficulty or pain moving their hands or wrists.
Waterpiks may also be more helpful for people with dental appliances or dental work in their mouths, like braces or bridges.
There are some downsides to water flossers, such as:
- Less effective at reaching every tooth as thoroughly as flossing
- Messier than floss
- More expensive than traditional floss
- Require more maintenance
Pros and Cons of Traditional Floss
Flossing is the most well-known way of cleaning between your teeth. People often opt for this method first.
It's more economical than purchasing a Waterpik, can be less messy, and cleans each tooth. It also requires no additional maintenance or care and is disposable.
Tips for Using Waterpiks and Floss
Whether you're using a Waterpik or traditional floss, the process of cleaning between your teeth takes practice.
Waterpiks
A Waterpik requires following the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and cleaning.
These general steps can help you get started:
- Fill the device's reservoir with warm water.
- Click the tip in place at the top of the handle.
- Lean over your sink before turning the device on so that the water can run out of your mouth.
- Put the tip in your mouth and prepare to floss.
- Turn the device on, focusing on the areas between each tooth and along the gum line.
- Make sure you're getting each individual tooth.
- Use the on/off switch to stop water flow if needed.
- Store and clean the water flosser as directed by the manufacturer.
- Clean the water flosser regularly and replace the tips as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure your device stays sanitary.
Flossing
Flossing your teeth may take some practice, especially if you've never done it before. Many dental experts recommend flossing by feel rather than by sight.
Some general guidelines to help you floss include:
- Remove about 18 inches of floss from the container.
- Wrap the floss around one of your middle fingers and then repeat with the opposite middle finger.
- Use your thumbs and pointer fingers to hold the floss and gently insert it between your teeth.
- Make a “C” shape with the floss and glide it against the side of each tooth.
- Move the floss gently up and down to remove food and other debris.
- Avoid jerking the floss or aggressive movements; instead, use smooth, gentle motions.
- Repeat this process for every tooth, including your back teeth.
- Discard the floss.
