Is it more effective to floss teeth with a water flosser or with standard dental floss?
Answer From Cindy Zhou, D.M.D., M.S.
Cleaning between your teeth every day is an important part of good oral health. Talk to your dentist to help you decide which tool is best for your needs.
Standard dental floss is an effective tool for cleaning the tight spaces between teeth and removing the sticky material, called plaque, that can build up in places a toothbrush can't reach. This may help reduce bleeding and gum disease.
A water flosser is a device that aims a stream of water at the teeth. It's also called an oral irrigator or a dental water jet. A water flosser can help remove food particles between teeth. It also can remove plaque from teeth.
If you use standard dental floss, and you don't have bleeding or other problems, there's no need to change. Using a water flosser can be helpful for people who have braces, other orthodontics or dental work that makes it hard to use standard dental floss. A water flosser also may be useful for people who have trouble flossing by hand. To lower the risk of contamination with bacteria, a water flosser should be used by only one person. Don't share it with other people in your household.
If plain dental floss gets stuck in your teeth, try the kind that is waxed. If you have a hard time handling dental floss, try a floss holder. Other options might include interdental brushes, picks or sticks designed to clean between the teeth.
To ensure good oral health, clean between your teeth once a day and brush your teeth twice a day. Get regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health. If you have questions about flossing and what's right for you, talk to your dentist.
With
Cindy Zhou, D.M.D., M.S.
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Dec. 06, 2022
- Marchesan JT, et al. Flossing is associated with improved oral health in older adults. Journal of Dental Research. 2020; doi:10.1177/0022034520916151.
- Floss/interdental cleaners. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/floss. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.
- Water flossers and water flossing. American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/water-flossers/. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.
- Sawan N, et al. Effectiveness of super floss and water flosser in plaque removal for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Dentistry. 2022; doi:10.1155/2022/1344258.
- Bertl K, et al. Bacterial colonization during regular daily use of a power-driven water flosser and risk for cross-contamination. Can it be prevented? Clinical Oral Investigations. 2022; doi:10.1007/s00784-021-04167-1.
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FAQs
Research has shown that there's minimal difference in plaque removal between using floss versus a Waterpik. Both Waterpiks and flossing are good ways to take care of your teeth and gums along with brushing. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning in between your teeth once a day.
Are flossers just as good as dental floss? ›
While it's better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it's important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth's surface. Doctor Theuer recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here's why: A floss pick holds just a small length of floss stretched in a straight line.
What is the disadvantage of water floss? ›
Disadvantages of Water Flossers
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.
Are water flossers recommended by dentists? ›
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.
Do you still need to floss if you use a water flosser? ›
It can be a good substitute for traditional flossing, especially for those who find flossing hard. While it may not work as well as flossing in all cases, a Waterpik can still remove plaque and reduce gum disease.
Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›
Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.
Can Waterpik cause gum recession? ›
No, water flossing does not cause gum recession nor damage to teeth or crowns. On the contrary, water flossing aids in flushing debris out of bridges, crowns, implants, braces, and other dental restoration better than brushing and flossing alone which can extend the lifespan of your dental restorations.
Is it better to floss before or after brushing teeth? ›
Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Is it okay to water floss everyday? ›
Recommended Frequency and Duration of Use: It's generally safe to use a water flosser once or twice a day for two minutes at a time. Correct Technique for Water Flossing: Hold the water flosser tip at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and gums and aim the stream of water directly at the gum line.
Is there a difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser? ›
The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.
Be sure to allow the water to empty from your mouth into the sink. The ideal time to use a Waterpik is before you brush your teeth. This is because doing so can allow you to remove food debris and plaque.
What brand of water flosser do dentists recommend? ›
Best Overall: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
Just so you know, Waterpik as a brand is highly recommended by dental professionals, and this model — and all of the brand's others — is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Should you use a Waterpik before or after brushing? ›
Be sure to allow the water to empty from your mouth into the sink. The ideal time to use a Waterpik is before you brush your teeth. This is because doing so can allow you to remove food debris and plaque.
Do water flossers remove tartar? ›
Water flossing can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing the buildup of tartar. However, a water flosser may not remove existing tartar once it has formed. Using a water flosser can aid in tartar prevention, but it's not a substitute for professional dental cleanings.
Do you floss before or after brushing? ›
Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
