Nov 7, 2024
Maintaining good oral health involves choosing the right tools for plaque removal. Two popular options are traditional dental floss and water flossers (also known as waterpiks). Here’s a simple breakdown of their benefits and how to use them effectively.
What is Water Flossing?
Water flossing involves using water pressure and pulsations to clean between your teeth and along your gum line. This method effectively clears food debris and reduces bleeding, making it a popular alternative to traditional floss.
How to Floss for Best Results
Regardless of your choice, here’s a step-by-step guide from Healthline to ensure a thorough cleaning:
Break off about 18 to 24 inches of dental floss. To hold the floss correctly, wind most of the floss around both of your middle fingers. Leave only about 1 to 2 inches of floss for your teeth.
Next, hold the floss taut with your thumbs and index fingers.
Place the dental floss in between two teeth. Gently glide the floss up and down, rubbing it against both sides of each tooth. Don’t glide the floss into your gums. This can scratch or bruise your gums.
As the floss reaches your gums, curve the floss at the base of the tooth to form a C shape. This allows the floss to enter the space between your gums and your tooth.
Repeat the steps as you move from tooth to tooth. With each tooth, use a new, clean section of floss.
Dental Tip: Floss First, Then Brush! Flossing is recommended before brushing in order to loosen and remove debris that brushing alone cannot reach.
Which Method is Best?
Although there are varying studies on the benefits of both methods, a 2021 study found that both flossing methods effectively remove plaque—traditional floss at 89% and water flossing at 87%. A benefit of string floss is that it allows for a scraping action along the sides of your teeth, this scraping motion is very effective at removing plaque and cannot be replicated with a water flosser. String floss can also help users get a sense of how well they are cleaning.
On the other hand, water flossers can allow for more flexibility and ease mobility challenges, making them easier to use. Studies have also shown that water flossers can reduce gingivitis and bleeding gums more effectively than traditional floss.
Did You Know? Plaque can harden into tartar (calculus) in as little as 24-36 hours. This hardened plaque can only be removed by professional cleaning. Book your cleaning every 6 months to avoid buildup and protect your teeth!
When to Use a Water Flosser Over String Floss?
If you experience discomfort when flossing, a water flosser may be a better option for you. You may also prefer to use a water flosser if you have the following:
Orthodontics or Braces
Bridgework
Crown or Dental Implants
Bleeding gums
Gingivitis
In any of the above cases, a water flosser can help ease discomfort and help target plaque in hard-to-reach places. Other solutions such as floss holders, interdental brushes, picks or sticks can also be used as a cheaper alternative to ease discomfort. Ultimately, both methods contribute to better oral health, so choose the one that works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine!
