Water flossing helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, but choosing the right water flosser can be challenging. To remove plaque without harm, consider two options: string flossers and electric water flossers. This guide compares both methods to help you decide!
Water Flossing and String Flossing
In a nutshell, water flossing is a more effective way to remove plaque than string flossing. It’s also much less invasively done, meaning it doesn’t require you to stick anything in your mouth (or worse yet, have your dentist do it). If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your teeth healthy without having to spend hours at the dentist or purchasing expensive dental products like whitening strips or brush heads every month, then water flossing might just be what you need!
How Does Water Flossing Work?
Water flossers utilize the power of water pressure to forcefully propel a stream of water between the teeth. This mechanism renders them remarkably more effective than traditional string flossing. The high-pressure water jet is capable of dislodging and dislodging stubborn food particles that tend to become trapped in the crevices between your teeth and gums. This is precisely why we strongly advocate for the practice of brushing your teeth before employing a water flosser.
By incorporating a toothbrush into your oral hygiene routine, you ensure that any surface-level debris and plaque are first addressed before utilizing the water flosser’s thorough cleaning action. It’s also easier to clean your teeth with a water flosser because you only need to hold down the button for a few seconds before releasing it again, making it much faster than string flossing! Plus, they’re less painful than stringing because they don’t pull on the gums like strings do.
Benefits of Using a Water Flosser
Using water flossers is simpler. Water flossers, being smaller and more portable than string flossers, can be taken along while traveling or on vacation. They are also cheaper than certain oral hygiene products, making them accessible to those seeking oral health improvement without time or financial constraints. Even if individuals have braces, crowns, or regular dental checkups every few years, they likely won’t require any other oral hygiene product.
People with braces/crowns/bridges/implants/periodontal disease benefit more from using a water flosser. Using a water flosser is easier than string flossing for most brace wearers as it requires less hand pressure and provides improved access to tight spaces, reducing potential gingivitis problems.
What Is String Flossing?
String flossing is a traditional method that uses dental floss to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth. The process is simple: you simply twist the string between your fingers, pull it through and then repeat this action until all of your teeth are cleaned.
Consumers have recently started embracing string flossing as a popular alternative to water flossing. String flossers, unlike water flossers, are inexpensive, effective for braces and crowns, and don’t need batteries or electricity, making them ideal for cord-haters!
Benefits of String Flossing
- String flossing is cheap and easy to use.
Which One Is Better?
Water flossers are more effective, but string flossers are cheaper and easier to use. Water flossers come equipped with a range of attachments specifically designed to target those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. These attachments make it a breeze to clean areas that are otherwise difficult to access.
You need to wrap the string around your fingers, maneuver it between each tooth, and pull it through narrow spaces when using traditional string flossing. This can be challenging, particularly if braces or other dental work restrict your reach in certain mouth areas.
Everyone has a different preference, but water flossers are more effective.
String flossers have a smaller reach and are harder to use than their water-based counterparts. Water flossers offer several advantages due to their unique features. Firstly, they significantly reduce the strain on your gums and teeth. Unlike traditional flossing methods, water flossers eliminate the need for suctioning or applying excessive pressure, resulting in a more comfortable experience.
Furthermore, water flossers are particularly beneficial for individuals who face challenges related to dexterity or hand and finger strength. Their user-friendly design allows for effortless operation, making them an ideal choice for people with limited mobility or conditions that affect their motor skills.
Water flossing is hygienic because you don’t need any cleaning products when using it! The bristles themselves can be cleaned in between uses by simply wiping them down with soap and warm water (or even just plain running under hot water). And if you do get some plaque build up after using it regularly? You can always buy an anti-plaque toothpaste at most drug stores or supermarkets that will help remove it!
Frequently Asked Questions
| Water Flossing | String Flossing | |
|---|---|---|
| How is it done? | Water flossing involves using a device that shoots a stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gum line. | String flossing involves using a thin strand of dental floss to clean between teeth and along the gum line. |
| How often should it be done? | It is recommended to water floss at least once per day, either in the morning or before bed. | It is recommended to string floss at least once per day, either in the morning or before bed. |
| Is it painful? | Water flossing should not be painful. If it is, you may be using too much pressure or the water pressure may be set too high. | String flossing can sometimes be painful if you have sensitive gums or if you are flossing too vigorously. |
| Is it more effective? | Water flossing can be just as effective as string flossing at removing plaque and reducing gum inflammation. However, it may be more effective at removing food particles stuck between teeth. | String flossing can be just as effective as water flossing at removing plaque and reducing gum inflammation. However, it may be more effective at removing plaque from between tight teeth or below the gum line. |
