Every time you visit the dentist, you hear the same advice: "The doctor told me to 'floss regularly'." With so many options, it can be confusing to know what’s the best way to keep your teeth clean for good oral health. 

Today, we're diving into two popular flossing methods: Traditional floss and water flossers. This is your ultimate guide to how to take care of those pearly whites and keep your smile healthy and bright.

What is a water flosser?

Imagine a little water gun made to clean your teeth. In essence, that’s what a water flosser is! This is a handheld device that shoots a thin stream of water between your teeth and along your gum line. 

This gadget is not like traditional string floss. It uses the power of water pressure to blast away food particles and plaque. It reaches the area where tooth brush can't.

There are different sizes of water flossers. You can find that are small enough to fit in your travel bag and others that will look good on your bathroom counter. They usually have different pressure settings, so you can set the water stream to what you like.

How do water flossers work?

So here’s the cool science of water flossing. Using a water flosser is easy. Turning the device on creates a steady stream of water that shoots out of a special tip. The water pressure does the heavy lifting of cleaning as you move this tip along your teeth. 

It’s like a power washer for your mouth, but a gentle one! It's strong enough to remove food particles from hard-to-reach places between your teeth. Moreover, it helps to clean along the gumline where your toothbrush can't.

Some models come in different tips for braces, implants, or sensitive areas.

What is traditional floss?

The classic string method of cleaning between your teeth is traditional dental floss. It is something you’ve probably seen your parents use. It’s a thin, thread like string made from nylon or plastic. You carefully move between each tooth to remove food particles and plaque. 

It comes in various forms – waxed, unwaxed, flavored, or unflavored. Others come in small plastic containers that can fit in your bathroom or even your bag. For decades, it's been the go-to dental cleaning method and most dentists still recommend it.

How does traditional floss work?

Using traditional string dental floss, it’s like a dainty dance with your teeth. Put a small piece of the string around your fingers, slide it between each tooth, gently. You move the floss up and down and just under the gumline, where it scrapes away sticky plaque and removes tiny food particles your toothbrush missed. 

This takes a little skill and patience. You have to be careful not to snap the floss against your gums, which can ruin it. You move the floss to clean all sides of each tooth individually.

Benefits of water flosser

Water flossers come with some pretty awesome advantages:

  • Super easy to use - perfect for people who struggle with traditional flossing

  • Great for people with braces, dental work, or limited hand mobility

  • Water stream can reach places traditional floss might miss

  • Gentler on your gums compared to traditional flossing

  • More comfortable and enjoyable to use, which means you're more likely to floss

  • Fantastic for cleaning around dental work like bridges or implants

  • Ideal for those who hate the feeling of traditional floss between their teeth

  • Provides a massage-like feeling for your gums

  • Excellent for people with sensitive teeth or gums

Benefits of traditional floss

Traditional floss has been a dental hero for a reason:

  • Incredibly affordable and budget-friendly

  • Extremely portable - you can carry a small container anywhere

  • No batteries or electricity required, making it perfect for travel

  • Excellent at scraping off sticky plaque in a precise manner

  • Provides a hands-on cleaning experience

  • Available in almost every store

  • No learning curve - most people know how to use it

  • Doesn't require any special maintenance

  • Recommended by most dentists as a primary method of interdental cleaning

  • Use anywhere, anytime

Risks and side effects of water flosser

While water flossers are generally safe, they do have some potential issues:

  • Risk of gum irritation if pressure setting is too high

  • May cause bleeding if used incorrectly

  • Initial sensation can be uncomfortable for some people

  • Requires a learning curve to use effectively

  • More expensive upfront compared to traditional floss

  • Needs occasional replacement of parts

  • Requires electricity or batteries

  • Less convenient for travel

  • Can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly

  • Might be too intense for people with very sensitive gums

  • Takes up more bathroom counter space

Risks and side effects of traditional floss

Traditional floss isn't perfect and comes with its own set of potential problems:

  • Risk of cutting or damaging gums if used too aggressively

  • Can cause bleeding and potential infection

  • Some people find the process uncomfortable or painful

  • Difficult to maneuver for people with arthritis or limited hand mobility

  • Risk of pushing bacteria deeper into the gum line if not used correctly

  • Can cause sensitivity or minor gum irritation

  • Cheap or low-quality floss might fray or break

  • Can be challenging to use for those with tight teeth

  • Requires more manual dexterity

  • Potential to accidentally hurt gums if not careful

Which one is more effective?

The truth is that both the methods can be effective, when used correctly. The best results are usually achieved when both are used. There is no one type of floss that is 'better' than another. Water flossers work best in cleaning hard to reach spaces and around dental work.

Traditional floss is great at getting into those tight areas where you need a precise reach. 

According to some studies, water flossers are more effective than string floss. Especially, for those with braces or dental implants. But the best way is the way you will really do it. You’re more likely to keep up good oral hygiene if you favor one method over another.

Final thoughts

There’s no perfect solution between a water flosser and a traditional floss. It’s about what works best for you. Some people love the high tech approach of water flossers. However, others like the simplicity of regular floss. 

The most important thing is to make sure you clean between your teeth regularly. Your dentist can talk to you about which method will work best for your particular dental needs. So remember, a clean mouth is a healthy mouth. A small investment will help prevent those bigger dental problems.