The Great Flossing Debate
As part of good oral hygiene, flossing helps clean between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Regular flossing removes plaque and food debris to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from occurring. But which method of flossing should you choose — traditional floss or a water flosser? In this blog post from your friends at Downtown Dental Group, we’ll compare the two flossing methods to help you decide which option may be right for maintaining your oral health.
At Downtown Dental Group, Dr. Dr. Juliana Hall and our skilled dental team provide tips and recommendations on establishing effective flossing habits for better oral hygiene. Call (785) 776-0097 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What Is Flossing and Why Do We Need It?
Flossing helps dislodge sticky plaque buildup and food debris from between teeth and just below the gumline. If left alone, this debris can cause tooth decay and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) — which can lead to chronic periodontitis.
By flossing daily, you greatly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and cavities between the teeth — some of the most difficult areas to treat and restore. Simply put, flossing daily provides immense preventative dental health benefits.
How to Use Traditional Floss
Traditional floss comes in unwaxed strands of nylon or bundles of ultra-thin wax-coated fibers. If you’re unsure how to floss correctly, follow these steps:
- Use an 18-inch length of floss wrapped around middle fingers with about one to two inches stretched between hands.
- Gently slide it down between two teeth, careful not to forcefully snap it down to avoid cutting gums.
- Make a C-shape wrapping floss around the base of the tooth and scrubbing up and down and back-and-forth along the adjacent tooth surface.
- Repeat for all tooth contacts, unwrapping new sections of floss as you progress.
If you have any questions about flossing, please don’t hesitate to ask our team at Downtown Dental Group.
Benefits of Traditional Floss
Many dentists and dental hygienists have recommended traditional string floss for decades. But what makes it special? Traditional floss offers many benefits, including:
- Precise Cleaning: Traditional flossing allows for precise targeting between teeth and along the gumline, ensuring thorough removal of plaque and debris.
- Portability and Accessibility: Traditional floss is compact, portable, and doesn’t require electricity. It’s readily accessible, making it convenient for use at home or while traveling.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional floss is an economical option. It offers an effective means of interdental cleaning without the need for additional equipment.
- Ease of Use: Flossing with traditional dental floss is straightforward and doesn’t involve a learning curve. It’s user-friendly for people of all ages, including those with orthodontic appliances.
Introducing Water Flossers
Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use pressurized streams of water pulses directed via a small tip placed in the mouth to blast away debris between teeth. Countertop models connect to your faucet and contain replaceable water reservoirs. Additionally, cordless models are entirely self-contained and waterproof for use in the shower if desired! The tip is gently moved along the gumline while aiming the pulsing streams of water to rinse the crevice between tooth and gum.
Water Flossing Benefits
Water flossing provides benefits that make it a convenient and effective choice for maintaining optimal dental health, such as:
- Gentle on Gums: Water flossers provide a gentle and comfortable alternative, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive gums or orthodontic appliances.
- Efficient Plaque Removal: The pulsating water jet effectively removes plaque and debris from between teeth and below the gumline, promoting comprehensive oral cleanliness.
- Reduced Mess: Water flossers minimize the mess associated with traditional flossing. There’s no need for string manipulation, reducing the likelihood of bleeding or irritation.
- Enhanced Convenience: Water flossers offer ease of use, particularly for those with dexterity challenges. The adjustable settings cater to individual preferences for a customized flossing experience.
- Versatility and Reach: With various nozzle attachments, water flossers can reach areas that traditional floss might struggle with. This versatility ensures a more thorough and adaptable interdental cleaning routine.
What’s The Verdict?
For optimal oral health, employing traditional floss and water flossing as part of your routine provides superior coverage. The easy use of portable floss picks makes it realistic to floss manually at least a few times weekly even when life gets busy. Add in water flossing on most other days, and your gum health will likely improve from the decreased inflammation. Your smile will shine brighter thanks to minimizing plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach spots!
Keeping up with a flossing routine isn’t always easy. But taking the time to properly floss your teeth every day pays dividends for your short-term and long-term dental health. Your smile will thank you!
Take Control of Your Oral Health!
Ready to elevate your oral care routine? Choose the flossing method that suits your lifestyle best. Whether it’s the precision of traditional floss or the convenience of water flossing, take a step towards a healthier, brighter smile today! Schedule your appointment with Dr. Dr. Juliana Hall at Downtown Dental Group by calling (785) 776-0097 today!
FAQs
Many people find water flossing easier and more pleasant than using string floss, and they may floss more often as a result. Gum disease prevention and treatment is another reason to use a water flosser. Waterpik®Water Flossers are clinically proven to reduce gingivitis, remove plaque, and improve gum health.
Is water flossing better than traditional flossing? ›
The string floss can remove larger debris, while water flossing removes fine particles and bacteria. Of course, those who don't use string floss regularly or at all should at least use water flossing for good oral health.
Do dentists actually recommend water flossers? ›
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.
Is it better to use water floss or manual floss? ›
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.
What are the disadvantages of a water flosser? ›
I recommend hand flossing first to get the food debris out, then brushing to remove stain and plaque, and then water flossing to finish the clean.” Other disadvantages include: A water flosser may not remove all plaque from the surface of the teeth. It costs more than string floss.
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.
Does water flosser remove plaque? ›
Do Water Flossers Remove Plaque? Unlike tartar, water flossers are effective at removing plaque from your teeth and gums. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria and food particles that constantly forms on your teeth, and if it's not removed, it can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Why don't dentists recommend Waterpik? ›
The American Dental Association says water flossers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance can get rid of plaque. That's the film that turns into tartar and leads to cavities and gum disease. But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss.
Why don't dentists like Waterpik? ›
However, some research shows that Waterpiks don't remove plaque as effectively as ordinary floss. It's best not to discard your dental floss in favor of a water flosser, as most dentists still consider floss the most effective way to clean between the teeth.
What brand of water flosser do dentists recommend? ›
9 out of 10 dentists recommend WATERPIK over other brands. WATERPIK is the #1 selling water flosser brand in the world.
Water flossers can be an excellent alternative to traditional flossing for people who have trouble with manual flossing. If you have had dental work that makes flossing difficult such as braces or bridges, water flossers can help you keep your teeth clean.
How often should you floss with a water flosser? ›
The water flosser is strong enough to flush out food debris, plaque, and keep those areas fresh. You might want to consider using it twice a day, just like you do your toothbrush.
Can Waterpik cause gum recession? ›
While water flossers are generally considered safe for most people, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse or incorrect use can lead to gum damage. On the other hand, water flossers have been shown to improve gum health by removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Can Waterpik reverse periodontal disease? ›
Can a Water Flosser Effectively Fight Periodontal Disease? The simple answer is: maybe. Bear with us; we'll explain why. It depends on your regular oral hygiene routine, how far the periodontal disease has progressed, and whether or not you have any dental implants, braces, gum grafts, or other periodontal treatments.
Do you use Waterpik behind teeth? ›
It cleans deep between teeth and below the gumline to help prevent gum disease and improve your oral health. How to use: Start with the back teeth and follow the gumline, pausing briefly between the teeth and aiming the tip at the gumline at a 90-degree angle.
What is the healthiest way to floss your teeth? ›
“Traditional string floss [versus a floss pick] is the best way to floss your teeth and will result in clean and healthy teeth and gums,” Dr. Palmer says. Keep it simple. “Wrap floss around middle fingers, and use your forefinger and thumb to have more control close to the tooth,” explains Dr.
What type of flossing is best? ›
Unwaxed. Aside from being thinner than waxed tape, some sources say unwaxed tape has fewer chemicals and moves more easily in between teeth, but we believe waxed floss is more effective. However, if you find waxed floss to be too thick, then you may prefer unwaxed.
What is more effective than flossing? ›
For all patients—including those who don't floss well or don't floss at all— LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash can help achieve better oral health by reducing plaque on teeth.
Does water flossing help gingivitis? ›
Gingivitis is a typical plaque-related oral diseases, and plaque control has been proved to be an effective way to prevent and treat this disease. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that water flossing can ameliorate gingival inflammation by removing dental plaque [25, 39, 40].
