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 Al Villalobos, DMD, PA, we’ll compare the two flossing methods to help you decide which option may be right for maintaining your oral health.
At Al Villalobos, DMD, PA, Dr. Dr. Al Villalobos and our skilled dental team provide tips and recommendations on establishing effective flossing habits for better oral hygiene. Call (561) 744-0677 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 Al Villalobos, DMD, PA.
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. Al Villalobos at Al Villalobos, DMD, PA by calling (561) 744-0677 today!
FAQs
Water flossing will remove more plaque than flossing, making it more effective. The most effective way to clean between teeth and along the gums is whichever method you use regularly and properly.
Is water flossing as effective as regular flossing? ›
Is Water Flossing as Good as Dental Floss? 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.
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.
What do dentists think of water flossing? ›
Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes. The Waterpik water flosser should be the standard of care for in-between clean. The clinical science behind the effectiveness of biofilm removal is unrivaled.
How much better is a Waterpik than flossing? ›
Many people like the control that comes with manual flossing, while others prefer the deep clean and fresh feel of using a water flosser. Research shows there's little difference between the level of plaque removal with these methods, so it all comes down to your budget and your preferences.
Is water flossing alone enough? ›
The rinsing action of Waterpiks may not be enough to remove plaque completely from the surface of your teeth. Some people like to use string floss first to scrape off and loosen plaque. A Waterpik can then be used to efficiently rinse out residue and plaque left behind.
Do you still need to floss after water flossing? ›
Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly. Using a Waterpik while continuing to practice good oral care can help you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Does a water flosser work better than string floss? ›
A 2013 study on the effectiveness of water flossers compared to string floss found that water flossers were “significantly” more effective than string floss. Specifically, they found that after a single use water flossers were 29% more effective at removing plaque.
Does water flosser remove plaque? ›
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.
Can water flosser remove tartar? ›
In conclusion, while a water flosser can help prevent tartar formation, it cannot completely remove it.
Water flossers will not remove all the plaque from your teeth, and they can be far more costly than traditional string floss. However, they do have many benefits. They are pretty easy to use and can be great for hard-to-reach areas, like the very backs of your molars.
Can water flosser cause gum recession? ›
In conclusion, water flossers can be a safe and effective way to clean between teeth and along the gum line. When used properly and in moderation, they can even improve gum health. However, it's important to be mindful of the pressure setting and to follow proper technique to avoid any potential gum damage.
Is Waterpik good or bad for gums? ›
Well, we have great news: the WATERPIK water flosser is gentle, soothing, and more effective than string floss! Especially in comparison to string flossing, water flossing is much kinder to your gums and shouldn't hurt.
Should you floss before or after brushing? ›
The short answer: It does. While it may be surprising, a study has found that flossing first followed by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque than brushing first, flossing second. In addition, flossing before brushing results in greater fluoride retention between teeth.
Should you use a Waterpik before or after brushing? ›
We recommend using the water flosser prior to toothbrushing: Removing food and debris enhances the effectiveness of both toothbrushing and toothpaste. Water Flossing first helps create a good oral health routine. Seeing the food and debris that the water flosser removes can help motivate you to Water Floss daily.
How do you floss the back teeth? ›
While you're learning how to floss teeth properly, don't forget to floss the back parts of your molars in the rear of your mouth. Simply loop your floss around these molars and work it against them to remove all debris.
How many times should I water floss my teeth? ›
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. There are a few reasons why using a water flosser is better than flossing.
Does water flossing strengthen gums? ›
In conclusion, water flossers can be a safe and effective way to clean between teeth and along the gum line. When used properly and in moderation, they can even improve gum health. However, it's important to be mindful of the pressure setting and to follow proper technique to avoid any potential gum damage.
Does water flossing whiten teeth? ›
Water flossers play a vital role in this regard. They help remove surface stains and prevent the buildup of new stains, preserving the whiteness of the teeth. Regular use of a water flosser in conjunction with brushing and professional cleanings can help extend the longevity of a whitened smile.
