Is Traditional Floss or a Water Flosser Better for Your Gums?
When it comes to maintaining healthy gums, brushing alone isn’t enough. Flossing is essential to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gumline. But with new tools like water flossers gaining popularity, many patients wonder: is water flossing better than traditional string floss?
At Today’s Dentistry, our trusted dentist in Ashland, OR, Dr. James Burneson, helps patients in Ashland, Medford, Talent, and Phoenix choose the best at-home hygiene tools for their unique needs. To learn about traditional flossing and water flossing, contact our Ashland office by calling (541) 482-7771. We’ll help you decide what’s best for your gum health.
What Is Traditional Flossing?
Traditional flossing uses a thin strand of nylon or Teflon to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris between your teeth. It’s been the gold standard in dental hygiene for decades because it manually scrapes buildup from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
When done correctly, flossing:
- Removes sticky plaque and debris
- Helps prevent gum inflammation and gingivitis
- Reduces your risk of cavities between teeth
However, flossing also has its drawbacks. It can be hard to maneuver in tight spaces, awkward for those with limited dexterity, and irritating for sensitive gums.
What Is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser (also known as an oral irrigator) uses a thin stream of pulsating water to flush food particles and bacteria from between teeth and below the gumline. Brands like Waterpik® have made these devices popular, especially for people with braces, dental implants, or sensitive gums.
Water flossers are:
- Easy to use for people with arthritis or braces
- Gentle on gums and ideal for those with gum sensitivity
- Effective at reducing bleeding and gum inflammation
- Great for flushing out hard-to-reach areas
But they’re not perfect. They can be pricey, require countertop space, and aren’t as effective at scraping sticky plaque off teeth surfaces as traditional floss.
Comparing Flossing and Water Flossers
When comparing flossing and water flossers, each method has its own strengths. Traditional dental floss is excellent at removing sticky plaque from between teeth and is highly effective when used with proper technique. However, it requires good hand coordination and can be challenging for those with limited dexterity or tightly spaced teeth. It’s also inexpensive and very portable, making it a convenient option for most people.
Water flossers, on the other hand, are incredibly user-friendly, especially for individuals with arthritis, braces, implants, or bridges. They use a gentle stream of pulsating water to clean between the teeth and below the gumline, making them ideal for people with gum sensitivity or inflammation. While water flossers don’t always scrape off plaque as thoroughly as string floss, they excel in improving gum health and reducing bleeding. They do come at a higher upfront cost and require access to electricity or batteries, and they’re less travel-friendly than a spool of floss. That said, they offer a comfortable, effective cleaning experience that’s especially beneficial for those with special dental needs.
Which Option Is Better for Gum Health?
The answer depends on your oral health status, age, dexterity, and personal preferences.
Use Traditional Floss If:
- You have good hand control and no major dental work
- You want the most thorough plaque removal
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly tool
Use a Water Flosser If:
- You have gum sensitivity or inflammation
- You wear braces, bridges, or dental implants
- You struggle with regular floss due to arthritis or limited dexterity
For many of Dr. Burneson’s patients in Ashland and the surrounding areas, combining both tools—string floss for thorough cleaning and a water flosser for extra gum care—delivers the best results.
Ready to Improve Your Gum Health? Visit the Best Dentist Near You!
At Today’s Dentistry, Dr. James Burneson is proud to serve patients from Ashland, Medford, Talent, Phoenix, and beyond. As a top dentist in Ashland, OR, he provides personalized recommendations for better at-home care and long-term gum health.
Schedule your appointment today by calling (541) 482-7771 to discuss your hygiene routine and discover what works best for your smile. Whether you’re looking for the best dentist near you or expert advice on tools like water flossers, we’re here to support your dental health journey.