Can water flossers replace the traditional string? Or are they just an over-hyped way to clean between your teeth?

If you’ve been tossing up whether to swap string for water, here’s what you need to know

Is A Water Flosser As Good As Traditional Flossing? 

Can water flossers replace the traditional string? Or are they just an over-hyped way to clean between your teeth?

If you’ve been tossing up whether to swap string for water, here’s what you need to know.  

How each flossing method works

You should already be flossing every day, so you probably don’t need us to explain how it’s done. But for those of you who need a refresher, flossing involves using a string or dental tape to scrape out plaque and debris from between teeth. Although tedious, flossing is necessary for removing that ‘stuff’ from between teeth and along the gumline that a toothbrush can't reach. This can go a long way in preventing gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems.

Water flossers - also known as oral irrigators - don’t involve string. A water flosser is an electronic handheld device with a tank. You simply fill the tank with water, place the nozzle in your mouth, and switch it on. The device delivers a pressurised stream of water between your teeth and along the gumline, clearing away food particles that can cause plaque. 

Why do you need to remove plaque?

Dental plaque is bad news for your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky, pale yellow film that forms on your teeth when saliva and food combine. Plaque contains bacteria and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis if it stays on your teeth too long. That’s why it’s important to remove plaque every day through brushing and flossing. And yes, you have to do both: studies have shown that brushing alone isn’t enough to entirely remove dental plaque. Even intensive toothbrushing removes only 60% of plaque from the surface of a tooth, leaving a large amount in the spaces between teeth.

So, which is better: a waterflosser or good old floss? 

Several studies have compared the effectiveness of these two options. Here’s what the research says: 

• Plaque removal
  According to the American Dental Association, dental floss can remove up to 80% of the plaque between teeth. However, only about 10%–30% of adults floss regularly.
  The two main actions of a water flosser are pulsation and pressure. By delivering a pulsating water stream with pressure control, it effectively removes both subgingival and interdental plaque.
  A 2023 meta-analysis found that while both methods are effective, water flossers may offer an advantage, particularly for removing plaque from areas that are harder to reach with traditional floss. Plaque tends to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, such as gum pockets and between molars, and not everyone has the time or skill to clean these areas with string.
  
  

• Gum health
  The water flosser uses both pulsation and pressure to remove bacteria and debris from the tooth surfaces. However, it’s important to use the right setting: too much pressure for too long can damage your delicate gum tissue. Some, like the Waterpik Waterflosser Ultra, have a range of settings for pulsation and pressure. A major advantage of water flossers over string floss is that they can clean below the gums, including gum pockets.
  String floss is an effective way to manually remove plaque and food from between your teeth, which helps to prevent gum infections such as gingivitis. However, traditional floss can only clean around 2-3mm below the gum line, which may not be sufficient for people with gum pockets.
  
  

• Dental work
  If you have had dental work such as braces, implants, bridges, or other restorative work, a water flosser is often recommended. Some types of restorative dentistry - such as bridges or all-on-fours - cannot be easily cleaned with string floss because the floss won’t reach under or around the restoration. Superfloss or interdental brushes may be an option.
  
  

• Ease of use and convenience
  To use a water flosser, you need only fill the tank, put the nozzle in your mouth at a 90-degree angle, and turn it on. It takes around one minute to clean your entire mouth. You can also add mouthwash to the tank to combine two steps in one. Water flossers are great for people with reduced mobility in their hands due to arthritis, carpal tunnel, or other disorders.
  Dental floss is a little trickier to use. You cut a length of string and slide the floss gently into every interproximal space (the gap between teeth). This takes much longer than water flossing and requires a certain technique and dexterity to clean the tooth properly.
  
  

• Cost
  Water flossers can cost anything from $119 to around $200 or more, depending on the brand and its features. String floss is usually around $5-$10 per pack.  

However, a water flosser can last several years, especially if you look after it properly. Most are fully rechargeable, so there’s no need for batteries, though it's recommended that you replace the Waterpik Pik Tips every few months for hygiene reasons. Of course, investing in a water flosser may reduce the need for expensive dental treatment later in life.
String floss is very affordable, but you do need to keep replacing it. 

• Portability
  Water flossers are available in a range of sizes and models to suit both home use or travel. Cordless portable water flossers are smaller and more compact, but they’re still not as easy to carry around as a pack of string floss. You may need to use both: the water flosser at home, and string for travelling.
  
  

• Kids
  Water flossers are great for kids because they’re a lot easier to use than traditional floss - and more fun! They’re especially helpful for kids with braces who might struggle to use string floss properly. Just be sure to provide parental supervision for young kids.
  
  

• Messiness
  A water flosser can be a little messy when you’re first learning how to use it - and kids will definitely need some help at first! However, once you’ve perfected the technique, they’re relatively mess-free.
  Floss is not recyclable, so it should be disposed of properly. And not down the toilet as it can cause blockages.
  
  
  

So, which is best?

A water flosser is great because it’s easy to use and cleans teeth and gums effectively. It costs more than string, but it’s much quicker and especially good for those with dental work.
String floss is also effective at cleaning gums, but you have to use it correctly. It’s great for its portability and low cost. 

What do dentists recommend?

If you have implants, braces, bridges, or gum issues, a water flosser can be an excellent way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, most dentists recommend using the method that suits your situation best. The key is to stick to it! Good dental hygiene comes from brushing twice a day and interdental cleaning. If string flossing is difficult, you may want to consider a water flosser. 

Whichever method you choose, the most important thing is that you do it - every day!