Benefits of Water Flossing
First, let us understand—how does water floss work? A water flosser sprays a pressurised, pulsating stream of water. The water pressure lifts plaque, harmful bacteria, and food debris from between the teeth and along the gums. Thus, it helps keep both your teeth and gums healthy. Its working includes the following:
Water reservoir: A tank that holds fresh water for cleaning.
Pressurised stream: A motor pushes the water through the nozzle.
Targeted cleaning: You can aim the water jet to target hard-to-reach areas, between teeth and along the gums.
Adjustable pressure: Change the pressure of the water stream as per your comfort.
Gum massage: The pulsating water stream gently massages and stimulates the gum tissues, promoting gum health.
When comparing water flossing vs traditional flossing, some choose water flossers due to their unique benefits. These benefits emerge from the way water flossers work. They include:
Easy to use: Water flossing is simple to use and does not require much effort. It is helpful for people who are less dexterous with regular floss and those with limitations on hand movement.
Quick and targeted cleaning: It lets you aim the tip towards a difficult spot and spray to clean it well. Unlike regular floss, which takes more time, water flossing cleans your teeth and gums faster.
Gentle on the gums: It uses water, which is soft, and does not hurt your mouth.
Convenient: A portable dental water jet you can carry anywhere and use daily. Most devices have a design that is easy to hold, multiple floss tips, and different pressure settings to adjust the water stream.
Good for braces and dental work: Water flossing can effectively reach around braces, dental implants, and bridges to clean the area properly.
Removes plaque: Water flosser helps remove plaque that toothbrushing might miss. Thus, it helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
How to Use a Water Flosser the Right Way
No matter the brand or design, using the dental water flosser properly is key to efficient cleaning. Here are some tips to consider:
Fill the reservoir of the flosser with lukewarm water.
Choose an appropriate floss tip. Water flossers often include multiple tips, like classic jet and orthodontic. Select a tip that is comfortable for you and place it on the handle.
Lean over the sink to avoid splashing. Place the floss tip in the mouth, at a 90-degree angle towards the gumline, and turn the device on.
Start with your back teeth on both the upper and lower jaws and bring the tip forward.
Trace the gumline, pausing briefly between teeth. Ensure contact with the tooth and the gumline.
Floss both the inner and outer surfaces and between teeth. Continue until you finish all your teeth, flossing the front and back of each tooth.
Once finished, empty the reservoir. Rinse the reservoir, the floss tip, and any removable parts of the device thoroughly, and store the flosser in a neat, dry place.
What is Traditional Flossing?
Traditional or manual flossing uses a thin string called dental floss to clean between the teeth. It involves sliding and moving the string floss between the teeth and under the gumline where bacteria and plaque can hide. Sliding the floss up and down, around the sides of each tooth, and along the gumline, removes plaque that brushing might miss.
Traditional flossing is an age-old technique, and still a popular and effective way to keep teeth and gums healthy. There are different types of dental floss, like waxed or unwaxed, tufted, flavoured, and even floss holders. Choosing a type that is most comfortable for you and using the right flossing method is key.
Benefits of Traditional Flossing
If you are comparing water flossing vs traditional flossing, dentists often recommend traditional floss as the “gold standard”. The use of dental floss in addition to toothbrushing is known to be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis, if done correctly and regularly. Here are the benefits of using traditional floss for a healthy smile:
Removes plaque and food debris from interdental spaces, helping prevent tooth decay.
Cleans near the gumline, helping prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
Inexpensive, easy to carry, and portable, as it comes in small floss containers.
No batteries or water needed; just a simple string to work with.
Helps build a daily habit for good oral health.
How to Use a Traditional Floss the Right Way
Knowing how to floss your teeth helps clear out plaque, germs, and food debris that your toothbrush might miss. Whether you use a waxed or unwaxed dental floss, using it daily and correctly is vital to maximise the benefits of flossing teeth. If you are wondering about the right flossing method, here are some tips to help:
Cut an arm’s length of floss, about 18 inches. Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with. You may increase the active length for back teeth as needed.
Holding the floss firmly between your index fingers and thumbs, gently slide it between two teeth and move it up and down. Start with the back teeth and work your way forward.
Curve the floss in a C-shape around the base of each tooth and clean beneath the gumline. Make sure to clean the back sides of the molars. Repeat the steps on the opposite tooth.
While flossing the upper teeth, slightly tilt your head downwards and guide the floss gently to the target area. Avoid snapping or forcing the floss to avoid hurting the gum tissues.
Continue until you finish flossing every tooth in your mouth. Use a clean section of the floss as you move from one tooth to another.
Other Flossing Tools
Sometimes, people with dental work like braces, bridges, and implants may find it hard to floss using a traditional dental floss. They may use other flossing tools such as:
Dental Floss Threaders: These are small, flexible tools made of plastic and have loops. They help you guide the floss tape under dental work, such as implants, bridges, and tight spaces, which a regular floss cannot easily clean.
Dental Floss Sticks or Floss Picks: They are small plastic tools with a piece of dental floss stretched between two prongs. Dental floss sticks are a convenient alternative for those who find using dental tape challenging, yet want the same cleaning efficiency.
Interdental Toothbrush: It is a small toothbrush with bristles specially designed to clean between teeth and around dental appliances like braces, unlike a regular toothbrush.
Water Flossing vs Traditional Flossing
While comparing the basic working of dental floss vs water flosser, both are designed for plaque removal to keep your teeth and gumline clean. However, they work in different ways. Understanding their key differences can help you find out what works best for your oral conditions and needs. The following factors distinguish water flossing vs traditional flossing:
Tool used: Traditional flossing uses string dental floss, whereas water flossing uses a water flosser machine backed by power and water.
Cleaning method: Traditional flossing involves manually scraping plaque off teeth using the dental floss string. Water flossing jet sprays water to lift plaque and food debris.
Ease of use: Manual flossing may require dexterity and can be difficult for those with restricted hand movement. Water flossing is comparatively easy and gentle, even on dental work.
Portability: Dental string floss comes in a small container and is easy to carry. Though cordless variants powered by batteries are available, water flossers need a power source and space for storing.
Cost: Traditional dental floss is cost-effective or inexpensive compared to water flossers, which are pricier upfront.
Who Should Use Water Flossers Instead of String Floss?
Are you wondering if you should consider a water flosser? Then, here is what you should know. Dental professionals recommend traditional flossing for interdental cleaning. However, not all may be dexterous or comfortable with it. What mainly differentiates water floss vs regular floss is the use of water, which is soft and gentle on teeth and gums. Besides, multiple pressure settings and limited manual effort can make a water flosser better than string floss for some people, such as those who:
Have dental implants, braces, or bridges
Face difficulty using the traditional string floss
Susceptible to gum bleeding or have sensitive gums
Need a faster, gentler, and more comfortable way to floss
Regardless of the flosser you choose, using it right and consistently is key for good oral hygiene. Besides brushing, flossing, and rinsing, regular dental checkups are also vital for good oral health. A dental hygienist can deep clean plaque, which your oral care routine might miss. This adds an extra layer to your defence against plaque through flossing.
Can You Use Both for Better Results?
Yes, you may. Flossing with both tools ensures you get the benefits of both. Dental floss helps remove sticky plaque while water flossing flushes out food debris and bacteria. Their combination is great if you want extra-clean teeth and gums. It is particularly helpful if you have dental restorations like braces. Besides, a floss threader can help you use a regular dental floss easily. If you are in doubt, it is best to ask your dental hygienist for proper guidance.
To summarise, flossing teeth is important for good dental hygiene, like brushing. When considering water flossing vs traditional flossing, both are great at plaque removal. Traditional floss is simple and affordable, water flosser offers faster, gentler cleaning that might work better for you. Some may prefer floss picks or interdental brushes. Whether you use a water flosser or floss with dental floss, following the right technique and being consistent are keys to a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a water flosser as good as regular flossing?
Yes, a water flosser can be just as good, particularly for people with dental work, sensitive gums, or difficulty using string floss.
Can water flossing replace real flossing?
Dentists recommend traditional flossing as it effectively removes plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. However, a water flosser is also as effective. Using both can give even better results and extra care for your teeth and gums.
How often should you use a water flosser?
You may use a water flosser once a day, like regular flossing with dental floss. It is an alternative tool for those who find using regular string floss difficult or have dental appliances or sensitive gums. Combining both is useful for many. What matters most is to floss once daily using the proper technique.
How often should you use a traditional flosser?
Dentists recommend flossing with a traditional string floss once daily. Removing plaque hiding between teeth and in other hard-to-reach areas is vital for good oral health.
