Dental Flossing vs Water Flossing: A Direct Comparison

There is no question that flossing is important. In fact, about 40% of the surface of the average tooth cannot be reached by a toothbrush. This is why your dentist is continually telling you to floss daily. That said, nearly one in three Americans admit to not flossing as much as they should. One of the most common reasons people give for not doing so is that it is too hard and it takes too long.

A water flosser can be a good option for a person who doesn’t care for dental flossing. That said, they do come at a cost and some people don’t feel comfortable using them. If you are considering your options, then read on for a direct comparison between the pros and cons of each flossing option.

Dental floss

Made of a soft thread or silk, dental floss has been used since 1896. As is true of a water flosser, dental floss has both pros and cons.

The advantages of dental floss

• It efficiently gets rid of excess food that’s stuck between the teeth and gums.
• It is cheap.
• It can be purchased easily at just about any drugstore, pharmacy, mini-mart, grocery store, or airport.
• It is quick and easy to floss.
• It’s possible to floss just about anywhere.

The disadvantages of dental floss

• It can be difficult to get to some areas of the mouth.
• If home flossing is not done correctly, or is not done regularly, it can cause minor bleeding.
• If home flossing is not done correctly, it can cause gum sensitivity or make it works.

Water flosser

An electrical cleaning appliance, a water flosser shoots water between the teeth to get rid of food particles and plaque. It works in much the same way as floss but uses water instead of a physical substance. Once again, it has advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of a water flosser

• It is easy to use.
• It can be very effective in places floss cannot go, especially for people with braces, bridges, and other dental work.
• People with arthritis and other limited dexterity find it easy to use.
• The way the water massages the gums can help boost gum health.

The disadvantages of a water flosser

• The water flosser can be expensive.
• It takes up a lot of room in the bathroom.
• It requires both electricity and water, which means it cannot be used just anywhere.
• It is hard to use outside of the home.

Which option is right for you?

Now that you have considered both flossing options, which one is the best for your unique needs? The answer to this question is likely not simple. If you have dental work or braces, then it may be clear that the water flosser is better. On the other hand, if you travel frequently then dental floss may be more convenient. For more information or to talk to a dentist about your own unique needs, reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.