Which is Better? A Water Flosser or Traditional Floss?

Their Purpose

First let’s make sure we understand their respective purposes: water flossers are intended to reduce gum inflammation by flushing out bad (anaerobic) bacteria that causes irritation to the periodontal (gum) tissues¹. Traditional floss is intended to be used as a wiper for the sides of the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach¹. Traditional floss wipes off biofilm that cause tooth decay (cavities) as well as tartar deposits that instigate gum infections.

Who Needs a Water Flosser?

A water flosser is a must if you have any of the following^2,3:

• Actively bleeding gums,
• Pockets around your teeth greater than 5 mm’s,
• Root-canals,
• Implants,
• Bridges or
• Braces.

Each of these create a situation that traditional floss alone cannot relieve. A water flosser will blast out plaque and bad bacteria that lodge themselves in and around crevices that even a sonic toothbrush cannot get to.

Does Water Flossing Replace Traditional Floss?

The simple answer is no. You will hear conflicting information on this subject from ambassadors of water floss companies – they will insist water flossers are superior and a complete replacement. Studies on flossing and water flossing are varied with limitations on their scope and purpose^4,5. Water flossers are excellent devices, but they are an investment and may not be necessary in your situation.

Still Unsure? Get a Professional Assessment!

It really comes down to your circumstances.  A good hygienist will take the time to assess your oral and systemic health, along with your oral hygiene regime, and give you personalized advice. Don’t have a dental home? Feel free to schedule a visit with me.

References

1. Ng E, Peng LL. An Overview of Different Interdental Cleaning Aids and Their Effectiveness. Dent J. 2019:1-12. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6767/7/2/56.

2. Clinical Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. Sixth edit. Chichester, West Sussex ; Wiley Blackwell; 2015.

3. Renvert S, Persson GR, Pirih FQ, Camargo PM. Peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis: Case definitions and diagnostic considerations. J Clin Periodontol. 2018; doi:10.1111/jcpe.12956

4. Worthington H V., Macdonald L, Pericic TP, et al. Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019; doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012018.pub2

5. Abdellatif H, Alnaeimi N, Alruwais H, Aldajan R, Hebbal MI. Comparison between water flosser and regular floss in the efficacy of plaque removal in patients after single use. Saudi Dent J. 2021;33(5):256-259. doi:10.1016/j.sdentj.2021.03.005