Waterpik vs. Dental Floss: Which One’s More Effective?

Although it’s often overlooked, flossing is a crucial part of your oral hygiene routine. Brushing alone is not enough to thoroughly clean your teeth, which is why you must floss daily to eliminate harmful bacteria from the nooks and crannies of your mouth. But what if you’re struggling to use traditional dental floss? In that case, you might be thinking about investing in a Waterpik. Below, you’ll learn more about each method of flossing and find out which one is more effective for cleaning your teeth.

What Is a Waterpik?

Waterpik flossers, or dental water jets, are an excellent tool used for thorough cleaning between teeth. These oral irrigators use a pressurized stream of pulsating water to wash away food particles, bacteria, plaque, and other unwanted debris from between the teeth and underneath the gumline. Not only is it helpful for cleaning the small areas of your mouth, but it can keep your breath fresher for longer. Unfortunately, the rinsing action of a Waterpik may not be enough to effectively remove plaque from the teeth. Because of that, many people prefer to use traditional dental floss beforehand to scrape off and loosen plaque.

Should You Use Dental Floss or a Waterpik?

A Waterpik is a great tool for people who wear braces or have nonremovable bridgework, crowns, or dental implants. Plus, it’s helpful for anyone who finds dental floss difficult to work with (i.e., people with arthritis). Despite that, the benefits of a Waterpik should not discredit the advantages of dental floss. Most dentists recommend the traditional method of flossing as it’s a tried-and-true method. Of course, you must ensure you’re following the proper technique to avoid damaging your soft oral tissues.

When Should You Floss?

Truth be told, it doesn’t matter whether you floss before brushing or after! All that matters is that you do a thorough job. There are some people who claim that flossing first helps loosen harmful substances between the teeth, which can then be brushed away after. However, others prefer to brush first to remove most of the plaque before flossing, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to get into those hard-to-reach areas. Either way is acceptable according to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy of Periodontology!

The best dental hygiene tool is one that you’ll stick to, enjoy, and use daily. Whether that’s a Waterpik or traditional dental floss is entirely up to you!

About the Practice

At Wethersfield Dental Group, we strive to provide high-quality and personalized dental care unlike anywhere else. Our goal is to help every patient achieve their healthiest, happiest smile. If you have any questions about flossing, we’re more than happy to address your concerns. You can reach a member of our team via our website or call (860) 400-3007.