Most people know to practice healthy oral health habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily. However, many people have questions about whether water flossing is a better alternative to traditional flossing. It’s important to understand each technique to help determine which is the better fit for you.

Dental floss and floss picks

Standard flossing is a simple process that uses a thin, soft piece of string to pass between teeth, gently scraping up and down to remove plaque and food particles from teeth and out from under gums. Another option is a floss pick – a plastic tool with a u-shaped end that holds a small piece of floss. There are several advantages to standard floss and floss picks:

• Minimal cost
• Easily accessible from a pharmacy or grocery store
• Quick and easy to use on the go

Despite the pros to flossing, there are a few cons:

• Difficult to reach some areas of the mouth
• Can cause minor bleeding, especially if teeth are not flossed regularly
• Can worsen or cause gum sensitivity

Water flossers

Water flossing, also known as water picking, utilizes a special device that pulsates a thin stream of water into the mouth and around the gums. Rather than scraping the teeth to remove plaque and food debris, water flossing uses pressure to massage the gums and push leftover food from teeth. Water flossing also has several advantages:

• Safe for people of almost all ages
• Easy to use and able to target hard-to-reach areas, especially between tightly spaced teeth
• Cleans in between teeth for people with braces or arthritis

However, there are a few disadvantages:

• Purchase cost
• Requires more space for storage
• Requires access to electricity and water, making it difficult to use sometimes outside of the home

Debate is ongoing as to which of these techniques works best, and there is no right answer for everyone. Many people prefer the control they get from standard flossing. However, both tools clean between the teeth and under the gums, helping reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Talk with your dentist about which flossing tools and techniques are best for you.