Water Flossers vs. Traditional Dental Floss: Which Is Better?
Some people swear by their water flossers, while others will never give up traditional floss. But which method works best? The debate between water flossers and dental floss revolves around effectiveness, convenience, and individual preference. Let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of water flossers and traditional dental floss to determine which is the better option.
Water Flossers
Advantages:
1. Great for Tight Teeth and Orthodontics: People with crowded teeth, braces, dental implants, permanent retainers, and other dental appliances often prefer water flossers because they can easily get to the areas that are difficult to reach with traditional floss.
2. Gentle on Gums: Water flossers provide a gentle stream of water that is not as harsh on the gums as traditional floss. This is a benefit for patients with sensitive gums and people prone to gum disease.
3. Added Features & Adjustability: Many water flossers come with additional features, such as adjustable water pressure and different tips for multiple family members or different care needs.
Disadvantages:
1. Cost: Water flossers require more of an investment than traditional dental floss, with the higher-end models costing over $100.
2. Size: Water flossers can be bulky, which may not be ideal for small spaces and when traveling.
3. Learning Curve: It can take time to get used to using a water flosser. The technique and sensation are very different from traditional floss.
Traditional Dental Floss
Advantages:
1. Affordable: Traditional dental floss is widely available and cost effective, making it an accessible option for most everyone.
2. Portable: Dental floss is compact and does not require electricity. It can be stashed anywhere, including in a handbag, a gym bag, a lunchbox, a desk, or a glovebox.
3. Variety: Traditional dental floss comes in different thicknesses, flavors, and formats, allowing you to choose based on your personal preference and dental needs.
Disadvantages:
1. Manual Dexterity Required: Effective use of traditional dental floss requires proper technique and manual dexterity, which can be challenging for some people.
2. Potential for Trauma: If used incorrectly or too aggressively, traditional floss can traumatize the gums or damage dental work.
3. Limited Reach: Flossing with traditional floss may be less effective than a water flosser at reaching certain areas, especially for people with braces or tight contacts between teeth
When making the choice between water flossers and traditional, consider your oral health needs and your lifestyle. You may find that it’s convenient to use a water flosser at home and have dental floss on hand at work or in the car for when you are out and about. In our opinion, whichever method will motivate you to floss consistently every day is the best choice. The important thing is that you’re flossing!
If you have any questions about which water flossers and dental floss we recommend or you would like advice on how to floss correctly, contact our office located in New Braunfels, TX, and we will gladly assist you.