We all know that keeping our teeth healthy is mandatory, especially flossing teeth. When it comes to this matter, we have two options. The first one is Waterpik Water Flosser and the second one is string dental floss. So, which one is better and which alternative to choose? Before we give you an answer, you should know that flossing paired with tooth brushing has a lot more benefits compared to toothbrushing only.

Understanding The Options – Difference Between Dental Floss and Water Flosser

As we have mentioned, there are two options. Basically, they are developed for the same purpose, but they reach the end result in a completely different way. Now is a great time to understand both of these options and to know what are they and how they actually work.

Dental Floss

It is the oldest alternative to them all and it has been used since 1818. In essence, a user will use a thin filament to push and pull it between the teeth all in order to remove the plaque and any debris which is present there. There are so many different options when it comes to the materials, shape, and strength. For example, there is dental floss, woven, waxed, unwaxed and floss sticks. Each type is easy to use, but it does require plenty of time. In addition, this is a very affordable alternative to keep your teeth healthy and safe from plaque and gingivitis. We did a separate review of top dental flosses you can find on the market today.

Water Flossers

As the name suggests, they use water, under pressure more precisely to remove plaque and all other issues which may affect teeth health. These devices are relatively small and compact. All of them have a small water tank, a nozzle, and tips which can be replaced. In general, they will use the water under pressure to reach all corners of the teeth and remove anything that may affect them. Of course, they are more expensive but easier to use than dental floss.

It is up to you which alternative you need, but keep in mind that either one is a much better alternative than not using teeth flossing. In that case scenario, your teeth will be exposed to a higher level of threats and potential issues which may ruin the teeth.

Water Flossers and Dental Floss: Myths and Facts To Know

At the first sight, you may believe that both alternatives we have here are not great. They have a lot of issues, they are complicated to use and they may cause additional problems with the teeth and dental health. In reality, nothing of this is true.

First and foremost, both alternatives are effective and generally should be used. Yes, there are plenty of differences between them, but at the end of a day, your teeth will require some king of flossing.

One of the most common myths is that dental flossing is extremely complicated to use. It is, but only for beginners. Within a matter of days, you can expect to completely understand the technique in question and to become a professional with the dental floss. Another related myth is that cuts on your fingers will be common and highly problematic. Yes, they may occur, but they are rare and chances are low that you will even notice them.

Water flossers are ineffective. This is the most common myth related to these devices. There were many, at least hundreds of medical trials which all proved that water flossers are extremely effective and reliable when it comes to plaque removal. As a matter of fact, they are much more effective than dental floss, but we will discuss this matter later on.

What Is Better: Verdict

Now the verdict. The shortest answer we can give to you is that water flossers are a much better alternative. First of all, they are much easier to use, therefore users won’t be annoyed with a slow cleaning rate and cuts on fingers which may appear at some point. In addition, yes, water flossers are more expensive than traditional dental floss, but they last longer and they are far more sophisticated.

So, if you are looking for the ultimate way to keep your teeth healthy, be prepared to use water flossers. Also, read the next segment of the content where we will include the medical trials and the results, so you can better understand why and how much water flossers are an actually better option than traditional dental flossing.

Just to add, this doesn’t mean that traditional flossing should be eliminated from your life. It is a much better choice to use it than not to use it at all. Dental floss will help you remove plaque, gingivitis and many other issues which may affect your teeth and which may cause severe dental issues.

Regardless of which option you choose, keep in mind that flossing your teeth once per a day is needed. Flossing them two times per a day actually isn’t needed, but it is desirable. Of course, make sure to brush your teeth after you are done with teeth flossing. By doing this, you will ensure that the teeth are in best condition and they are perfectly healthy. In other words, you will eliminate the risk from many, different threats that are known for damaging and eventually destroying your teeth.

To summarize things up, water flossers are more sophisticated, more modern and they are great for those who want the ultimate teeth hygiene and health. On the other hand, dental floss is great for people who are on the move, who travel in areas where there is no electricity and for those who like traditional things.

Clinical Trials and The Results

Now we have prepared a special treat. We mentioned that water flossers are a much better alternative, simply due to the fact they are more effective. But, do you know how much they are effective? Let’s just say that water flossers are tested and approved by many different health organizations. Here is why:

• Water flossers remove 29% more plaque than dental floss
• They provide 51% less risk of gingivitis
• Water flossers reduce risk from gingival bleeding for 2 times
• Water flossers require 40% less time to floss human teeth

As you can see, water flossers are far more effective than dental floss and traditional flossing. All of this is possible due to the fact they use a high water pressure to remove the plaque and any other issue. Dental floss is ideal when the debris and plaque is hardly implemented between the teeth, but in normal cases, they are not so great.

Water flossers are also far better for users who have dental implants or have gone through dental procedures. The water flow is able to reach all parts of the braces and mouth, meaning that they can reach areas traditional flossers simply can’t. As a matter of facts, dentists recommend the use of water flossers for people with the just mentioned issues. Conventional teeth flossing isn’t an option here.

Water Flosser vs Air Flosser

You may have heard of air flosser. It is a completely new alternative and it has plenty of things to offer. Compared to a water flosser there are some advantages.

An air flosser is much smaller, it comes without a hose and it is more practical than water flosser. This allows for users to use it anywhere they want and at any given moment. Of course, there is no water here, so it is less messy as well. Basically, Sonicare AirFloss uses compressed air to provide the same advantages and benefits as water flosser. However, some water particles may be found in the airflow, but compared to water flossers, they are minimal.

There are some disadvantages as well. All air flossers are based on the latest technology and they are relatively new, so they are expensive and they are difficult to find. If we compare the prices with water flossers, we will see that they are far more expensive, meaning that they are not an option for some users.

Water flossers also have pros and cons. They are generally more effective than air flossers and they are more affordable. Compared to an air flosser, you can get a massive money saving and a much better result in teeth hygiene.

When it comes to drawbacks, we already know them. First one is the fact they are messy. You will need plenty of space to use them, chances are high you will get wet and you should know that they are not portable devices. Let’s just add the fact they are noisy and they require plenty of maintenance.

Water flossers are still the best option and the one you definitely need and should want to use. Air flossers are developed as an addition to water flossers, so users can use them while on the go, while traveling or etc. See more about comparison between water flosser and air flossers.

Conclusion

Now you have a complete knowledge regarding the dental floss, water flossers, and air flossers. All you have to remember is that dental floss is the oldest and the cheapest alternative, also the most complicated to use and reasonably effective. Water flossers are the best option. They are easy to use and they are the most effective of them all. Air flossers are something in between. They are the simplest to use, but they are less effective than water flossers. Also, they are more expensive than both other alternatives.