Water Flosser Vs String Floss: Can a Water Flosser Replace Flossing?

Consider these water flosser vs string floss pointers before you make a decision

1. Efficiency 

2. Easier to use

While traditional floss is quite easy to use or learn, it still poses a challenge for certain people. Those of us with good manual dexterity really have no issue with traditional string flossing.

However, for children, the elderly and people suffering from Parkinson’s disease, string flossing is actually quite a challenge.

Water flossers solved this problem entirely because they can be used by anyone. It's just a matter of pointing the tip in the area you need to clean between the teeth, and press the button to activate the stream of water.

​And you're done, simple as that! So can water flosser replace flossing? It's looking like it sure can, but do keep reading.

3. Suitable for all kinds of teeth and mouths

Some people cannot use string floss, not because they can’t manually wield the string, but because their mouth and oral environment are just not suitable for its use. These are people that have extremely tight contacts between their teeth so the string can’t pass. Or people who have bone bulges and malformations, preventing the string from reaching certain areas.

With water flossers, the environment is not an issue. The stream of water easily adapts itself to the shape of the area being cleaned, and the pen like handle reaches easily anywhere in the mouth.

4. Less Risk of gum damage

Traditional string floss always had the underlying problem of accidentally damaging the gums. And rightfully so since the process involves sticking the piece of string between the teeth, and pushing down hard for efficient cleaning.

If that push and pressure is uncontrolled, it almost always results in gum damage. (2) 

This simply doesn't happen with water piks. Although there is a small risk of damaging your gums from the string water jet, the damage is nothing compared to the damage a string can do.

5. Refreshing WITH GREAT SMELLING BREATH

Unlike string floss, which causes an unpleasant sensation when used, especially if it is unflavored, water flossers could be filled with a refreshing mouth wash. Or any other form of ​mouthwash mixture prescribed by your dentist.

​This leaves you relaxed and refreshed, with great smelling breath for hours after use.

6. Solved the problem of brushing & flossing with braces

Water flossers have single-handedly solved the age-long problem of dental hygiene for those that have dental braces. People who wear braces, especially those who are unfortunate enough to wear them for a year or more, always complain of how difficult it is to clean their teeth.

​When their braces do come off, they would be surprised of the amount of damage that was done to their teeth and gums. All because they couldn't brush and floss correctly.

With water piks, gum disease and gum bleeding have decreased by more than 50%. The efficiency of dental hygiene for braces wearers have almost tripled!

The strong water jet easily fits between the braces and is very capable of cleaning between the teeth as well.

7. Preserving the skin and circulation of ​your hands and fingers

This could seem a bit of a reach for you, but the fact is, if you are a regular flosser (even twice per day), you are bound to have some pain in your fingers and hands with prolonged use.

The hands are just not meant to bend that way, and the thin piece of string compressing the fingers literally cuts off the circulation. Even a few seconds can potentially do damage in the long run.

The handles of water piks are held like pens, and with a point and click method of use, you can be sure that maximum comfort for your hands and fingers are guaranteed.