Which is better flossing or waterpik. Modern trends in oral hygiene

The use of floss is declining and most people just stop flossing because of the effort it takes.

Afterall, we are a civilisation that relies heavily on automation.

With the emergence of waterpiks (an automated version or traditional flossing) virtually all of the problems of string floss were solved.

So now there is nothing stopping you from carrying out this incredibly important act on schedule.

The question does remain though: “Which is better flossing or Waterpik?”

Flossing methods explained

Flossing means cleaning between the teeth using whatever means you consider suitable. Different flossing methods include:

Of course not all methods are suitable for all people. You should choose the one that suits you the most according to your daily routine and which one gives you the most comfort as well as efficiency.

Which is better flossing or Waterpik?

The short version, in terms of efficiency, waterpiks win by a landslide. But in terms of accessibility and practicality, there is much to be said and traditional string floss may be able to compete with waterpiks on that front.

So now for the long version. Waterpiks are devices that use a strong stream of water that is highly capable of clearing away all the food remnants and debris from between and around the teeth.

The working end is designed in the shape of a tooth pick and uses a point and click mechanism. Therefore it is extremely easy to use and the tips are replaceable, so can be used by the entire household. The device also comes with a reservoir to hold the liquid (mostly water but can be replaced by mouth wash or detergent). As well a hose to connect this reservoir to the working end.

Are water flossers truly efficient and effective?

Multiple studies were done to test this theory and most of them came up with one answer. That is “if you still don’t use a waterpik, you should definitely start now”.

These studies proved the following:

Can Waterpik replace flossing with braces?

Another very important advantage of a water flosser is their effectiveness for people who wear braces. Traditional string floss just doesn’t cut it when it comes to braces since they are not strong enough to pass under the wires and brackets.

Water flossers were proven to be 3 times as effective in cleaning for people with braces. Were able to reduce gingivitis and gum bleeding by more than 50% compared to string floss.

The same goes for people who have bridges or have heavily restored teeth with fillings and caps. Traditional string floss is simply not good enough.

Are water flossers safe?

Some people may ask “are water flossers safe?”. Water flossers use a stream of water which is very safe when compared to a string. Water flossers have a much lower rate of injury to the gums, causing cuts and lacerations than string floss. Especially if the latter is used incorrectly or more often than it should.

The numbers don’t lie. There is simply no comparison between the effectiveness of Waterpiks as opposed to string floss.

The biggest drawback of water flossers and is probably the main reason why every body doesn’t have one until now, and that is practicality. By that we mean the following two things.

Water flosser size and weight

As you no know, water flossers are devices that have reservoirs for their liquids. This entails a hose and a working end which is in addition to the power capable that should be connected to a socket. That equipment is quite bulky and you would expect them to take a significant amount of space in your wash room.

Not only that, but the issue of portability and being able to move the device around easily present great problems. Some manufacturers have tried to tackle that issue by making smaller, cordless and portable devices.

Water flosser price

Let’s face it, Waterpiks are not cheap and we cannot possibly expect everyone to be able to afford one. Not only that, but some don’t even have replaceable tips. Meaning that you would have to get separate devices for each member of the household. Which really is incredibly impractical and costly.

Is water flossing better than string flossing?

So as you can see, water flossers are not without drawbacks. Add to these that the device is quite messy and you would need to clean your washroom (and possibly clothes) after their use. The seemingly easy choice may not be so easy.

Knowing all that, if you are still wondering which is better flossing or waterpik? You have to ask yourself which is more important to you, efficiency or practicality?