At Eastern Family Dentistry, we encourage our patients to practice consistent and thorough oral hygiene. This of course includes brushing teeth at least twice a day, but that’s not the only thing you should be doing daily to make sure your teeth stay fresh and clean. Flossing is also an important piece of the puzzle, helping clean out pesky particles from in-between the teeth. The idea of flossing is simple in theory, but there are multiple methods to do it. Two of the most popular options include traditional flossing and flossing with a water flosser. But which one is better? Let’s find out! 

The Flossing Showdown: Pros and Cons of Flossing Methods

Whatever way you choose to floss is better than no flossing at all, but some people might find one way better than the other. Learning the pros and cons of each method can help you work out the best way for you!

Traditional Flossing

The most commonly known way to floss involves the traditional thin strand of string. It comes in different varieties and flavors but has the same general design. The string is used by sliding it in between the teeth to remove stubborn food and plaque that would otherwise stay trapped. There’s a reason why the standard for flossing has stayed the same for so long—it works! 

Advantages of Traditional Flossing: 

  • Affordable and easy to find
  • Effective
  • Convenient and easy to take on to go

Disadvantages of Traditional Flossing:

  • Can be tricky for some to use, especially for those with braces
  • Time-consuming
  • Aggressive flossing can cause gum irritation or bleeding

Water Flossing

A water flosser is a more advanced method of flossing the teeth. A water flosser is a small machine that pushes out a stream of pulsating water to clean between the teeth and along the gumline. They are particularly popular with people who are getting orthodontic treatment. 

Advantages of Water Flossing:

  • Gentle on the gums
  • Easy and quicker to use
  • Easier to use for those with braces, dental implants, or other dental work 

Disadvantages of Water Flossing:

  • More upfront cost
  • Less flexibility for oral hygiene on the go
  • Requires electricity and water

When it comes to the showdown of floss vs. water floss, there is honestly no clear winner. Both methods are effective ways to clean out plaque from between the teeth to keep the mouth clean and healthy. What it really boils down to is personal preference. If you are looking for cheap, easy, and flexible, you may lean more toward the traditional floss route. If you don’t mind a small investment, struggle with regular flossing, or have braces, a water flosser might be for you. Some patients like to mix it up and use both! The main goal is consistency so as long as you are practicing a form of flossing in general, that’s what matters most! 

Schedule An Appointment with Eastern Family Dentistry Today

If flossing hasn’t been a priority for you, it’s time to make that change! Take a walk down the oral hygiene aisle at your local retail store and find the option that works for you, whether that’s a high-tech water flosser or a container of traditional string floss. It can take a bit of time to make it a habit, but with consistency, and practice it will become part of your daily routine in no time, and your mouth will thank you! 

Schedule an appointment with Eastern Family Dentistry today by filling out an online registration form or by giving us a call at 575.356.8514 for a dental check-up to make sure your teeth and gums are as healthy as they can be! Explore our financial and insurance solutions to make your care more affordable.