Dental floss is a tool you should use at least once daily to remove food and bacteria buildup between teeth. With modern technology, there have been many different applications for flossing such as dental picks and even “water floss”. Now, you may be wondering, what’s the difference and which is better?
Water Floss
Water flossing uses a high power stream of water to remove plaque and other food debris from between teeth and below the gumline.
Pros:
- good for people that have difficulty reaching small areas
- helps with food stuck under bridges and dentures
Cons:
- does not reach as deep between teeth and under the gumline
- is not as precise as traditional flossing
- cannot remove plaque and tartar which can result in gum disease later
Traditional String Floss
Traditional string floss uses a plastic or nylon string to remove plaque and food from between teeth and the gumline.
Pros:
- it can reach multiple angles between teeth removing more plaque and food than other methods
- it is more cost efficient and portable!
Cons:
- can be more difficult to reach teeth farther back
- can be more difficult to use for people with braces
Traditional flossing is more efficient at removing bacteria and plaque between teeth and under the gumline but it may not be the easiest for you to use. The water floss is good for removing larger food particles but does not remove plaque and is therefore not a good substitute for traditional floss. Whether you choose to use a water floss or traditional floss, any type of flossing is better than none!
