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Good oral hygiene is essential for healthy gums and teeth, and regular flossing is a big part of that. Flossing helps remove food particles and interdental plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach, reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. With the advent of new technologies, water flossing has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional string floss. 

​I never flossed growing up. It hurt, it was bloody, it was messy, and even when I did it (inconsistently), I got cavities anyway. It didn’t seem worth the hassle. I’m living with the consequences of that now! My dental hygiene improved, actually, when I got braces and was issued the late-90s tank of a Waterpik. It wasn’t so awful to use that, so I did, pretty consistently. 

Even so, i I could go back and tell my tween or teen self anything, it would probably be to take better care of our teeth. Some things, you can’t get back. 

But anyway, back to water flossing vs string floss. Which option is better for your dental care? To make an informed decision, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each method.

Why Do I Need to Floss?

(For the full flossing rundown, see this post: Best Alternative to Flossing If You Hate To Floss )
Flossing plays a critical role in maintaining optimal oral health. Traditional dental floss or a water flosser can help remove plaque and food particles from tight spaces between teeth and along the gum line. If left unchecked, plaque hardens into a hard substance called tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), daily flossing is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease and periodontal disease. These conditions can lead to gum tissue damage, bone loss, and even tooth loss if untreated. If you’re not flossing regularly, you’re allowing tooth and gum problems to brew. And gum problems aren’t only gum problems: they can also lead to cardiovascular problems and even dementia.

 A consistent oral hygiene routine that includes proper use of a toothbrush and some type of floss is essential for healthy gums.

What’s the Difference Between Water Flossing and String Floss?

There are key differences between water flossing vs string flossing methods, and each has its unique benefits:

Water Flossing (Oral Irrigators):

Water flossers, also known as water picks, dental water jets, or waterpik water flossers, use a pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth and under the gum line. This handheld device typically includes a water reservoir and adjustable water pressure settings to suit personal preferences. Jets of water effectively reach areas that can be challenging for traditional string floss, such as around dental implants, orthodontic appliances, or bridges.

Pros:

• Gentle on sensitive gums.

• High pressure removes food particles and bacteria from hard-to-reach places.

• Great for individuals with braces or limited manual dexterity.

• Improves gum health by stimulating gum tissue

Cons:

• Higher price tags compared to traditional dental floss.
• Requires water and power, limiting portability.
• May not provide the same scraping motion of string floss, which helps remove sticky plaque

Traditional String Floss:

String flossing involves using a thin piece of string to scrape plaque and debris off the tooth surface. This method has been a cornerstone of dental hygiene for decades and remains a recommendation from many dental professionals.

String floss also includes floss picks or thick dental floss — anything flexible that goes between your teeth.

Pros:

• Effective at removing interdental plaque when used with proper technique.

• Affordable and widely available.

• Portable, with options like floss picks for ease of use.

Cons:

• Can be challenging for those with limited dexterity.
• May irritate gum tissue if you floss too hard.
• Less effective for people with braces or extensive dental work.

Is a Water Flosser Really Just as Good as String Floss?

The effectiveness of water flossers has been the subject of a number of studies. Many dentists, including mine, still say that traditional string floss remains the gold standard for scraping away plaque from tooth surfaces and along the gum line. So, I was surprised to find research when writing this post that says water flossers are just as effective as string in cleaning your teeth and gumline! 

Still, you need to use proper technique. While string flossing is better for scraping off plaque, water flossers excel in ease of use and accessibility, especially for those with orthodontic appliances, dental implants, or sensitive gums. Maybe it’s that people are more comfortable using a water flosser for longer, rather than simply flossing each tooth once. 

For optimal results, some dental hygienists recommend combining both methods. Start with string floss to remove stubborn plaque and finish with a water flosser to flush out debris and massage your gums. This approach can provide better results for those aiming for optimal oral health. Personally, this is what I do — I’ve written up my oral care routine here. 

The best type of flossing is the type you’ll do every single day

Choosing the best type of floss comes down to what best suits your daily routine and personal needs. If you have a hard time using regular dental floss due to limited dexterity or dental work, a water flosser might be your solution. Conversely, if you prefer a more cost-effective and portable option, traditional string floss or floss picks might be a better fit.

Whether it’s water flossing vs string flossing, you’re taking the best care of your mouth and your body when you show up every day.

What are the best floss and the best water flosser?

If you want my full list, I’ve written up my best floss alternatives and best floss for braces. But if you’re in shopping mode quick, here are my two faves:

The double-line Plackers flossers are my all-time favorite floss picks. The second line of floss is actually shockingly effective and it will pull so much more out of your teeth. (Which, gross, but, at least it’s not in there anymore.)

and, okay, this is not the best water flosser by any stretch of the imagination. But this is the one I buy.

I buy this exact water flosser every year, put it in my Christmas stocking, and recycle the old one. I am generally a person who tries very hard not to be wasteful, but all water flosser tubing will get mold eventually. So I feel better and healthier replacing an inexpensive flosser periodically. I don’t want a top of the line water flosser that’s shooting mold into my mouth in two years.

Final Thoughts
Flossing is CRUCIAL. A lot of my readers are young women, younger than me, so let me say to you: slacking on your oral care is one of those things you can’t undo!

Whether you choose the scraping motion of string floss or the steady stream of water from a water flosser, the key is consistency. Regular flossing, alongside proper use of a toothbrush and regular visits to your dental professional, will set you up for long-term oral health.

So, choose the method that aligns with your lifestyle and stick to it. Your teeth and gums and future self will thank you.