Your Dentist May Have Been Wrong About This Flossing Alternative

Health Points

• Water flossers like Waterpik can be equally effective as string floss when used properly, according to dental experts
• The best oral hygiene tool is the one you’ll actually use consistently every day
• Both methods remove plaque and food debris, but offer different advantages depending on individual needs

The decades-old debate between traditional string floss and modern water flossers continues to divide dental patients—and even some professionals. But the answer to which tool reigns supreme may surprise those who’ve been loyal to one method for years.

Water flossers, with brands like Waterpik leading the category, shoot pressurized streams of water between teeth to dislodge food particles and bacteria. Traditional floss uses a thin strand of nylon or plastic to manually scrape plaque from tooth surfaces. Both aim to clean the areas your toothbrush can’t reach, yet each has devoted followers who swear by their chosen method.

“The reality is that both traditional floss and water flossers can be effective when used correctly,” explains Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association and professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. “The key word there is ‘correctly’—many people don’t use either tool with the proper technique.”

Research comparing the two methods shows mixed results, though recent studies suggest water flossers may have an edge in certain areas. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that water flossers removed 29% more plaque than string floss in participants who used both methods correctly. Another study indicated water flossing reduced gingival bleeding more effectively than traditional flossing.

However, the American Dental Association gives its Seal of Acceptance to both methods, acknowledging that each can adequately remove plaque and reduce gingivitis when used as directed. The organization emphasizes that interdental cleaning of some kind should happen at least once daily.

“What we’ve learned over years of research is that compliance matters more than the specific tool,” notes Dr. Matt Messina, a practicing dentist and ADA spokesperson. “If you hate flossing and never do it, switching to a water flosser you’ll actually use every day is a clear win for your oral health.”

Water flossers offer distinct advantages for certain groups. People with braces, bridges, or dental implants often find them easier to maneuver around orthodontic hardware and dental work. Those with arthritis or limited dexterity may struggle with the fine motor control required for string floss but can manage a water flosser’s point-and-shoot design.

The pulsating water can also feel more comfortable for people with sensitive gums or those who find string floss too aggressive. Some users report that water flossing feels more thorough and refreshing than traditional methods.

Yet string floss maintains its own set of benefits. It provides tactile feedback, allowing users to feel plaque being scraped away—something impossible with water. Floss is also portable, requires no electricity or charging, and costs significantly less than water flossers, which typically range from $30 to $100 or more.

“Traditional floss gives you very precise control,” Dr. Hewlett adds. “You can really get in there and scrape the tooth surface, which some people prefer and which can be very effective for removing stubborn plaque deposits.”

Technique matters enormously with both methods. String floss should curve in a C-shape around each tooth and slide gently beneath the gumline, not snap between teeth. Water flossers should be held at a 90-degree angle to the gumline, pausing briefly between each tooth rather than quickly sweeping across.

The water pressure setting also influences effectiveness and comfort. Starting with a lower pressure and gradually increasing it allows gums to adapt. Most experts recommend beginning with the lowest setting, especially for those new to water flossing or those with sensitive gums.

Some dental professionals suggest a combination approach may work best. Using string floss for its scraping action along with a water flosser for its irrigation benefits could provide comprehensive cleaning. However, this requires more time and commitment than many people want to invest in their daily routine.

Cost considerations extend beyond the initial purchase. Water flossers require electricity, replacement tips every three to six months, and counter or storage space. String floss needs regular replenishing but takes up minimal space and works anywhere. For budget-conscious families, traditional floss remains the more economical long-term choice.

Environmental impact also factors into the decision for some consumers. Single-use plastic floss picks and traditional floss contribute to landfill waste, though some eco-friendly alternatives now exist. Water flossers eliminate daily waste but require electricity and eventual disposal of the device itself.

“I tell my patients to think about their lifestyle and what they’ll stick with,” Dr. Messina says. “If you travel constantly, string floss makes sense. If you have dexterity issues, a water flosser is probably better. The worst choice is the tool that sits unused in your bathroom drawer.”

Dentists stress that neither flossing method can replace proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Interdental cleaning supplements brushing by reaching surfaces and spaces a toothbrush cannot access. Together, these habits form the foundation of preventive oral care.

Regular dental checkups remain essential regardless of home care methods. Professional cleanings remove calcified plaque (tartar) that no at-home tool can eliminate, and dental exams catch problems early when they’re most treatable.

For those still uncertain which method to choose, the answer may lie in experimentation. Trying both options for several weeks each can reveal which feels more comfortable and which fits more naturally into daily routines. Some people discover they prefer string floss in the morning and a water flosser at night, or vice versa.

The bottom line, according to dental health experts, is refreshingly simple: the best flossing method is the one you’ll actually use every single day. Whether that’s traditional string floss, a water flosser, or even interdental brushes, consistent daily cleaning between teeth protects against cavities, gum disease, and more serious health problems linked to poor oral hygiene.

Rather than worrying about which tool is theoretically superior, focus on building a sustainable habit that keeps your teeth and gums healthy for the long term. Your future self—and your dentist—will thank you for the consistency.