floss Archives - Lane & Associates

Posted on September 1, 2025September 1, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Better Oral Health

Keeping your teeth clean is important for your overall health. You probably know that brushing twice a day helps, but what about cleaning between your teeth? That’s where flossing comes in. Today, you have two main choices: the classic string floss or the newer water flosser. But which one works better for you?

This guide will help you understand both options. We’ll explore how each method works, their benefits and drawbacks, and which situations call for each tool. By the end, you’ll know exactly which flossing method fits your oral health needs.

Understanding the Basics of Flossing

Before we dive into comparing tools, let’s talk about why flossing matters. Your toothbrush can’t reach everything. Food particles and plaque hide between your teeth and below your gum line. When these stay there too long, they cause problems.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If you don’t remove it, it hardens into tartar. This can lead to gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. Your gums become red, swollen, and may bleed when you brush or floss.

The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth once daily. This simple habit can prevent serious dental problems down the road.

What Is a Water Flosser?

A water flosser is a handheld device that shoots streams of water at your teeth and gums. Some people call it an oral irrigator or by the brand name Waterpik. The device has a water reservoir and a small tip that you point between your teeth.

How Water Flossers Work

The device pumps water through the tip in steady pulses. You can usually adjust the pressure to make it comfortable for your gums. The water stream removes food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.

Most water flossers plug into the wall, but you can also find cordless models that run on batteries. The tips come in different shapes for various cleaning needs.

Benefits of Using a Water Flosser

Water flossers offer several advantages:

Gentle on sensitive gums: The water is softer than string floss, making it more comfortable for people with tender gums
Great for dental work: If you have braces, a temporary bridge, or dental bridge front teeth, water flossers clean around these devices easily
Reaches deep pockets: The water can get below the gum line better than traditional floss
Easy to use: People with arthritis or limited hand movement often find water flossers simpler to handle
Massages gums: The water pressure can help improve blood flow to your gums
Reduces gingivitis: Studies show water flossers can help reduce gum inflammation

Drawbacks of Water Flossers

However, water flossers have some downsides:

Higher cost: They cost more upfront than string floss
Need counter space: The device takes up room in your bathroom
Requires electricity: You need an outlet nearby
Can be messy: Water might splash around your sink
Not as portable: Harder to travel with than string floss

Understanding String Floss

String floss, also called dental floss, is the traditional way to clean between teeth. It’s a thin thread that you wrap around your fingers and guide between your teeth.

How String Floss Works

You take about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers. Using your thumbs and index fingers, you guide the floss between your teeth. You curve it into a C-shape around each tooth and gently move it up and down.

String floss comes in different types:

Waxed: Slides easier between tight teeth
Unwaxed: Some people prefer the feel
Flavored: Mint or other flavors make flossing more pleasant
Tape: Wider and flatter, good for people with gaps between teeth

Benefits of String Floss

String floss has several advantages:

Inexpensive: Very affordable compared to water flossers
Portable: Easy to carry anywhere
No setup needed: Ready to use anytime
Effective cleaning: Physically scrapes plaque off teeth
Widely available: You can buy it almost anywhere
No electricity required: Works anywhere, anytime

Drawbacks of String Floss

String floss also has some challenges:

Requires technique: Takes practice to do it correctly
Can cut gums: Rough handling might cause bleeding
Hard for some people: Difficult if you have arthritis or limited mobility
Tough with dental work: Harder to use with braces or bridges
Can break: Sometimes snaps between tight teeth

Water Flosser vs String Floss: Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s compare these two methods across different factors that matter most to your oral health.

Effectiveness at Removing Plaque

Both methods remove plaque, but they work differently. String floss physically scrapes plaque off your teeth. It’s very effective at removing the sticky buildup from tooth surfaces.

Water flossers use water pressure to flush out loose particles and bacteria. They’re particularly good at cleaning below the gum line and in hard-to-reach areas.

Research shows that both methods reduce gingivitis when used properly. However, water flossers may have a slight edge for reducing gum inflammation.

Ease of Use

Water flossers win when it comes to ease of use. You simply point and spray. This makes them great for:

Children who are learning to floss
Elderly people with limited hand movement
Anyone with arthritis or other mobility issues
People who find string floss frustrating

String floss requires more skill and coordination. You need to learn the proper technique to avoid injuring your gums.

Cost Comparison

String floss is much cheaper upfront. A pack costs just a few dollars and lasts for months. Water flossers range from $30 to over $100, plus you’ll need replacement tips.

However, consider the long-term value. If a water flosser helps you floss regularly when you wouldn’t otherwise, it could save you money on dental treatments.

Best for Different Dental Conditions

Different oral health situations call for different tools:

Water flossers work best for:

People with braces
Those with temporary bridge or permanent bridges
Anyone with deep gum pockets
People with sensitive or inflamed gums
Those who struggle with traditional flossing technique

String floss works best for:

People with very tight spaces between teeth
Those who travel frequently
Anyone on a tight budget
People who prefer the “scraping” feeling of thorough cleaning

Addressing Common Concerns

Can Waterpik Cause Gum Recession?

This is a common worry. When used correctly, water flossers don’t cause gum recession. In fact, they may help prevent it by reducing gum inflammation.

However, using too much pressure or holding the tip too close to your gums could potentially cause problems. Always start with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase as your gums get used to the sensation.

If you notice any gum irritation or recession, lower the pressure or talk to your dentist.

Are Water Flossers Safe for Everyone?

Water flossers are generally safe for most people. They’re especially helpful for those with:

However, if you have specific dental conditions or concerns, check with your dentist before starting any new oral care routine.

Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing between a water flosser and string floss depends on your specific needs. Consider these factors:

Choose a Water Flosser If You:

Have dental work like braces, bridges, or implants
Struggle with traditional flossing technique
Have mobility issues that make string floss difficult
Experience bleeding or sensitive gums with string floss
Want something that feels gentler on your gums
Don’t mind the higher upfront cost

Choose String Floss If You:

Travel frequently and need something portable
Have very tight spaces between teeth
Prefer the thorough scraping feeling
Want the most affordable option
Have limited counter space in your bathroom
Don’t have access to electricity where you floss

Consider Using Both

You don’t have to choose just one method. Many dental professionals suggest using both tools for optimal oral health. You might use string floss for thorough plaque removal and a water flosser for gentle gum massage and hard-to-reach areas.

Tips for Success with Either Method

Regardless of which tool you choose, these tips will help you get the best results:

For Water Flosser Users:

Start with the lowest pressure setting
Point the tip at a 90-degree angle to your gum line
Work systematically around your mouth
Don’t forget the back teeth
Replace tips every 3-6 months
Clean your water reservoir regularly

For String Floss Users:

Use about 18 inches of floss
Wind most of it around your middle fingers
Use gentle up-and-down motions
Curve the floss around each tooth
Use a clean section for each tooth
Don’t snap the floss into your gums

The Bottom Line on Oral Health

Whether you choose a water flosser, string floss, or both, the most important thing is consistency. Cleaning between your teeth daily makes a huge difference in your oral health.

Remember that flossing is just one part of good oral hygiene. You also need to:

Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes
Use fluoride toothpaste
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
Consider using mouthwash for extra protection

Get Professional Guidance at Lane and Associates

Choosing the right oral care tools can feel overwhelming. That’s where professional guidance makes all the difference. At Lane and Associates, our experienced dentists and hygienists can evaluate your specific oral health needs and recommend the best flossing method for you.

We understand that every patient is unique. Whether you have a temporary bridge, dental bridge front teeth, sensitive gums, or just want to prevent gingivitis, we’ll create a personalized oral care plan that works for your lifestyle and budget.

Our team stays current on the latest dental research and products. We can show you proper techniques for both water flossers and string floss, helping you get the best results from whichever method you choose.

Don’t let uncertainty about oral care hold you back from a healthy smile. Schedule an appointment with Lane and Associates today. We’ll help you build an oral hygiene routine that keeps your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.

Your smile is worth the investment. Let us help you protect it with the right tools and techniques for your unique needs.

Contact Us

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Phone*
Are you a New or Current Patient?*
- New Patient
- Current Patient
- Other
Which Lane & Associates location are you a patient at?*
Which location would you like to contact?*
Message*
CAPTCHA
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Share this post:

Posted on February 26, 2018December 4, 2018

Are you seeing red when you floss those pearly whites?

We’ve probably all experienced it: You brush like you always have, swish and rinse. Then you pull out a length of that innocent-looking white string and begin to floss. You’ve hardly started when you notice your drool is turning pink, then crimson. What’s going on? It’s like that flimsy little strand turned into a lethal weapon—and your gums are the victim.

To worry or not to worry

Bleeding gums are definite evidence that something’s amiss in your mouth. Assuming you’re not attacking your gums with floss like a lumberjack trying to take down a tree, it probably isn’t caused by flossing too hard.

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. When remnants of food, the bits you cannot reach with the bristles of your toothbrush, are left between the teeth, they quickly start to colonize and turn into a film of sticky bacteria that becomes plaque. The plaque, in turn, irritates your gums, causing inflammation and swelling.

The good news is that the condition is reversible.

Keep on flossing

When you notice your gums bleeding during flossing, you might think it’s better to quit and let your gums heal. Actually, you should do just the opposite.

Continue with gentle flossing every day, and in a week or so you should see improvement. Healthy gums don’t normally bleed. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after a period of flossing daily, make an appointment with your dentist. You could have a buildup of tartar that you’re not going to be able to brush away or some other issue with your gums.

And while you’re at the dentist’s office, it’s a good idea to check with your dental hygienist on the proper flossing technique. Incorrect flossing can lead to gums that bleed simply because you aren’t effectively removing the plaque between the surfaces of your teeth.

Other causes of bleeding while flossing

If you’re new to flossing, your gums are most likely going to bleed. Think of it like exercising. The first couple of times you work out your muscles are sore. But with time and regular workouts, the soreness (like the bleeding) disappears.

Vitamin deficiencies from poor nutrition can also cause the gums to bleed. Try to cut back on eating processed foods and nourish not only your gums but your entire body with a diet of healthier whole foods—fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, fish and dairy.

And if there weren’t already enough reasons to quit smoking, use of tobacco products negatively impacts your oral health and can contribute to bloody gums.

A healthy habit for life

According to the American Dental Association, flossing is an important part of your daily oral routine and can reduce the chance of gum disease and cavities.

But recently there’s been some discussion about the best time to floss. Before or after brushing? The strongest argument seems to support before simply because you will be more likely to do it. And if you regularly do it, you’ll have healthy gums. And that’s something to smile about.

If your gums are bleeding regularly and the above information isn’t putting your mind at ease, contact Lane and Associates Family Dentistry today to set up an appointment and let us help.