Book Now Streetsboro: (330) 423-6779 Elyria: (440) 281-8031 Brunswick: (330) 460-6540
Streetsboro Elyria Brunswick

String Flossing vs. Water Flossing

Check out our blog post to learn pros and cons of string flossing and water flossing. Contact us for more oral hygiene info!

Share This Post

Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Share on email

Brunette woman who chooses to floss every day wears a black and white striped shirt and smiles with closed eyes

Conventional dental wisdom recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing cleans between your teeth to remove food particles and plaque from areas where your toothbrush bristles have a hard time reaching. If not removed, this debris can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. But is there a flossing method that is better between string floss and water floss? Read on to learn some pros and cons of each.

Traditional String Floss

Pros

  • Standard dental floss is an effective tool for cleaning the tight spaces between teeth because it allows you to scrape the sides of each tooth and reach under the gumline.
  • String floss is inexpensive and readily available at every grocery store and pharmacy.
  • This is a quick and easy method that can be done anywhere.

    • Cons

  • Many people find floss difficult to use, especially when cleaning the back teeth.
  • There are many types of floss on the market, some easier to use than others, so you may need to try a few different brands to find the one that works for you.

    • Water Flosser

    Pros

  • An oral irrigator, also known as a water flosser, water jet, or by the brand name Waterpik, has a stream of pressurized water that easily reaches between teeth and deep below gums to remove food particles and plaque.
  • This tool is especially helpful for patients with braces, permanent retainers, or bridgework.
  • The massaging action of water flossing helps reduce bleeding and gum inflammation to promote healthy gums.

    • Cons

  • Water flossers are more expensive than a container of string floss.
  • This unit requires occasional maintenance to keep it clean, electricity, and access to water.
  • It is bigger and less portable.

    • Used together, string flossing and oral irrigation are a powerful combination to remove debris from between teeth and below the gumline. Contact us to learn more!

    Contact Us

    More To Explore

    tooth paste.

    When Does Toothpaste Expire?

    Read our blog post to discover your toothpaste’s shelf-life. We also suggest 15 alternative uses for toothpaste that has expired. Ask our team all your dental-related questions. Contact us today!

    Read More »
    January 8, 2025

    Don’t let bone loss hurt your smile.

    Schedule your consultation today.

    Book Now

    Elyria Location

    Address
    570 Chestnut Commons Dr
    Elyria, OH 44035

    Office Number: (440) 281-8031

    Facebook
    Yelp
    Google

    Leave Us a Review on Google

    Streetsboro Location

    Address
    9519 State Route 14
    Streetsboro, OH 44241

    Office Number: (330) 423-6779

    Facebook
    Yelp
    Google
    Leave Us a Review on Google

    Brunswick Location

    Address
    3437 Center Rd
    Brunswick, OH 44212

    Office Number: (330) 460-6540

    Facebook
    Google

    Leave Us a Review on Google

    Dental Website by Progressive Dental Marketing

    $99 New Patient Introduction

    Signature Smiles Dentistry

    New Patient Introduction

    $99 New Patient
    Gift Certificate

    Towards Your 1st Sedation Session
    Signature Smiles Team

    Welcome to the Signature Smiles Family! Your sedation package will be mailed out to you shortly.