Is Water Flossing As Good As Regular Flossing?

Is Water Flossing As Good As Regular Flossing?

First, we have to know if brushing and flossing with dental floss (regular flossing) are worth doing. It is helpful to look at the evidence for things that everyone says are true. For example, is it more dangerous to ride a motorcycle than drive a car? On average, per mile driven, the answer is yes. I won’t link to the studies and data, but the evidence is extensive. I am not saying you shouldn’t ride a motorcycle—just that it is more of a risk than riding in a car.

What about toothbrushing? The benefits to your teeth and gums from brushing your teeth are enormous. The evidence is plentiful. Now there is evidence of other benefits. Here’s one example. Brushing your teeth regularly may lower your risk of pneumonia.

Is regular flossing with dental floss helpful? The simple answer is yes. There are numerous studies. This study shows that if postmenopausal women floss, they have fewer lost teeth. This one suggests brushing alone helps, but brushing with flossing is better. There may be benefits of flossing in reducing the risk of heart disease. However, these studies are difficult to interpret because people who floss often have many other healthy habits, and controlling for these factors is often inadequate.

Is Water Flossing As Good As Regular Flossing? I have never flossed regularly. Never. Yet, I have been fortunate. Maybe it’s genetic, but I don’t get cavities. My family tends to get gingivitis and periodontal disease. I haven’t yet. Several years ago, I started water flossing. Water flossing is using a machine to send water jets between your teeth. Waterpik is the most popular company that makes water flossers, but there are others.

The last time I was at the dentist (I confess, I don’t go as regularly as instructed), they told me to floss with dental floss rather than water. They said that a Waterpik is okay once in a while, but flossing with a thread is better. I wondered if that is true. I knew that my Waterpik was better than nothing, and without the Waterpik, I was doing nothing. I find the Waterpik much easier to use than dental floss. I only use dental floss when I travel; even then, I can’t seem to floss daily.

It turns out that the data is convincing that my trusty water flosser is at least as beneficial as string, even accounting for the fact that many people who floss with a string don’t do it regularly or correctly. I did an extensive literature search this week. I couldn’t find a single study done since 2021 that categorically showed that flossing with dental floss was better than a Waterpik, even when it was performed correctly, which it often isn’t. Study 1. Study 2. Study 3. Study 4. Study 5. Study 6.

There are many more studies. Again, I couldn’t find one that showed opposite results, that dental flossing was significantly better than water flossing. I expect there are a few studies, but my searches showed that water flossing daily is as good as flossing with dental floss, and it may be better. Add to that the fact that using a Waterpik is much easier than using a string. If your dentist says string flossing is better than water flossing, please ask them for data. Then, email me some links. If I am wrong, I will post the evidence on this site.

If you are wondering, I use the Waterpik Aquarius. It works great. Follow the directions for care and use, of course. I believe everything, or almost everything, has a downside. You can get water on the mirror, sink, and floor if you are not careful. If you live with someone, I recommend cleaning up the mess. I am not very dexterous, and it happens to me only every few months. The other downside is the cost. Right now, the Aquarius is $80 at Amazon. If you have ever had dental work, it usually costs much more than a Waterpik.

s If you are happy with regular dental floss, then there is no reason to make a change, but if you are not satisfied or don’t floss at all, consider water flossing.