Flossing is an essential part of a good oral health care routine. Cleaning in between teeth gets rid of food debris and plaque that harbour bacteria which cause gum disease and tooth decay and loss. But is regular flossing or water jet flossing the best option? Here’s our verdict.

Regular Flossing

Flossing your teeth gets into those hard to reach places that your tooth brush can’t. It removes food particles and plaque from in between your teeth, right down to the gumline. Regular floss is a waxed or unwaxed string and it comes in different flavours too. If you floss regularly, you know the drill; take a section of dental floss and move it between your teeth and under the gumline to dislodge any debris and harmful bacteria.

Water Jet Flossing

A water jet flosser is a hand-held device that allows you to aim a stream of fresh water at your teeth to remove food debris and plaque. The flosser is often connected to a water tank that you can refill.

Do Water Jet Flossers Actually Work?

According to the Mayo Clinic , water flossers are effective at getting rid of food debris and plaque from between and around your teeth. They can work for you if you struggle with regular flossing, or have sensitive gums, or braces which makes it impossible to get floss between your teeth.

Water Jet Flossing Vs Regular Flossing

Many dentists will recommend regular flossing as the best way to clean in between teeth and prevent gum disease IF it’s done correctly and regularly. However, if you have trouble with regular flossing, water jet flossing is a great alternative.

If convenience is your main requirement, regular dental floss is your best bet. You can take the small container with you wherever you go, which isn’t possible with water jet flossers. They usually have a water tank and need electricity to work.

Finally, there’s the waste issue. Obviously you have to dispose of used floss in the bin whereas with  water jet flossing, you’re using water but not creating waste.

Our Verdict? Choose What’s Best for You

Whatever your chosen flossing method, cleaning between your teeth once per day and brushing twice per day is important. Don’t forget to use mouthwash and see your dentist regularly too.

If you find regular flossing impossible, try water jet flossing to see how you get on with it. But if you want to stick to regular flossing, there are things you can do to make it easier. If unwaxed floss gets stuck between your teeth, try waxed floss that glides more easily. If you struggle to get a good grip of string floss, try a floss stick instead. If you feel like giving up on flossing completely, there are other ways of cleaning in between your teeth, like interdental brushes.

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