Waterpik vs. Flossing: The Great Comparison

Waterpik vs. Flossing: Which Is Better for Your Oral Health?

By Dr. Marianne Cohan, DDS, AACD, AAFE | Summerlin Dental Solutions | Updated March 2026

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health, yet it is also one of the most commonly skipped steps in daily hygiene routines. Whether you use traditional string floss, a Waterpik water flosser, or both, cleaning between your teeth at least once a day is essential for preventing gum disease, cavities, and the buildup of harmful bacteria that daily brushing alone cannot reach.

In recent years, water flossers (commonly known by the brand name Waterpik) have gained significant popularity as an alternative to traditional string floss. But which method is actually better for your teeth and gums? The answer depends on your individual situation, and at Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Marianne Cohan helps patients choose the right approach based on their unique oral health needs.

Why Flossing Matters

In addition to brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing should be a non-negotiable part of your oral hygiene routine. Your toothbrush, no matter how advanced, can only clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. It cannot effectively reach the tight spaces between teeth and below the gumline where food particles, plaque, and bacteria accumulate.

When this debris is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional during a professional cleaning. Left untreated, this buildup leads to gum inflammation, periodontal disease, cavities between teeth, chronic bad breath, and eventually tooth loss requiring dental implants, bridges, or dentures to replace missing teeth.

The good news is that consistent daily flossing, combined with regular preventive dental visits, can prevent the vast majority of these problems before they start.

Waterpik Water Flossers: How They Work

A Waterpik (water flosser) uses a pressurized stream of water to flush food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gumline. The water pressure can be adjusted to suit your comfort level, and the pulsating stream also stimulates gum tissue, promoting better circulation and gum health.

Water flossers are particularly beneficial for patients with the following conditions:

• Braces or orthodontic appliances: Water flossers are significantly easier to use around brackets, wires, and other orthodontic hardware than string floss. There is no risk of floss getting caught in brackets or wires, which is a common frustration with traditional flossing during orthodontic treatment.
• Sensitive gums: If you have tender or inflamed gums, water flossing puts less mechanical stress on the tissue than string floss, reducing discomfort and bleeding during the cleaning process.
• Dental implants, crowns, and bridges: Patients with dental implants, crowns, or fixed bridgework benefit from water flossing because the gentle water stream cleans around restorations without risking damage to the margins or connectors that string floss can catch on.
• Limited dexterity: People with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other conditions that impair fine motor skills often find a Waterpik much easier to handle than threading and manipulating thin string floss between each tooth.
• Periodontal pockets: If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and have deep gum pockets, a water flosser can flush bacteria from depths that string floss cannot reach, making it an excellent complement to your deep cleaning and periodontal maintenance program.

Advantages of Using a Waterpik

• Ease of use: Most people find a Waterpik simpler to use than string floss once they are comfortable with the device. The learning curve is short, and the adjustable pressure settings allow you to customize the experience to your comfort level.
• Reaches difficult areas: For patients with tightly spaced teeth, periodontal pockets, or dental restorations, a Waterpik accesses areas that string floss may struggle to clean effectively.
• Fresher breath: The flushing action of the water stream is particularly effective at removing odor-causing bacteria and food debris, keeping breath fresher for longer periods.
• Customizable pressure: Multiple pressure settings let you find the right balance between thorough cleaning and gentle comfort, which is especially valuable if you have sensitive or inflamed gums.
• Gentle on gum tissue: Water flossing causes significantly less bleeding and irritation than string floss, particularly for patients who are new to flossing or who have not flossed consistently.

Drawbacks of Using a Waterpik

• May not fully remove all plaque: The water stream may not always generate enough friction to remove tightly adhered plaque from tooth surfaces. Many dental professionals recommend using string floss first, then following with a Waterpik for the most thorough result.
• Higher cost: A Waterpik unit is a significant upfront investment compared to a spool of string floss. The device also requires replacement tips periodically.
• Requires electricity and water: Unlike string floss, which fits in a pocket or travel bag, a Waterpik needs access to an electrical outlet and a water source, making it less convenient for travel.
• Messy at first: New users often find the experience messy until they develop the technique of keeping their mouth positioned over the sink while the device is running.

Traditional String Floss: The Gold Standard

String floss has been the primary method for cleaning between teeth for over a century. Originally made from unwaxed silk, modern dental floss is available in nylon and Teflon varieties, in both waxed and unwaxed forms, and in a range of flavors designed to make the experience more pleasant.

If you find that your floss frequently shreds, catches, or gets stuck between your teeth, try switching from unwaxed to waxed floss. The wax coating helps the floss glide smoothly between tight contacts. If shredding persists despite switching to waxed floss, mention it to Dr. Cohan at your next visit, as it may indicate a rough edge on a crown, filling, or other restoration that needs to be smoothed.

Advantages of String Floss

• Complete control: String floss allows you to wrap it around each tooth in a C-shape and physically scrape plaque from the tooth surface. This mechanical action provides the most thorough plaque removal available in a home oral care tool.
• Thorough cleaning: When used correctly, string floss cleans every surface of every tooth, including the sides that your toothbrush cannot access. It physically disrupts and removes bacterial biofilm, plaque, and food particles.
• Cost-effective: A spool of dental floss costs a few dollars and lasts for weeks. Compared to the upfront and ongoing cost of a water flosser, string floss is the most affordable option available.
• Portable: String floss is small, lightweight, and requires no electricity or water source. It can be used anywhere, anytime.

Drawbacks of String Floss

• Difficulty reaching all areas: Patients with very tight spacing, extensive dental restorations, or orthodontic appliances may find certain areas impossible to reach with string floss alone.
• Potential for gum irritation: Flossing too aggressively, snapping the floss into the gums, or reaching too deep below the gumline can cause bleeding and irritation, particularly for patients with sensitive or inflamed gum tissue.
• Technique-dependent: The effectiveness of string floss depends heavily on proper technique. Many people floss incorrectly (sawing back and forth rather than using the recommended C-shape motion), which limits its effectiveness.
• Difficult for some patients: People with limited dexterity, large hands, small mouths, or conditions like arthritis may find it physically challenging to manipulate string floss effectively.

Waterpik vs. Floss: Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Waterpik	String Floss
Plaque removal	Good (water pressure flushes debris)	Excellent (mechanical scraping of biofilm)
Gum gentleness	Excellent (less bleeding/irritation)	Moderate (can cause bleeding if aggressive)
Ease of use	Easy once learned	Technique-dependent
Around braces	Excellent	Difficult
Around implants/crowns	Excellent	Good (risk of catching)
Deep gum pockets	Excellent (reaches deeper)	Limited
Cost	$40-$100+ upfront	$2-$5 per spool
Portability	Limited (needs power/water)	Excellent (fits in a pocket)
ADA recommendation	Accepted as effective	Gold standard recommendation

How to Floss Correctly with String Floss

Proper technique makes all the difference. Here is the method Dr. Cohan recommends to her patients at Summerlin Dental Solutions:

1. Cut approximately 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand, with a small amount wound around the middle finger of the other hand.
2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of floss between your hands.
3. Gently guide the floss between two teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
4. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth.
5. While holding the floss tightly against the tooth surface, move it up and down several times to scrape away plaque.
6. Repeat on the other side of the same gap (against the adjacent tooth), then move to the next space.
7. Use a fresh section of floss for each gap to avoid redepositing bacteria.

Pro tip: Floss before you brush, not after. This loosens plaque and debris so your toothbrush and toothpaste can clean more effectively. After flossing and brushing, rinse thoroughly with water or an antimicrobial mouthwash.

How to Use a Waterpik Correctly

1. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water (not cold, which can cause sensitivity).
2. Select a tip and place the Waterpik handle in your mouth before turning it on (to avoid spraying water everywhere).
3. Lean over the sink, close your lips enough to prevent splashing, and turn the device on.
4. Start at the lowest pressure setting and increase gradually as you become comfortable.
5. Begin at the back teeth and work forward, pausing briefly between each tooth to let the water stream flush the interproximal space.
6. Aim the tip at the gumline, the top of each tooth, the back of each tooth, and every space between teeth.
7. The entire process should take approximately two minutes.
8. After use, empty any remaining water from the reservoir to prevent bacterial growth inside the unit.

If you are using a Waterpik for the first time, expect a brief adjustment period. Some patients experience minor gum bleeding for the first one to two weeks, which is normal and should resolve as your gums adapt. If bleeding persists beyond two weeks, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohan to rule out underlying gum disease that may require professional treatment.

When to Use Both Together

If you use both a Waterpik and string floss (the ideal scenario), the order matters:

1. First: Use string floss to physically loosen and disrupt plaque from tooth surfaces.
2. Second: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to clean all accessible surfaces.
3. Third: Use your Waterpik to flush away loosened debris, plaque remnants, and bacteria from between teeth and below the gumline.
4. Fourth: Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash for additional protection.

This four-step sequence maximizes the effectiveness of each tool and provides the most thorough at-home cleaning possible between your professional dental cleanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dentists recommend Waterpiks?

Yes. The American Dental Association (ADA) has accepted Waterpiks as an effective tool for removing plaque and reducing gum disease. However, most dental professionals, including Dr. Cohan, recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to string floss rather than a complete replacement, unless physical limitations make string floss impractical.

Can a Waterpik damage my teeth or gums?

No. Using a Waterpik is completely safe and will not harm your teeth or gums. The water stream is gentler than string floss and causes less bleeding and irritation. If you experience persistent bleeding, swelling, or discomfort after two weeks of use, contact Summerlin Dental Solutions for an evaluation, as these may be signs of gum disease that requires professional treatment.

Can a Waterpik replace flossing entirely?

For most patients, string floss remains the gold standard because of its superior mechanical plaque removal. However, if you have braces, dental implants, bridges, limited dexterity, or other conditions that make string floss impractical, a Waterpik is an excellent alternative that is far better than not cleaning between your teeth at all.

Should I floss before or after brushing?

Before. Flossing first loosens plaque and debris from between teeth, making it easier for your toothbrush and toothpaste to clean those areas effectively. After flossing and brushing, rinse thoroughly. If you also use a Waterpik, use it last to flush away anything that remains.

How often should I floss?

At least once daily, ideally before your evening brushing. If you are prone to gum disease or have tight spaces where food frequently gets trapped, flossing twice daily provides additional protection. Combine daily flossing with professional cleanings every six months (or every three to four months if you have periodontal disease) for optimal oral health.

Is a Waterpik good for people with braces?

Excellent. A Waterpik is one of the best tools available for cleaning around orthodontic appliances. The water stream easily flushes food and plaque from around brackets and wires without the risk of floss getting caught. Waterpik also makes orthodontic tips specifically designed for patients with braces.

What should I do if my gums bleed when I floss?

Minor bleeding when you first start flossing (or resume after a break) is common and usually resolves within one to two weeks of consistent daily flossing. If bleeding persists beyond two weeks, it may indicate gum disease that requires professional evaluation. Do not stop flossing because of bleeding. Consistent gentle flossing actually helps reduce inflammation and bleeding over time. If you are concerned, schedule a visit with Dr. Cohan for a thorough periodontal evaluation.

Schedule Your Cleaning at Summerlin Dental Solutions

Whether you use a Waterpik, string floss, or both, the most important thing is that you clean between your teeth every day and visit your dentist for regular professional cleanings. If you have questions about which flossing method is right for you, or if you have conditions like braces, implants, crowns, bridges, arthritis, or gum disease that make traditional flossing challenging, our team can help you find the best solution for your unique needs.

At Summerlin Dental Solutions, we see one patient at a time, giving you the unhurried personal attention your dental health deserves. We proudly serve patients from across the Las Vegas Valley, including Henderson, Spring Valley, Centennial Hills, Paradise, Sun City Summerlin, Downtown Summerlin, and all surrounding communities.

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