You have seen the water flosser adverts. They claim to be just as good — or better. Are they? The evidence is more nuanced than the marketing suggests.

Water flossers (also called oral irrigators) use a stream of pulsating water to remove food debris and plaque from between teeth and below the gumline. String floss is the traditional mechanical approach — you guide the floss between teeth and rub it against the tooth surfaces.

What the Research Shows
A 2022 systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that water flossers were more effective than string floss at reducing gum bleeding and plaque in the short term. However, string floss, when done correctly, remains highly effective. The key caveat: most people do not use string floss with perfect technique every day.

Water flossers are particularly useful for people with braces, dental implants, bridges, or limited dexterity. They reach areas that string floss might miss or struggle with.

Where String Floss Still Wins
For removing sticky plaque biofilm directly from tooth surfaces, string floss has the advantage of direct mechanical contact. Some dentists argue that water flossers can give a false sense of security — the pressure feels satisfying, but may not remove all plaque effectively.

String floss is also portable, inexpensive, and requires no batteries or charging. For travel, it is still the most reliable option.

The Best Tool Is the One You Will Use
If you hate threading string floss and end up skipping it, a water flosser you use daily may be better for you than perfect string floss you never do. Many dental professionals now recommend water flossers as a legitimate alternative rather than insisting on string floss alone.

The ideal approach? Combining both can offer the benefits of mechanical cleaning and irrigation. But even using one consistently is far better than doing neither.

Not sure which option suits your needs? Ask at your next appointment for personalised advice.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com

Meads Village Dental Practice