Water Flossing vs. String Flossing vs. Air Flossing

Do you floss every day? Dentists recommend it, in addition to brushing, to prevent everything from gum disease to tartar buildup to bad breath, and more. However, the way you floss is also important. You're probably used to running a piece of string between your teeth, but there are other methods as well. You can floss using water, or even air. Which method is best? Let's examine the differences.

String Flossing

Flossing with string is a simple but effective method of cleaning out the debris hiding between your teeth. It's inexpensive, easy to obtain, and it doesn't take up much space in your bathroom. However, there are also problems.

If you floss improperly, it can cause your gums to bleed. Furthermore, it's difficult, if not impossible, to reach the very back of your mouth. If you wear braces, or have a dental bridge, string floss can also be difficult to use. And if you have gum pockets - places where the gum has pulled away from the teeth - string flossing can't reach those, making them ideal places for bacteria to thrive.

Water Flossing

With water flossing, instead of using a piece of string to clean out debris, a small gadget sends a stream of water between your teeth. The tool's design allows you to clean those hard-to-reach places, like the back of your mouth, and gum pockets. If you have dental work, such as braces, crowns, or bridgework, a water flosser is easier to use, as well.

The tool is more expensive than string floss. However, since it's reusable, you can still save money over time. The main drawback is the stream of water can be a bit messy, making your bathroom wet. Also, while it covers more area, it might not be as effective at removing plaque as string flossing.

Air Flossing

Air flossers are similar gadgets to water flossers. Instead of a water stream, though, they use a burst of both water and air to clean debris from your teeth. It's gentle, making you less likely to experience gum bleeding than with string floss. It's also more effective at cleaning those hard-to-reach areas, and easier to use for people with dental work.

The flow of an air flosser is more accurate than a water flosser, allowing you to direct your cleaning more effectively, and making it less messy. You can even add a mouthwash to your air flosser to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

Air flossers also takes up less space. A water flosser includes a large tube, through which the water can flow. Air flossers are cordless, making them easier to store. They're a bit more expensive than water flossers, but they're designed to last a long time.

Most people find air flossing easier and less boring than either manual or water flossing. The whole job can be finished in just 30 seconds or so. By saving time, it makes it more likely that you'll actually floss regularly, like your dentist recommends.

So which type of flossing is best? We recommend the air flosser but talk to your dentist to figure out which one works best for your mouth's specific needs. By taking a few extra moments out of your day to floss properly, you can prevent a whole host of dental problems and have a cleaner, healthier mouth in general.

For help finding the best flossing method for you, contact Kanehl Dental.