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Water flosser or string floss?
Updated
The American Dental Association does not tell you to pick one. It says to clean between your teeth once a day, and it lists string floss, dental picks, tiny brushes and water flossers as tools for the job. The best one is the one you will use every day, so ask your dentist and try a few.
What the ADA's flossing page says
- Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and clean between your teeth once a day to remove food and plaque.
- Many people find classic string floss works well.
- A water flosser can be useful if you find other tools hard to work with.
- People with braces, bridges and other dental work may find a water flosser helps them reach every nook and cranny.
- It doesn't matter if you floss before or after brushing. What matters is doing it daily.
- Flossing products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been proven safe and effective.
How to read that as a buyer
| If this sounds like you | What the ADA's advice points to |
|---|---|
| String floss works and you use it daily | Keep going. There is no ADA rule that says to switch. |
| You skip flossing because string floss is hard to use | A water flosser is one of the tools the ADA names for that case. |
| You have braces, a bridge or other dental work | The ADA says a water flosser may help you reach tricky spots. Ask your dentist. |
| You are not sure | Talk with your dentist and try different options. |
What the ADA Seal says about water flossers
The ADA's Seal page for Waterpik Cordless Water Flossers says the Seal is based on the finding that they are safe and have shown efficacy for removing plaque along the gumline and between teeth, and for helping prevent or reduce gingivitis, when used as directed. The ADA also lists a Seal for a Coslus Oral Irrigator. On our shortlist, the three Waterpik listings state the Seal, the COSLUS C20 listing says ADA Accepted, and we did not see an ADA claim on the Philips listing.
If you decide to try a water flosser
- Waterpik Aquarius: its listing states the ADA Seal, and one tank is listed for 90+ seconds. The catch: it needs an outlet near the sink.
- Waterpik Cordless Advanced: its listing states the ADA Seal and it works in the shower. The catch: a 60 second clean takes 2 tanks (1 refill).
You do not have to give up string floss to try one. Some people use both.
Compare all five picks in the shortlist, or check any listing in the run time calculator.
Check with your dentist. This page is general information, not dental advice. Your dentist or hygienist knows your mouth and your dental work, so ask them which tip, pressure and routine suit you before you start.