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What is better for gum diseases: Water flossers or Dental Floss ?

Jul 24, 2024

What is better for gum diseases: Water flossers or Dental Floss ?, water jet flosser, electric toothbrush

The contest between water flossers and dental floss has by far been the most discussed choices of all. This is because it plays a crucial role in taking care of our oral health. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease affects millions of people worldwide , leading to discomfort, tooth loss, inflammation and what not. While just brushing seems to be enough for most of us, it's often not enough to reach the tight spaces between our teeth and along the gumline. This is where flossing takes the lead, but the question remains: water flossers or dental floss ? Let us get together and find the answers to this question.


  • Water Flossers 

Water flossers are also known as oral irrigators which use a pressurized stream of water to clean between the teeth and the gumline. There are various advantages associated with water flossers. Some of them are: 

  1. Water flossers are quite easy to manage by people from all ages as compared to a regular dental floss. It is also the best choice for people with braces.

  2. A Water jet flosser like those from ORACURA provides extra added benefits like bubble technology, progressive pressure elevation, and 8 different tips for different flossing needs.

  3. They help remove plaque before it turns into tartar.

  4. Water flossers reach places that a dental floss might miss.

  5. They also possess the advantage of being convenient and portable.

  6. Reduce gingival bleeding.

Last but not the least, even professionals from the American Dental Hygienist Association recommend water flossing over string dental flossing.

  • Dental Floss

Traditional dental floss has been a staple in oral hygiene routines for decades. Let us also discuss what dental floss has in store for us.

  1. Since dental floss is made up of thin nylon filaments, it bears the risk of breakage and snapping between uses, which can result in painful gum injuries.

  2.  Waxed floss is also harder to grip and the texture may be unpleasant to some.

  3. Dental floss is compact and easy but it is still harder to grip and the texture may be unpleasant to some.

  4. Dental floss comes in various types, including waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and threaders for those with braces or dental work. However, certain types of floss contain materials such as PTFE which can compromise your immune system and are filled with carcinogenic properties.

In conclusion, both water flossers and dental floss have their merits and demerits in the battle against gum disease. However, when considering convenience, effectiveness, and overall oral health benefits, water flossers emerge as the superior choice. The combination of an electric toothbrush and water flosser will completely enhance your oral hygiene routine. Make the switch today and experience the change for yourself.