Water flossers work differently than string floss, and dentists say they're not quite the same thing

A water flosser can remove food and plaque from between your teeth, but it is not a complete replacement for traditional string floss. Water flossers use a pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gum line, while string floss physically scrapes the sides of each tooth. The two tools clean in different ways, and research shows string floss removes more plaque in most cases — though water flossers do help some people who struggle with traditional floss.

The American Dental Association recognizes water flossers as a tool that can reduce bleeding gums and gingivitis, but only when used in addition to brushing. They do not recommend water flossers as a substitute for string floss. If you have braces, implants, or wide gaps between teeth, a water flosser may actually work better for you than string floss, but that is a specific situation, not a general rule.

Key Takeaways

  • Water flossers remove food and some plaque but do not scrape tooth surfaces the way string floss does, so they clean less thoroughly in most cases.
  • String floss is still the gold standard because it physically contacts both sides of the tooth and removes more plaque in clinical studies.
  • Water flossers work better than string floss for people with braces, implants, bridges, or very wide gaps between teeth.
  • If you cannot or will not use string floss, a water flosser is better than doing nothing, but it should not be your only interdental cleaning tool.
  • Using a water flosser in addition to string floss does not improve results beyond string floss alone.

How water flossers and string floss clean differently

String floss works by sliding between teeth and scraping both sides of each tooth where the brush cannot reach. The friction removes plaque — the sticky film of bacteria that hardens into tartar if left alone. When you pull the floss up and down or side to side, you are physically removing material from the tooth surface.

A water flosser shoots a thin stream of pressurized water between your teeth. The water pressure dislodges food particles and some plaque, and it can reach under the gum line more easily than string floss. However, the water does not scrape the tooth surface itself. Studies comparing the two show that string floss removes significantly more plaque in most people, especially on the flat surfaces between teeth.

The difference matters most if you have healthy gums and tight spaces between your teeth. In those situations, the scraping action of string floss is more effective. If your gums are inflamed or bleeding, or if you have gaps that are too wide or too tight for string floss, a water flosser may actually work better because it is gentler and easier to use.

When a water flosser might work better than string floss

Water flossers have real advantages in specific situations. If you wear braces, a water flosser is often easier to use because string floss is difficult to thread around brackets and wires. The water stream can clean around the hardware without the frustration of traditional floss.

People with dental implants, bridges, or crowns often find water flossers more effective because they can clean under and around these structures without catching or damaging them. If you have very wide gaps between your teeth or a history of gum disease, your dentist may recommend a water flosser as part of your routine.

Water flossers are also helpful if you have arthritis, limited hand strength, or dexterity problems that make holding and maneuvering string floss difficult. In these cases, the ease of use may mean you actually floss regularly, which is more important than using the theoretically superior tool inconsistently.

What the research actually shows about water flossers

Clinical studies consistently find that string floss removes more plaque than water flossers when used on healthy teeth with normal spacing. A 2017 review in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that string floss was more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than water flossers in most studies.

However, water flossers do reduce bleeding gums and gingivitis in people who use them regularly, which means they are better than not flossing at all. Some studies show water flossers perform similarly to string floss in people with implants or wide gaps, and they may be superior in those cases.

The key finding across research is that water flossers work best as an addition to brushing, not as a replacement for other cleaning methods. Using a water flosser and then string floss does not improve results beyond string floss alone, so adding both is unnecessary if you are already using string floss effectively.

How to use a water flosser correctly

If you decide to use a water flosser, technique matters. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water or a dentist-recommended solution, set the pressure to a comfortable level (usually starting at low), and aim the tip at a 90-degree angle to your gum line. Glide the tip slowly along the gum line between each tooth, pausing briefly at each space.

Move from the back of your mouth toward the front, and do not forget the inside surfaces of your front teeth. The entire process should take about one to two minutes. Use a water flosser once daily, preferably before brushing, so any loosened debris gets rinsed away by brushing.

Do not use a water flosser as a substitute for brushing. You still need to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Water flossers are a tool for cleaning between teeth, not a replacement for any part of your routine.

Combining water flossers with other cleaning methods

If you use a water flosser, your complete routine should include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth once daily. You can use the water flosser alone if string floss is not practical for you, but if you can use string floss, that remains the most effective choice.

Some people use both string floss and a water flosser, but research does not show this combination is better than string floss alone. If you are already flossing with string, adding a water flosser will not improve your results. However, if you struggle with string floss and a water flosser makes you more likely to clean between your teeth regularly, that consistency is valuable.

Talk to your dentist about your specific situation. If you have braces, implants, or gum disease, they may recommend a water flosser as part of your routine. If you have healthy teeth and gums, string floss remains the most effective option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use string floss if I have a water flosser?

If you can use string floss, yes — it removes more plaque in most cases. If you cannot use string floss because of braces, implants, arthritis, or another reason, a water flosser alone is acceptable. If you straightforward prefer a water flosser and use it consistently, it is better than not flossing, but string floss is still more effective.

Can a water flosser remove tartar?

No. Tartar is hardened plaque that has bonded to your tooth and can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist with special tools. Water flossers remove plaque before it hardens, which is why regular use helps prevent tartar buildup, but they cannot remove tartar that already exists.

Are water flossers safe for sensitive gums?

Yes, if used correctly. Start with the lowest pressure setting and aim at the gum line rather than directly into the gum pocket. If your gums bleed easily or you have gum disease, ask your dentist before using a water flosser and get guidance on the right pressure and technique for your situation.

How often should I use a water flosser?

Once daily is standard, just like string floss. Using it more than once daily does not improve results. If you are using it to manage gum disease or implants, your dentist may recommend a specific frequency based on your needs.

What is the best water flosser brand?

The most studied and recommended brands are Waterpik and Panasonic, but any water flosser with adjustable pressure settings will work. The most important factor is that you use it consistently. Ask your dentist if they have a preference based on your specific dental situation.