Is a Waterpik better than Flossing? (pros & cons)

Posted on June 16, 2020

Every time you visit your Stoney Creek dentist, you know you’re going to be asked about whether you’re flossing and how often you do it. While most of us are accustomed to brushing our teeth a couple of times a day, we often either forget to floss, are in a hurry, or genuinely do not like pushing a piece of floss between our teeth. A device known as a Waterpik was invented as an alternative to flossing.

There has been some debate about whether the Waterpik is as effective, or maybe even better than flossing. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of flossing against using a Waterpik here’s what you need to know:

What is a Waterpik?

A Waterpik is a device that outputs a pressurized stream of pulsating water. It is meant to be aimed at your teeth to clear away food particles, bacteria, and plaque along your gum line. It was first used in 1962, so it has been around for quite a while. It is smaller than a toothbrush and can be used in your bathroom very easily.

Waterpik vs. Flossing: Key Differences and Benefits

To understand which method might be right for you, let's compare Waterpik and traditional floss across several key aspects:

Feature	Waterpik	Traditional Floss
Effectiveness	Effectively removes plaque and debris, especially along the gumline and in hard-to-reach areas. May be particularly beneficial for biofilm disruption.	Effective at removing plaque and food particles directly between teeth. Requires proper technique.
Ease of Use	Generally easier to maneuver, especially for individuals with dexterity issues or around dental appliances.	Can be difficult to maneuver, especially for those with tight teeth or limited dexterity. Requires manual dexterity.
Gentleness	Can be gentler on gums, potentially beneficial for those with sensitive gums or inflammation.	Can sometimes cause irritation or bleeding if not used correctly.
Reach	Excellent for cleaning around braces, implants, bridges, and deep periodontal pockets.	Can effectively clean between natural teeth with proper technique.
Cost	Higher initial cost for the device and potential replacement tips.	Relatively inexpensive.
Portability	Some portable models are available, but generally less convenient for on-the-go use than floss.	Highly portable and convenient for use anywhere.

Who should use a Waterpik?

While there are numerous benefits to using a Waterpik, it isn’t for everyone. There are some situations better suited to use a Waterpik than others, and they could be temporary. People who have braces, crowns, dental implants or permanent bridgework are all great candidates for using a Waterpik. Flossing between teeth when you have caps or crowns on your teeth can sometimes cause irritation or damage along the gumline.

What are the benefits of a Waterpik?

For those who have teeth that are tight together and have a hard time getting traditional dental floss between them, this device can be very helpful for removing food particles between teeth and gums. The Waterpik is also beneficial for those who may struggle to hold the detnal floss tight or maneuver it between teeth.

As much as those who use a Waterpik love it, it’s not for everyone. Sometimes this device may not remove all plaque or bacteria from between your teeth or along the gumline so you might still have to floss or could develop cavities or gum disease. If you use string floss first, you can loosen some of the plaque from between your teeth and then use the Waterpik to wash the particles away.

First-time users may also find it difficult to keep the water in their mouths, and it can take some time to get the right angle and power settings you prefer.