10 Sep Floss, Flosser Tool or Waterpik: Which Tool is the Best?
Flossing your teeth is an important part of maintaining your oral health. The daily activity can leave some with burning questions like:
- Do I need a water flosser?
- Should I use floss tape or a flosser?
- Are any of them better than the others?
We can help you answer those questions! Let’s go over all the options and their pros and cons so you choose the one that is right for you.
What is the Difference Between a Flosser, Water Flosser, or Dental Floss?
A flosser, floss tape, and water flossers are all great ways to clean between your teeth! Each one removes plaque and stops tartar buildup. Understanding each tool, and how it can help and hinder you, is the best way to decide which is right for your daily routine.
Flossers
Small, typically plastic tools, with a small piece of dental tape on one end and a pick on the other. Flossing on the go is a popular way to use these! You can keep them handy in your bag, briefcase, or backpack. When you’re stuck in standstill traffic, waiting for an order, or popping into the bathroom, you can pull out a flosser and clean your teeth. There are no extra steps involved in these, just grab and floss.
Pros
- Small – perfect for throwing in a bag or purse (even those tiny little bags).
- Precut – No trying to figure out how much to cut off, just grab and floss.
Cons
- Since the length is so small you need to wipe or rinse off the flosser after a few teeth.
- They are not very environmentally friendly, as most are single-use plastic tools.
Water Flossers
Water flossers, also known as waterpiks, are small pressure washers for your teeth. A strong jet of water shoots at your teeth and breaks apart plaque, cleaning between your teeth, and your teeth themselves. These devices are perfect for those with tightly packed teeth, braces, or permanent dentures. They’re also a great option for those with arthritis who have a hard time flossing with string floss.
Pros
- Water flossers give you a deeper clean than regular floss.
- Is reusable and good for the environment.
Cons
- They are more expensive than dental tape or flossers, ranging from $30 up to $120.
- Take some time to use.
Dental Floss
Dental floss, also known as dental tape, is the most common way to clean between your teeth. These are the small spools of floss that come in little containers. You cut a length to use between the teeth to manually remove plaque.
Pros
- Commonly found in any store.
- Lower in price, and can last a while, even as you floss every day.
Cons
- Takes some skill to properly clean between your teeth.
- Can be difficult for young children, or those with dexterity differences to manage.
So? Which Flossing Tool is Better?
The best tool is the one you will use! It’s true! Flossing with any tool is better than not flossing at all. Pick one you’re comfortable with and likely to reach for every day.
While we heartily recommend a water flosser, we understand people’s hesitation to spend the money or spend the time on one. Whatever your preferred device is, it’s vital to clean between your teeth. Pick the one that fits easily into your life.
Expert Dental Care in Prescott Arizona
Here at Hicks Dental Group, we know your oral health is important to you, which is why we offer the best dental care. From twice-yearly check-ups to emergency dental care, we are here for you. If you are looking for experienced dentists, impeccable hygienists, and kind and knowledgeable support staff give us a call and book your appointment today!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/10/24). Image by muklinika from Pixabay.