Water Flosser vs String Floss: What Dentists Actually Recommend

Flossing is the dental habit most people skip. Water flossers promise to make it easier, but do they actually work as well as traditional string floss? We reviewed the clinical evidence and interviewed three practicing dentists.

The Evidence

Multiple clinical studies show that water flossers reduce bleeding and gingivitis more effectively than string floss. A 2024 systematic review found water flossing reduced gingival bleeding by 51 percent compared to 30 percent for string floss over a four-week period.

How They Compare

String floss physically scrapes plaque from tooth surfaces through direct contact. It excels at removing sticky biofilm from tight contact points between teeth. Water flossers use a pressurized stream to flush debris and bacteria from between teeth and below the gum line.

Advantages of Water Flossers

People with braces, implants, crowns, or bridges find water flossers dramatically easier to use. The pulsating stream cleans around orthodontic hardware that string floss cannot reach. They are also gentler on sensitive or receding gums.

Advantages of String Floss

String floss costs nearly nothing, requires no electricity or counter space, and travels easily. It provides the most direct mechanical removal of plaque from tooth surfaces.

What Dentists Say

All three dentists we consulted agreed: the best flossing method is the one you will actually use every day. If string floss sits unused in your drawer, a water flosser that you use daily is vastly superior.

Our Recommendation

Invest in a water flosser if you struggle with daily flossing consistency. The Waterpik Aquarius is the gold standard with 10 pressure settings and a 90-second reservoir. For the best results, use both: water flosser daily and string floss two to three times per week.