I’ve been using regular floss for years, but my dentist keeps pushing the water flosser thing. I tried it at a friend’s place and honestly, it felt like a tiny pressure washer in my mouth (kinda fun? kinda weird?). I liked how quick it was, but I’m not sure if it actually gets all the gunk out like string floss does. On the other hand, my gums don’t bleed as much with the water thing, which is nice.
Anyone here actually switched from one to the other and noticed a real difference? Or do you just stick to what you grew up with? Curious if people think one is better for braces or sensitive gums too.
I used to swear by string floss—had the routine down for decades. My dentist kept nudging me toward a water flosser, and I finally caved after some gum issues. Honestly, the switch was a game-changer for my sensitive gums. Water flossing feels gentler, and my hygienist says my plaque is way down. Still, if I get something really stuck, I’ll reach for the string. For braces or tight spots, water’s just easier, hands down. But I get the hesitation… old habits die hard.
I totally get where you’re coming from—switching up routines, especially when it comes to teeth, is weirdly stressful. I put off trying a water flosser forever because I just didn’t trust it would do the job. Once I got braces, though, string floss just became this impossible tangle. The water flosser isn’t perfect (I still worry I’m missing stuff sometimes), but it’s honestly the only thing that doesn’t make my gums bleed or freak out. I still feel a little guilty, like I’m cheating on “real” flossing, but my orthodontist keeps telling me my gums look better than ever.
There are days I miss the control of string floss, especially if something is wedged in a weird spot. But for the most part, I’m less anxious about hurting myself or messing up my wires now. It’s not easy to break a habit, especially after decades, so hats off to you for giving it a shot. If your gums are happier and your hygienist is noticing, that’s gotta be a win, right?
The water flosser isn’t perfect (I still worry I’m missing stuff sometimes), but it’s honestly the only thing that doesn’t make my gums bleed or freak out.
Yeah, but is it just me or does anyone else feel like the water flosser is kinda cheating? Like, I love gadgets and all, but I tried one and just kept thinking, “Can this little jet really blast out the stubborn popcorn kernel from last night?” I dunno, string floss feels more... surgical? Maybe I’m just old school, but sometimes tech doesn’t beat the classics.
Maybe I’m just old school, but sometimes tech doesn’t beat the classics.
Gotta admit, I’m in the “string floss is cheaper and I’m stubborn” camp, but I’ve dabbled with the water flosser too (borrowed my sister’s, which probably breaks some kind of hygiene law, but whatever). The water one definitely feels gentler on my gums, and I don’t get that “I just started a tiny war in my mouth” look after. But, like, am I the only one who feels a little skeptical about it? I mean, it’s basically a fancy squirt gun. Fun, but does it really get in there and scrape off the plaque like the old-school stuff?
Honestly, my wallet kind of made the decision for me. Those water flossers aren’t cheap, and then there’s the replacement tips and whatnot. My string floss costs like $2 and lasts forever (unless my cat finds it first). But I do see why people with braces or sensitive gums swear by the water thing. My cousin had braces for years and said the water flosser was a lifesaver—she could never get the string under the wires without wanting to scream.
I have to laugh though, because every time I use string floss, I feel like I’m doing some kind of dental CrossFit—twisting, yanking, making weird faces in the mirror. With the water one, it’s more like a spa day... until you accidentally spray your shirt and have to explain the wet spot.
Anyway, I guess for me it comes down to cost and habit. If money grew on trees (or if my dentist gifted me one like they keep hinting), maybe I’d switch. But for now, I’ll keep wrestling with my $2 floss and hope my dentist doesn’t stage an intervention.
