Consistency really does seem to matter most.
Couldn’t agree more. I used to be all about the string, but honestly, if I’m half asleep at night, the water flosser’s just easier and I actually do it. My dentist says both are good, but getting in there daily is the real game-changer. Ever notice your gums bleed less since switching? That was the biggest surprise for me—like, way less angry gums after a couple weeks.
if I’m half asleep at night, the water flosser’s just easier and I actually do it.
Funny thing, for me it’s the opposite. I tried switching to a water flosser, but I always felt like stuff was still stuck between my teeth after. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but string just seems to scrape more gunk out—especially after popcorn. My gums did bleed less with the water one though, I’ll give you that.
I tried switching to a water flosser, but I always felt like stuff was still stuck between my teeth after. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but string just seems to scrape more gunk out—especially after popcorn.
That’s funny—I actually switched to a water flosser because I kept shredding the string on my back molars (braces as a kid, tight spaces now). But I totally get what you mean about popcorn. There’s something about that kernel skin that only string can get, at least for me. Still, when my gums were super sensitive after a deep cleaning, the water flosser was the only thing that didn’t make me wince.
I wonder if it’s different depending on your teeth? Like, if you’ve got tighter gaps maybe string works better, but if you have a bit more space, water gets in there? Has anyone had a dentist actually recommend one over the other for certain situations? I feel like mine just says “as long as you do something...”
I totally relate to the popcorn thing—my kid is obsessed with it, and I swear those little husks are out to get us. We’ve tried both string floss and the water flosser at home. Honestly, I’m a bit paranoid about cavities, so I probably overthink it. The dentist told us either was fine, but I never really got a straight answer on which one’s “better.” It’s always, “as long as you’re cleaning between the teeth.” Helpful, but also...not?
My daughter’s got pretty tight teeth, and she’s still learning to floss on her own. She finds the water flosser more fun (less complaining, so that’s a win), but I don’t feel like it gets everything, especially after sticky stuff or popcorn. I usually go back in with string just to be sure. Maybe I’m just old-school anxious, but I can’t shake the feeling that the string actually scrapes stuff off, not just rinses it away.
The water flosser was a lifesaver after she had her orthodontic expander put in, though. Her gums were sore and the string would get stuck or just hurt too much. In that case, water was the only thing she could handle. But now that her mouth’s back to normal, we’re kind of doing both. Probably overkill, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Honestly, it feels like it depends on the day and what she’s eaten. If it’s something sticky or fibrous, string seems to work better. If it’s just regular brushing and she’s tired, water flosser is better than nothing. I just wish there was a clear answer, but maybe it really does depend on your teeth. Or maybe I’m just being a worrywart...
That’s exactly how I feel about the string vs. water debate. I got my first water flosser after my last cleaning because my gums were super sensitive, and honestly, it was a relief not to have to wedge string between my teeth for a while. But I still get this nagging feeling the string is actually scraping stuff off, like you said. I’m curious—does anyone else notice their gums feel cleaner with one over the other? Or is that just in my head? I keep switching back and forth, depending on how much energy I have after dinner...
