I keep wondering the same thing—sometimes after I use string floss, my gums feel a little sore but, weirdly, cleaner? But then the water flosser is just so much gentler. Has anyone actually noticed if their dentist says anything different depending on which one you use? I've never asked mine, honestly...
sometimes after I use string floss, my gums feel a little sore but, weirdly, cleaner?
I totally get that—after string flossing, my gums are like, “Why’d you do this to us?” but also feel super fresh. Water flosser is way easier on the gums for me too, but I always wonder if it’s actually getting everything. My dentist once said string floss is “old school but gold,” but then again, he’s not the one dealing with sore gums every night. I keep thinking maybe a combo is the sweet spot... or am I just overcomplicating it?
I’ve wondered the same thing about water flossers—like, it feels gentle and honestly kind of fun to use, but I’m never sure if it’s actually getting all the gunk out. I tried just using the water flosser for a few weeks and my dentist immediately noticed more plaque at my next cleaning. Not a huge disaster, but enough that I got the “you should still use string floss” talk.
But string floss isn’t exactly a spa treatment either. My gums get sore too, especially if I haven’t been super consistent (which, let’s be real, happens more often than I’d like). The combo approach seems logical but then it’s like… am I really going to do both every night? Feels a bit much.
On the budget side, string floss is way cheaper and lasts forever. Water flossers are cool gadgets but not exactly cheap, especially if you’re replacing tips and all that. I guess for me, I stick to string most days and pull out the water flosser when my gums are feeling sensitive or after eating something ridiculous like popcorn. Not sure if that’s dentist-approved but it works for my wallet and my sanity.
I’ve had that same “talk” from my hygienist—more than once, actually. I’ll be honest, the water flosser feels easier on my hands (arthritis is no joke), but every time I try to skip string flossing for a while, I end up with more tartar and sore gums. My dentist can always tell, even if I think I’m being sneaky about it.
String floss isn’t exactly fun, and sometimes it makes my gums bleed a bit if I’ve slacked off. But when I’m consistent, my mouth just feels cleaner. Water flossers are nice for days when my gums are extra sensitive or after eating something like ribs (the stuff that gets stuck... yikes). Still, if I had to pick one for actual cleaning power, string floss wins in my book.
Honestly, I wish there was an easier way. Doing both every night sounds ideal but... who has the energy? For now, I stick with string most of the time and use the water flosser as backup. Not perfect, but at least it keeps me out of the dentist’s “lecture zone” most visits.
“Doing both every night sounds ideal but... who has the energy?”
That’s the real struggle, isn’t it? I’ve tried to be that “perfect patient” with both, but most nights I just don’t have it in me. String floss definitely makes my teeth feel cleaner, but on days when my hands are stiff, I reach for the water flosser too. It’s not perfect, but honestly, you’re doing great if you’re staying mostly consistent—my hygienist always says “something is better than nothing.”
