I hear you on the water flosser being a lifesaver with crowns and bridges—string floss used to get tangled up in mine too, which was just... ugh. But honestly, I still feel like string floss gets a bit more gunk out between my teeth, especially in the tight spots. Maybe it’s just what I’m used to after years of dental work, but I notice my teeth feel cleaner after a good old-fashioned floss. The water flosser is way more comfortable though, I’ll give you that. Guess it depends on what your mouth’s been through!
Totally get where you're coming from. I had braces for years and honestly, string floss was a nightmare with all that metal—half the time I’d just give up. Water flosser made life so much easier, but I still use string floss for those super tight spots, especially after eating popcorn or something sticky. It’s like each tool has its moment, you know? My teeth just feel cleaner when I mix it up.
It’s like each tool has its moment, you know? My teeth just feel cleaner when I mix it up.
Mixing it up really is the sweet spot for a lot of folks. Water flossers are a total game-changer for anyone with braces or even just tight teeth, but I get what you mean about string floss for those stubborn spots. Ever tried to get popcorn husk out with just water? Feels like you’re power washing the sidewalk and the gum just laughs at you.
Honestly, I see people in my chair all the time who swear by one or the other. String floss can be more effective for scraping off sticky plaque between teeth, but water flossers are awesome for flushing out bits and keeping gums happy. It’s kind of like comparing a toothbrush to an electric one—depends on how you use it, right? Do you ever notice your gums feeling different if you skip one for a few days? Some people say the water flosser keeps their gums less puffy, but they still need string for that “squeaky clean” feel.
At the end of the day, whatever keeps you actually doing it is the winner. I’d rather see someone use a water flosser every day than string floss once a week just because it’s too much hassle.
At the end of the day, whatever keeps you actually doing it is the winner.
Honestly, my wallet wishes water flossers were as cheap as string. I tried a fancy one once, but when it broke, I went back to dollar store floss and honestly, my teeth still feel pretty dang clean. Maybe it’s just me, but I like knowing I’m not blasting my bathroom mirror every night.
I tried a fancy one once, but when it broke, I went back to dollar store floss and honestly, my teeth still feel pretty dang clean.
Same here—my wallet definitely prefers string floss over the water flosser. I actually bought a water flosser during a Black Friday sale, thinking it’d be a game-changer. Used it for a few months, but honestly, I always ended up with water all over the sink, my shirt, the mirror... you name it. When it finally stopped working (I think I dropped it one too many times), I just went back to the cheap floss from the drugstore.
Here’s how it goes for me: 1) Floss with string while watching TV or something, so it doesn’t feel like a chore. 2) No mess to clean up after. 3) My dentist hasn’t scolded me since, so I figure it’s doing the trick.
I get that some people swear by the water version, but for me, simple and cheap wins out. Plus, if I lose the floss, it’s not like I’m out $60.
