I totally get where you’re coming from about compliance. My youngest would rather do anything than use string floss, so we ended up getting a water flosser too. But I’ve gotta say, after a couple years of using both, I still notice a difference when I actually take the time to use string—especially between those really tight teeth. The water flosser is great for getting out food and making my mouth feel fresher, but sometimes I’ll run string through after and still pull out gunk that the water missed. Maybe it’s just me being old-school, but I don’t think the water gets everything.
That said, if water flossing means your kid actually does something every day instead of nothing, that’s a huge win. I just wouldn’t write off string floss entirely, even if it’s just a few times a week. My hygienist always says “something is better than nothing,” but she can spot people who only use the water flosser vs. string right away... kind of embarrassing, honestly.
Totally relate to this. When I first got braces, my ortho basically begged me to use the string, but honestly, it was such a pain with all the wires. I switched to a water flosser just to keep my sanity, and it did help with the food bits, but I’d still get that “ugh” feeling when I ran string through after and found stuff hiding out. I swear, nothing beats that squeaky clean feeling from string floss between tight teeth. But yeah... if it’s a battle to get kids (or honestly, myself) to do anything at all, water’s better than nothing.
I totally get what you mean about the wires making string floss a nightmare. I’m still figuring out the best way to get around my brackets without poking my gums. Water flossers are so much quicker, but I always wonder if they’re missing stuff, especially that gunky feeling between tight teeth. It’s like, water gets the big stuff but maybe not the sticky plaque? Still, I’d rather do something than skip it altogether—consistency seems to matter more than perfection.
String floss is definitely tough with brackets—my wires used to catch everything and it felt like a wrestling match every night. But I actually kinda trust the water flosser more than I thought I would. My hygienist said it’s not just blasting food out, it can actually help loosen up plaque if you’re thorough. I still use those little interdental brushes for the tight spots though, since I get what you mean about the sticky stuff. I guess it’s a mix for me... not perfect, but my gums complain way less now.
I totally relate to the wrestling match vibe with string floss and braces—mine used to shred every night, and I’d end up frustrated. I was super skeptical about water flossers at first, but honestly, my gums have been way happier since I started using one. Still, I can’t quite let go of string floss for the stubborn spots. It’s like, water flosser for speed, string for precision... but if I had to pick just one, I’d probably lean water these days. Less blood, less drama.