sometimes we just use the water flosser and call it good
Honestly, I think that’s totally reasonable, especially with braces in the mix. String floss can be a nightmare with wires. Water flossers might not get every bit of plaque, but they’re way better than skipping altogether. I’ve seen people do a mix—water flosser most days, string when there’s time. That seems to work for a lot of families.
Water flossers might not get every bit of plaque, but they’re way better than skipping altogether.
I totally get the convenience, especially with braces, but I’ve actually seen a few patients who relied just on water flossers and still ended up with gum inflammation between teeth. String floss—when you can manage it—just seems to reach spots the water can’t always get to. It’s not easy, though... I’ve had to untangle more than a few kids from their wires mid-floss!
String floss—when you can manage it—just seems to reach spots the water can’t always get to. It’s not easy, though... I’ve had to untangle more than a few kids from their wires mid-floss!
That line about untangling kids from their wires made me laugh—been there, done that, and not just once either. My daughter’s had braces for almost a year now, and honestly, getting her to use string floss is like asking a cat to take a bath. We tried the little threaders, but half the time she’d get frustrated and give up halfway through. I totally get why water flossers are so tempting.
That said, I can’t help but agree with you about string floss reaching certain spots better. Our orthodontist showed us how plaque can hide right at the gumline between brackets, and even after using the water flosser, you could sometimes see bits left behind. We started doing a “combo” approach—water flosser most days (because let’s be real, it’s better than nothing when you’re running late for school), but still making time for string floss a couple times a week. It’s not perfect, but her gums have been healthier since we started mixing it up.
I wish there was an easier way, especially for kids who already dread brushing with all that metal in their mouths. The water flosser definitely makes things less of a battle, but I do notice her breath is fresher and her gums look less puffy when we stick with the old-fashioned floss too.
Anyway, just wanted to say I feel your pain on the braces front. It’s a struggle some days, but I guess anything is better than skipping altogether. And hey, if anyone invents a magic tool that actually makes flossing with braces easy, sign me up...
I do notice her breath is fresher and her gums look less puffy when we stick with the old-fashioned floss too.
Honestly, I’m not totally convinced string floss is always better—at least not for everyone. I tried to get into a routine with it after my first cleaning with braces, but I kept poking my gums or missing spots because it was just so awkward. The water flosser actually got out bits of food the string missed, especially around the back molars. Maybe it’s just me, but if using the water thing means I’ll actually do it every day, that’s gotta count for something...
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve tried both, and honestly, string floss just isn’t practical for me every single night—especially when I had a retainer. My hygienist said water flossers are way better than nothing, and they do a decent job if you’re consistent. I still use string floss when I can, but if the water flosser means I’ll actually stick with it, that feels like a win. Gums have been happier since I stopped stressing about being “perfect” with the string.
