For me, consistency has made more difference than technique honestly.
Same here. I used to get so stressed about “doing it right” with string floss, but just sticking with the water flosser every night has kept my gums way happier. My dentist used to be super strict about string too—now she’s like, “as long as you’re cleaning between, I’m happy.” Guess they’re adapting!
Funny, my kid’s dentist is still really pushing the string floss, even though we’ve tried to switch over to a water flosser at home. I get that consistency matters, but I swear, when my daughter uses the water one, she just kind of waves it around and calls it a day. With string, at least I can SEE she’s actually getting between the teeth. Maybe it’s just an age thing, or maybe I’m old school, but I’m not totally convinced water does the same job—especially for kids who rush through everything. Anyone else notice that?
String floss all the way, honestly. I know the water flosser is supposed to be easier and more fun for kids (and adults), but I get super anxious about whether it’s actually doing anything. My dentist told me the water ones can help, but they don’t really *replace* string, especially for younger kids who just want to get it over with. I feel like with string, you can see stuff come out—gross, but also kind of satisfying? And if I don’t see anything, I’m convinced I missed a spot and have to go back.
I tried switching to a water flosser myself because I thought it would be less hassle, but honestly, I just ended up worrying more. Like, did I hold it in the right spot? Did I go slow enough? With string, it’s at least obvious when you’ve actually gotten between the teeth. My kid’s the same as your daughter—she thinks a quick blast means she’s done, but then there’s still food stuck in her braces. Drives me nuts.
I wish I could be one of those relaxed parents who just trusts the process, but every time we go to the dentist and they find a tiny cavity, I feel like it’s proof that I should’ve stuck with what I know works. Maybe when she’s older and actually cares about her teeth, she’ll do a better job with the water thing, but right now, it just feels like another shortcut.
Not saying water flossers are useless—they’re probably great for some people—but for anxious types like me (and maybe you?), string just feels safer. At least you know what’s going on in there, even if it takes longer and gets a little messy.
I get where you’re coming from—string floss definitely gives that “instant feedback” when you pull out something gross, and I used to be all about it too. But after getting braces, string flossing became a total pain for me. Threaders are fiddly, and half the time I’d end up poking my gums or just giving up out of frustration.
Water flossers felt like cheating at first, I’ll admit. I was constantly second-guessing if I was doing it right or just spraying water everywhere for nothing. But honestly, after a few weeks of sticking with it, my gums stopped bleeding as much and my mouth actually felt cleaner between appointments. My orthodontist said water flossers are especially good for braces because they can get in places string just can’t reach.
“My kid’s the same as your daughter—she thinks a quick blast means she’s done, but then there’s still food stuck in her braces.”
I totally relate to this. I had to get used to going slow and really angling the water jet properly. It’s not magic—you still have to be thorough. Maybe kids rush through it, but with a bit of practice, it actually works pretty well. I sometimes use both: water flosser every night for convenience, then string once or twice a week for that “deep clean” feeling (and peace of mind).
I guess it depends on what feels less stressful for you and your kid. For me, string floss was more hassle than help once the braces went on. Water flossers aren’t perfect (and yeah, sometimes messy), but they made daily cleaning way more doable for me. If your daughter struggles with string because of braces, maybe alternating both could help? Just my two cents—everyone’s got their own groove with this stuff.
I have to laugh at myself—when I first tried a water flosser, I managed to spray half the bathroom mirror and only maybe 10% of my teeth. It’s definitely got a learning curve. But once I figured out how not to soak my shirt every night, it started to make sense. My hygienist said as long as you’re thorough, water flossers can be just as good for cleaning between teeth, especially if you have bridges or (in my case) a mouthful of crowns and a stubborn molar that likes to trap popcorn.
That said, I still keep string floss handy. There’s something oddly satisfying about pulling out that little bit of gunk the water jet somehow missed. But honestly, if I relied on string alone, I’d probably skip more days than I’d like to admit—arthritis in these old fingers doesn’t help.
I’d say whatever gets you or your kid actually cleaning between those teeth is the right answer. If it takes a gadget with a motor and a little less frustration, why not? The important thing is doing it regularly... and maybe keeping a towel nearby for the first week or two.
