Water Flossing vs. String Flossing - Which is Better?
In this video we're talking about the differences between water flossing and string flossing and which flossing option would be the best fit for your situation.
Maintaining a good dental hygiene is very important for your overall health. There are various tools to make sure you maintain healthy teeth. In this video you'll learn about water flossing, string flossing along with other tools that can help you achieve good dental hygiene.
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➡️ About Dental Implant & Aesthetic Specialists:
Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists have been serving the greater Atlanta GA community since 1972. Our practice started as a full-service prosthodontics office but has grown to become a practice that does it all. Our practice consists of three amazing doctors; Dr. Brett Langston, Dr. Rachel Miro, and Dr. Mitchel House.
We specialize in restorative dentistry, giving patients natural-looking replacement teeth that stand up to the test of real life. Through our dental implant services, bridges, crowns, and more, the team makes chewing, talking, and smiling easier. Additionally, we offer teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, complete smile makeovers, and much more.
The team puts best patient comfort at the forefront, ensuring everyone has a great experience from start to finish. Our team is proud to cultivate personal relationships with patients, and the office is friendly and welcoming.
With the help of prosthodontics and restorative dentistry at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists, it’s possible to have confidence in smiling, eating, and talking once again. You will leave feeling confident in your smile. There is a reason we have been called the best dentist in Atlanta GA by many!
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#teethcleaning #dentalfloss #dentalcare #drbrettlangston #waterflosser
Disclaimer: This video is intended for education purposes only and it does NOT provide personalised medical advice. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or dental condition. If you want to speak about your personal situation with Dr. Brett Langston, book a consultation here www.drbrettlangston.com/contact/
I prefer water flossing because you know there's no strings attached
Lol
Boooooo! 😂
This is epic...literally a conservative crowd on this video
That's great! LOL
I think people who advocate water flossing are all wet.
As a medical provider on the other end, the best medicine is the one the patient takes. Something is always better than nothing. That's why I use water flossing myself
Absolutely!! The best flossing/cleaning method is the one you will actually do.
Same advice that dermatologist have for sunscreen!
Practical solutions are always the best suggestions...
Absolutely!
I’m 47 and always wanted to be a consistent flosser… After my cleaning I would also start flossing with a renewed commitment to stick with it - never happens…. I saw a new DH and she said the same thing - do what you will stick with. I bought a water pik and love it. For the first time I am doing it consistently and feel optimistic this is something I can stick with.
I used to floss religiously. I always carried around floss in my car, backpack, nightstand.... it annoyed me NOT having floss, because I flossed ALL the damn time. That being said, I always had cavities growing up. Great genes when it came to teeth I guess... but alas, it was my life.... until I got a WaterPik; it has now been 13 years, with ZERO cavities. Take that information for what it's worth.
Thanks for sharing! I was on the fence. I am going to buy a WaterPik right away. I have no dental issues, BTW.
@TheDentalShamancan you elaborate? Thank you :)
We need your secrets. Don't hold back!!
Switch fluoride toothpaste to Bentonite / baking soda . Fluoride users have fewer cavities, because they have fewer teeth
For me, water flossing works because it's something I actually do. I simply can't generate the motivation to mess with string flossing no matter insistent the hygienist is.
I use a Reach flosser and it's amazing
Vacuuming replaces string and floss This is in the experimental stage. The objection to string flossing is bypassed, making it more acceptable to more people. Integrated onto an electric toothbrush, the toothbrush motor does double duty powering the vacuum at the toothbrush other end. Any investors?
@@hconf I love this thing when my arthritis is giving me hand cramps. I also keep one in car. Easy to use without needing to wash my hands first.
The toothpick with floss hook work ,,, cant do the string around fingers anymore its too kich
How about just rinsing thoroughly with water 😊
Went to a "dentist" recently, who chastised my wife and I for our use of sonicare water flossers, that we had used DILIGENTLY for years, with no dentist reporting any issues, claiming that "only" floss would be suitable. They found "issues" that no other dentist had ever found...suspicious. The dental industry is getting as bad as the legal industry lately as for trustworthiness.
The independent dentists are disappearing, the industry is moving toward factory dentistry; large clinics with transient staff that tries to upsell you on cosmetic procedures. Just !like the car salesman with paint protection.
@@mattp4079 yep. The "menu-based" cosmetic system...there is going to be no such thing as "healthy dentistry" any more.
My dentist performed 'rock removal' to my teeth even though I never had a problem with it. Cost 2000 bucks all in all and left me with chronic pain for 6 months as the gum separated from my right wisdom tooth. Luckily it healed eventually but it was a total pain in the butt to chew only with left side... For sure he did these operations only to cash out my annual 2k of dental plan.
Dude, this has been a problem since the middle ages!
When I went to the dentist in China she x-rayed my mouth and showed me about six things she thought should be done immediately, including removing all my wisdom teeth. My British dentists knew of all these issues but they prefer to work on a less is more principal, so had done nothing. I declined every procedure she suggested and went back to my British dentist who said you did the right thing, none of these issues "need" to be addressed for the time being: and that was ten years ago. Cue the British teeth jokes!
The title is misleading? So, which is better? I know there is a bunch of "depends on", but maybe a summary at end would have helped? Otherwise, excellent video.
Good point. I agree there should’ve been a summary, even if the summary had just stated that there are pros and cons for both sides, and both are good with no one better than the other.
Exactly.
He didn't summarize but it was clear that string floss is the way to go.
What I do is switch around all the time, flossing, mini brushes, gum bristols, etc. In this way the variation ensures that all the spots between the teeth are cleaned every few days.
@@rjdverbeek I use waterpic and the Sonicare brush. I also switch toothpastes. Fluoride, non-fluoride, natural stuff, etc.
Water flosser also cleans out deep pockets that floss can't reach. I was a daily flosser and suddenly my rear teeth went from pocket depths of 4 to 6. Bought a water flosser and within 6 months they were back to 4. Now I have none deeper than 3. I floss with a little mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide mixed in the water....
whats your brand of water flosser?
I would like to know that as well.
@@stacylite I tried some off brands from Amazon and they worked but Waterpik is a much better option.
@@msas6020 Waterpik
Just a little correction for you. Water flosser does not clean out deep pockets. It will help wash out water soluble toxins (LPS) that bacteria produce and it will wash out some food particles. Most of the pocket reduction is the reduction of gum height not the gain of attachment. Bacteria is very tenacious and the water pik will not get rid of them. It may reduce them.
This is the kind of doctor I want. None of the "you're doing it wrong" non-doctors do.
Personally... I do both. I do string first to dislodge any larger pieces of food clogging the space between teeth or some harder things sticking between teeth and the gum. Then water flossing to clean the rest and disrupt the plaque. Then electric toothbrush. Then mouthwash with antibacterial properties.
I believe what your doing is perfect! How's your overall dental health? Just curious.
Antibacterial maybe unneeded as it can destroy good microflora. If you have already removed the source of feeding, bad microflora should not survive
I do all of this as well with the addition of a manual toothbrush after the electric. Last cleaning visit the hygienist suggested a tongue scraper (for staining) so naturally I got one of those too lol passing this tidbit along if you want to add something else to your routine.
@@tmoney2403 good advice thanks
I sometimes start with rinsing with water before brushing, and then will rinse again after brushing and flossing. I'm in my 70s and have great teeth!
As a recently retired dentist, I'll add my 2 cents. I strongly feel flossing is much more effective and thorough, than other methods. Other flossing tip............Keep the floss between your fingers tight and short. Move too a fresh section, as it starts to shred. and most important to avoid snapping it into the gingiva, don't push straight up -- or down -- move the floss it back and forth, as if you're sawing you way through.
I had been using mostly water pik for a few years. It isn't messy if you aren't messy. But I decided to use floss for 6 months. The hygienist noticed I had less plaque build up on my last visit so I think I will stay with flossing. It is faster and easier too! Edited to say she had me try a wider floss and I think it gets more "stuff" than the really thin stuff I was using.
the choice for me is slightly less effective water pick which I use everyday or more effective floss which I rarely do.
I can floss with glide floss for an hour straight, and then use the water pik, and when I use the water pick a bunch of foul tastes and smells are released. I have healthy gums and no mouth disease, but I've always had tight teeth. Regular floss (as opposed to Glide-style) is unuseable, my teeth turn it to shreds.
@@joycej9415it's also more gentle on the gums
@@joycej9415Its hard to find a good floss. I use coco floss. It is the best floss (in my opinion) and the only floss I use now.
Thanks for helping me understand my mouth, I never had a dentist to take time to let me understand what's going on. I have had dentist making mistakes from filling a perfectly fine tooth to 2 failed root canal and tooth discoloration. Always hoping to find a dentist that's worthy of my trust and mouth. Thanks so much for your presentations.❤️
I use both but the water flosser has made a tremendous improvement in my gum health.
Doc took one for the team in that demo and actually made his gums bleed 🥲 Thanks for the knowledge!
I've been flossing with string my whole life wrong and I'm 23 😅 I'm glad I'm starting to actually find this stuff out now instead of later on.
These are the best videos ever. I forward them to my friends and family. As a result my dental hygiene routine has improved as I look forward to maintaining my original teeth for a very long time
Thanks, Dr. Brett, for the video! Using both, but the water flosser really improved my gum health. I started taking my dental hygiene more seriously a month ago, and that's when I discovered Kriss.It's been a big help.👌
Ohh, how does a water flosser work? I do string flossing... What is kriss??
Same here, I prefer water flossing over using strings. Every time I used string, my gums would bleed. But now I realize, as Dr. mentioned, maybe I just wasn't doing it the proper way..
@@janeerly same, my gum bleeds when i floss before, but i ask kriss ai about proper flossing and now it's okay :)
Hi@@shyrahgail! Kriss is an AI dental assistant who gives personalized dental care tips. Super handy!
I use an electric toothbrush (oral b), unwaxed floss, and water floss. Other than a couple of crowns, my teeth are my own. I'm in my 70s and my smile hasn't diminished over the decades! 😁
I knew pretty much everything you said already but I still kept watching because you’re such a great speaker! Thank you for the lovely lesson
Excellent video Dr. Brett Langston. I use water flossing at night, and string flossing after meals followed by brushing. I like to brush my teeth using a Sonicare toothbrush with a pre-rinse mouthwash called Plax. I noticed over 10 years ago that Sonicare + Plax removes any stains from coffee or other liquids. Also, it prevents any plaque accumulation. I always receive compliments on my care from my dentist and dental hygienist. Unfortunately, Plax is harder and harder to find.
Great video, I've been stepping up my dental hygiene game over the last year, and this is everything I want to know in one video.
Me too. After years of basic brushing (and rather half-assed), as I get older I realize if I don't start now expensive problems are gonna arise.
Flossing is simply better. I used the popular water floss machine for a year, and the hygienist said my teeth weren’t as clean. She and dentist said it was best to use the water flosser every day and regular flossing every now and then to “mechanically” remove some junk that water jets can’t remove. I was like, “Are you serious?! I bought an expensive flossing machine that needs replacing parts, constant cleaning, descaling cycles, and it’s noisy and makes a mess… And I will still need floss?!” I literally went home and threw it away. I’ve been flossing ever since, and the hygienist says my teeth are back to being almost perfectly clean. And yes, I followed the instructions and the right angle and whatnot with the water pick machine. It’s just not worth the hassle and cost for an inferior cleaning.
@@pussyhigh Trust me, cumbersome is an understatement.
I use them both , I’ve learned to be a fanatic as I’ve gotten older 😀
As part of a daily routine these two techniques together are powerful tools keeping teeth and gums healthy.
I started string flossing after every meal in 2005 and I haven't had a filling since. Before that I used to get an average of one filling per year. I use a handle on the flosser on my teeth after brushing and before I rinse off the tooth paste so the floss actually pushes the toothpaste between each tooth and I think this has been the real secret to its success. I only wish I had started it 30 years earlier 🙂
That’s a great strategy ! Me too !
Also spit as much toothpaste out as you can. Dont rinse with water after or else you are removing the flouride from the toothpaste. Havent had cavity for 2 years since starting this
As a fellow dentist, I’ll say you pretty well nailed that!
I usually like to floss after I eat anything. My go to flossers are Plackers double line if I can get them. I've tried other brands but Plackers are the best. I also use a water pick. I find I need both. I also love my Sonicare toothbrush. I love it so much I make sure I have a new spare for when it inevitably breaks. Thanks for the tips!
As a water flosser for years, there ARE times when string is helpful. I've had implants and some of them are so tight that I have no choice
The fact that you have had implants makes me not want to follow your opinion on which of these is good for oral health
I’m scheduled for my All on Four (or Six, don’t know yet) in exactly three weeks. Lower jaw. I started using a water flosser and was shocked at how much food my toothbrush was leaving behind. I use lukewarm to almost hot water, as I have temp sensitive teeth. Never liked flossing as I have tight spaces. I’ll be using the super floss after my surgery.
My understanding is that gums recede because the bacteria on the teeth irritates them. If you have a lot of gum recessions and deep gum pockets then you need periodontal deep cleaning and very good dental hygiene at home. Go for dental cleanings every 3-4 months until your pockets start getting smaller and after that keep up with the regular dental cleaning. But at home do floss with regular floss, use a water pick if you have one and get a Sonicare toothbrush and don't brush hard. Let the ultrasonic brush do the work. You want to dislodge the food particles from in between your teeth and under your gums with floss and then gently brush them off with the Sonicare. Some people have had good results with oil pulling to reduce the plaque. But once you have the plaque build up you have to first get the deep cleaning done and only once the hard as stone plaque is removed, work on allowing your gums to reattach to your teeth. I used to work in a dentist's office.
Buy a set of dental picks and do it yourself, it aint brain surgery.
@@mattp4079 if your gum pockets aren’t deep, then yes, you can do it yourself. Otherwise, you’re not going to get all the hard plaque deep in the pocket and the gum will continue to recede. I was starting to get periodontal disease and I had a deep cleaning on all my teeth, then I started taking care of my teeth at home and went for perio maintenance cleanings every 3 months, then every 4, until I got my pockets to shrink and now I’m on a normal schedule. I actually only go once a year because of the way my saliva PH is and I’m not getting much plaque at all. My problem in the past was not adequate cleaning, and I was using a hard manual toothbrush
My sonicare too strong for me 😢 should i lower the level?
Just keep using it and you will get used of it without notice. The best way is just keep it to the teeth do not press pressure or any rubbing… move slowly until you brush all faces if your teeth
xylitol gum!
When I was a kid my dentist taught me to tie my dental floss in a circle/loop to make it easier to hold as I floss. Even now as an adult I prefer to floss that way rather than wrapping floss around my fingers
Brilliant! A better mouse trap idea. My fingers turn blue from strangulation by the floss. I'm a life long sailor and can't believe I never thought of this. Thanks for this helpful tip :)
This is excellent content, thank you!
Love this video you did a great job doc
I’ve been using a WaterPik dental flosser and vibrating toothbrush for decades. I get my teeth cleaned once a year. Very little tartar build up. Everything else is perfect. My dentist tells me to keep doing whatever I’m doing because it’s working. What more can I say?
write a book on how you do it and tell us how a person with ADHD can do it without it feeling like a pain?
I have big spaces between my teeth due to bone loss. So, I tie a knot in the floss and it works well for me 😀
If you have spaces, a water floos will work better for you than a string floss.
I have braces and every time I try to string floss I end up breaking down and crying bc it’s so hard especially cuz my teeth r crowded w/ braces. Water floss has made my teeth feel clean in ways I can’t anymore with floss. Thank god for water floss
In addition to daily flossing my dentist recommended the G.U.M. go between brushes that slide between teeth. They are of various sizes and are quick and easy to use. Even after flossing, they seem to find even more food particles to dislodge.
They are great. I keep a pack in the car and handy when I eat so multiple times a day really clean.
Softpics also
Great info!
Thank you Dr Langston
Thank you for this video! I wish I knew all this info and we had some of these items when I was younger. I wouldn't have such a mess in my mouth.
I use both water and strung flosses daily and love going to my dental checkups twice a year. Yep, I’m crazy 😂 When my dentist and hygienist tell me that my gums are healthy, I’m like, “I know” 😎😁
When I was young, I didn't know floss existed. Now I have two bone graft implants. Thank you so much for all the info. I needed it 50 years ago. 😊😊
A few years back I used to use string floss and then I got COVID and I couldn't use those that caused interproximal caries now I switched to water flosser I love them.
I've been water flossing my teeth since 1970 with a product called Water Pik. It does an excellent job at removing food stuck in-between the teeth. You can also use it to run along the gum line and clean bacteria under the gums. It's like using a power washer on your teeth.
I use both! Thank you! I am a retired Dentist.
Thank you, super informative. 🏆🏆🏆
Theres nothing wrong with either flossing technique. I prefer string floss as it get a better idea if stuff is stuck. The water floss is great but larger particles can get jammed into tight places. I think the regular floss is better near your molars where the teeth are wider.
I actually felt like water flossing was nicer for molars because it's easy to reach it (for me)
That's fine and good but.....there are people such as myself that brush 2x a day. floss daily, cleanings 2x a year who STILL end up with periodontal disease not caused by poor hygiene. I had 2 grafts fail because my teeth are not perfectly aligned. My periodontist helped me to realize that for some people genetics will win in the end. I will get dentures in a few years and be done with this mess.
I used to use the typical water pik type flosser but a couple years ago I switched to that electric brush that also has a built in water flosser and it works great. You use the tooth brush first and then you hit another button and water shoots out of a hole located in the middle of the brush.
You will still need to floss. A water floss is NOT a floss. Its more like a toothbrush that shoots water at your teeth.
So do you connect a hose for the water when you’re done brushing?
@@furball8967 There's a resevoir that you fill with water. After you brush, hit the switch and a stream of water will shoot through a little hole within the bristles of the brush.
Crap
@@jojowhite9296 thank you, I think I’ll buy one of those. 👍👍👍👍
Excellent advice.
Thank you for this.
Great video I have to say I laughed so hard when you said people go violently into the gums😂 Thanks for the demo🙂
I love the way this video takes you through every possible teeth cleaning procedure but NEVER actually talks about "Water Flossing vs. String Flossing - Which is Better?" - the title of this video! HELLO?!?!? 😁
I'm a water flosser. I have tried to string floss. I don't like it and consequently do not adhere to it. So I've stopped trying. I am fortunate in that I've only had one filling about five years ago and have had no issues of any kind with my teeth or gums since. Going to keep doing what I'm doing.
I end up using both. I have to use the floss sticks because they get into the areas needed better than simply floss. Then I follow up with water pick as flossing doesn’t seem to get everything. I do also put good mouthwash into water pick as that assures it gets between teeth.
Me too. But just water.
it does lower the pressure, so it may not work as well, but it is your mouth! Good luck.
I use GUM disposable flossers made by Sunstar. They make flossing so easy. Also, I use water but not a conventional water tooth cleaner. I brush and floss before I get into the shower. Before I get out, I get my handheld showerhead and set it to a high pressure mode. I clean my teeth and gums well and I don't believe I'm doing any harm but thoroughly cleaning what my flossers don't.
my hygienist told me a good tip as I told her sometime I would bite down on the green plastic flossing tool to access a tight fit . After exclaimng NO she advised simply coaxing it through the tight spots by slowly working it in with rubbing it back and forth between the two teeth and I am not now damaging the gums .
I also bite gently on my floss stick for the same reason, my molars are very tight. As long as you don’t hit the gums hard as you bite the floss stick, you should be fine. If I do the method your dentist recommended, my floss thread shreds. I also use my water pick with peroxide after and do a 1-min mouthwashing. My dentist said my gums are very healthy, whatever method I am doing is working great.😊
No mention of battery operated tooth brushes, as in the Oral B type, your recommendation?
Good day Dr Langston. Question... if patient has degenerate bone loss disease, does this affect teeth? If so, any advise you can provide? I keep going to the dentist and I was charged $800 for this periodontal mouth gel and it has been over 6 months and I do not see any benefit from it. I still have gums that are bleeding and I have had my share of teeth issues. I am guessing if the bone loss disease is as much w/ my teeth as well as my general body bones. Thank you for your time. And your videos are great!
Thank you! I didn’t know that water can be used for usual flossing because it’s called “irrigator” in Ukrainian! I always had problems with floss choice and overzealous flossing so water flossing should be a great option for me!!!
My teeth are too tight so I have never been able to use floss. I use small brushes or the water floss instead.
I've been doing both for many years
Actually, the dental tape is more thin, which is petfect for my tightly packed teeth. It slides nicely. I struggle with regular floss to get it out after getting it in! I can't imagine getting between my tightly packed teeth with water.
I use a water pik, and am sure you would find it gets between teeth nicely. The pik is useful for all but especially for people with crowns and bridge work because the string floss tends to snag on the crowns and makes it difficult to remove and can actually dislodge the crown. With bridge work, it's difficult to get the floss in all the crevices and spaces, the pik works great.
I use a Water Pik & set it to ~ 7.5. That works well for me. A dentist told me flossing is better than water flossing. I disagree because string does not clean between the gums and teeth on the buccal and lingular borders. What are your thoughts?
I watched another dentist suggests to slowly increase the waterfloss pressure until it gets to the strongest. I worry the highest pressure could damage the gum. Do you have any recommendation on the optimal water pressure?
If you have perio then yes you're right
I'm a 59-year-old who brushes and floss after every meal. I use mouthwash too as needed. I am pretty aware of my teeth. I see a Dentist twice a year. Still, with all that, I accumulate plaque very easily. I can feel the roughness when I wake up and throughout my day. For the past two years, I have had really bad breath. My Dentist confirms I have gingivitis and takes care of it for a month, but it returns quickly. I am wondering if there are any supplements besides Magnesium, Calcium and vitamin D that can improve the health of my teeth -roots and gums. I have been taking very mild painkillers for a few years after a broken back - ribs injury, and I think it might be the cause, so I am weening off. I think it's toxifying my bone health and my teeth. I trying to research supplements that can really work. Any ideas?
both are necessary to get the full cleaning. Especially if you have or had oral health issues. 1. Floss 2. Brush 3. Waterpik
Thank you for sharing
Good advices thank 👍🏿
Both is best!!
Floss tip: take 6-8 inches and connect the ends make a double knot so you have a tight loop. pull the loop with both hands and tighten the string at the end of your thumbs. drag the string laterally between the teeth to get inbetween without hitting your gums and clean. Drag laterally to get out the string reposition your hands so you have a fresh area of the loop for the next teeth.
How do you feel about "Oil Pulling"? Thanks
If you have a permanent retainer that isn't attached to every tooth but only at the ends, then you can floss around each tooth. The floss goes behind each tooth and you floss two gaps at once
I find string floss extremely difficult to use. On my front teeth, the floss tends to split while I try to get it in-between. Forget the rear teeth. I can't even get it back there.
I roll out about 20” of floss and use a fisherman’s knot to tie the ends together. The loop offers great control and easy on the fingers, just stay away from the knot and if the string gets stuck (almost never) then cut the string.
Good idea!
How do you stimulate the gums and what do you mean by that?
88 and all my teeth but with a few crowns and 3 implants. I brush to massage not to clean. When messaging I sometimes notice gum discomfort. I brush so each tooth is brushed 20 times. I then water pick but fill reservoir with about 20 percent mouthwash and the rest tap water. I concentrate on any gum area of discomfort. Every 6 months my teeth are cleaned and inspected. My Dentist always compliments. By the way. Dentist have a difficult job so I always thank him and his Hygienist.
I use the floss to clean the stuff out from between my teeth, then ue water and then germ-killing mouthwash to kill germs and rid of food under the gum line. Just don't shoot the water down into the gums, but across so you don't push stuff further down into area between the gum and teeth.
Water I'd say is better as some of the strings, like Oral-B contain the toxic class of forever chemicals called PFAS.
Not enough to matter..
allanmorrison35: How the fuque do YOU get to decide what "matters" to another individual? You have absolutely no idea what another individual's tolerance to a particular toxicity is. Speak for yourself and yourself only. Your parents gave you exceedingly poor home training.
Why on earth would pfas matter in DENTAL FLOSS when you literally eat that shit.
Can't believe this. Why don't these companies ever put that in the ingredients?
A good video but it doesn’t address the title being which is better, string floss or water floss!
I use both twice a day. Water, then string, then water again.
I use both! I find that string floss works better on my front teeth which are crowded, but I can't quite get into the back (still have my wisdom teeth) and use the water flosser on the molars.
I use a water flosser with inter dental brushes, works for me.
I have gargled with hydrogen peroxide for years. It seems to remove particles between my teeth similar to the use of dental floss. It is listed consistently on whitening formula oral products. What is your opinion of using hydrogen peroxide as an antibacterial mouthwash? As a flossing alternative I have used the toothbrush motor to power a vacuum to suck out debris between teeth with surprising success. Any interest?
I still don't know whether floss or water pick is better.
String floss is the best if you use it right.
Use both
I floss at last once per day BUT I have always wondered if I should brush first and then floss ie. Get the big stuff then the little or floss first and then brush so that possibly some toothpaste might also hit the areas that I have flossed…
I was hoping for 60 second or less answer,I do both nightly thank you
It would have been nice to see some close-ups of these.
Thank you so much
You're most welcome!
I do both to get a great clean!
To floss with less chance of fraying the floss, saw down (or up) at a 45 degree angle as if one were sawing a flat board with a hand saw. You wouldn't place all possible teeth of the saw on the intended cut line. The contact between teeth is in a line parallel to the floor, so sawing with the floss at 45 degrees means that the cord is going through the contact a little at a time. This method also insures that the floss is not snapped between the teeth quickly and injuring the gums. This trick cost me $50. I was having work done on a tooth just across the aisle from a tooth that had been refilled by another dentist about three weeks prior in the same office but who was now on hollidays. He told me that if I had any concerns about that tooth to bring it to his attention. I felt that there was some filling material that was snagging the floss so I mentioed my concerns to dentist number two. She took a piece of floss ran it through the area, as described above. I found an extra $50 on the bill for the second filling that I couldn't rationalize. It had to be for the floss job on the first tooth!
IMO, heredity comes into play as well. My brother takes after my Dad's side of the family and he doesn't have to do all the things I have to, I take after my Mom's side of the family, which always had some issues. I started using a water flossing unit just like the Dr. has and it seems to work fairly well. Set it on medium, that's all you need.
I’ve water flossing mixing water with some mouthwash, game changer!
All the people who have shared their dental hygiene technique need to be commended for their effort. So many people allow the plaque to get so thick between their teeth...it looks like a second set is trying to grow in.
A lot of waxed flosses contain PFAS. It's best to look for ones without it if you prefer flossing. I prefer my water pick and interdental sticks, and chewing a xylitol tablet after eating.
@1WhiteCottage Life. My hygenist said I need deep cleaning. My coworker had that then came in to work. She could hardly speak & was in a lot of pain. I'm very afraid to do this.
I used to have a floss holder thing that vibrated a little bit and made it much easier to get that floss up between my crowded teeth. But it was a pain buying those replacement little 1 inch things of floss. Now I just use the long string of floss, push the floss in at an angle, moving it back-and-forth as it gets closer to the gum. So it doesn't push food into my gums if there's food there it'll push the food out the front or the back. Then I do a sort of round motion to scrape between the teeth without hurting my gums
I was told by my hygienist that ideally you'd be using both, and that the WaterPik by itself is insufficient. IOW, if you're only going to use one approach, use floss, not just a WaterPik. Thoughts?
Yeah I think floss is superior to the water pik if only doing one but doing both is better. But I have bridge work and crowns, and flossing is a problem because it snags and is difficult to remove. I find the floss picks useful, and a satisfactory replacement for string floss. But using the water pik is a must IMO. BTW, you ask 10 hygienists or dentists and will get 10 different answers. Most recommend string floss because it's a long-held tradition and safe to recommend, who can sue you for that? Waterpiks are less favored but I like mine and have used it for 10+ years.
What about the proxy brush? I use this more than floss these days since floss can pull out crowns.
Haven’t tried water flosser yet but it sounds interesting to me
The back-reaching floss pick does it for me. Water pick is nice but I can't use it when I'm out and there are spots that it doesn't get to. I really have to brush, floss and rinse every single time I put food in my mouth.
My dentist said use both. Floss first then water pick.
I’m about to get a couple of bridges and I have read that bridges are prone to dental sepsis. This concerns me a lot! I’m trying to mentally picture where the food and debris would get into for that to happen and even if I do brush and floss is there still a way of stuff getting in between the bridges? So I am thinking would an implant be better than having these bridges done? I am just paranoid about dental sepsis occurring. I don’t want to have to constantly worry about that. What do you recommend?
Dental sepsis? When I was 14 and had braces I had a thing cemented in my mouth-it looked like a retainer with bands attached by wires to bond it to my molars. It had bands for the back teeth to attach. Basically, it was to "split" my upper palette as I had to turn it something like 1.5 turns every few nights or every night, whatever it was....I had this thing cemented in my mouth for quite a while. Was only told after eating to switch water around my mouth really well to dislodge trapped food. Never had any trouble with it
I have 11 implants, four of them are to secure a fixed bridge for my upper front teeth spanning a gap of 7 teeth. Check out the sonicare waterpik with the new type of head that shoots water in five directions. I've had no problems with my implants except a little bit of gum recession
As a hygienist, personally I think both flossing and waterflossing have their merits and at the end of the day it's about what the patient is going to stick with. I always say waterflossing doesn't beat the mechanical removal of plaque that string floss will achieve but it's better than nothing! Waterflossers are also great for cleaning around partially erupted wisdom teeth, a great flush out and ideally a good addition to brushing and flossing/interdental brushes :)