Flossing in general is more important than you think — and how you do it matters.
I have a confession: I don’t floss as much as I should. After talking to friends and coworkers, though, I realized I’m not alone. Sticking to a regular flossing routine can be surprisingly tough. Still, dentists say it’s essential, so I recently committed to improving my habits with an electric flosser. That got me wondering: Is water flossing actually better than traditional flossing?
“Traditional floss physically scrapes plaque off the sides of the teeth, which makes it very effective for removing buildup. Water flossers use a pressurized stream to flush out debris and bacteria, and they can be especially helpful for people with braces, implants or sensitive gums,” says Steven J. Katz, DDS, MS, president of the American Association of Endodontists. “Ideally, they can be used together, but if choosing one, traditional floss remains the gold standard for plaque removal between teeth.”
So if you already use a Waterpik or similar device, you’re still doing your teeth a favor. But experts say it’s most effective when paired with traditional floss.
Flossing is more important than you think
I used to floss only when I had something stuck in my teeth, like a piece of spinach after eating a salad. But it turns out flossing isn’t just for those moments. It’s doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work you don’t really notice.
“Flossing does much more than remove food particles — it helps prevent gum disease, reduces inflammation and limits the buildup of harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities between teeth. Maintaining healthy gums also supports the structures around the tooth, which is critical for long-term oral health,” Katz says.
Additionally, according to the American Dental Association, poor oral health has been associated with conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
So, when should you floss?
Katz advises flossing every day before brushing your teeth. Flossing before brushing removes plaque and food that can get stuck between your chompers, so the fluoride in your toothpaste can reach those areas more effectively.
He also told us that flossing once a day, not every time you brush, should be sufficient for most people: “Since plaque takes approximately 24 hours to form, the goal is to remove plaque between teeth before it hardens into tartar. However, if you frequently get food trapped or are prone to gum disease or wear braces, flossing more than once a day may be beneficial.”
The bottom line
Flossing should be a part of your daily routine. Regular floss does the heavy lifting, but a water flosser can be a nice extra, especially for those hard-to-reach spots.