Waterpik vs. flossing: which is better?

The best choice is often the one you'll actually use every day — whether that's string floss or a water flosser. Waterpik is one of the most recognized water flosser brands, a device that uses a pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth. Both are effective, but they clean differently, and knowing what sets them apart can help you build a routine that protects your teeth and gums long term.

What you'll learn in this article:

• String floss and water flossers clean in different ways, and those differences matter.

• Research shows that both methods are effective in removing plaque from tooth surfaces.

• A water flosser may work better if regular floss is hard for you to use.

• The best choice is the one you'll use every day: Consistent flossing matters more than the type you choose.

If you're unsure which approach fits your oral health needs, schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental provider for a personalized recommendation.

Why cleaning between your teeth matters

A toothbrush cleans the front, back and top of your teeth, but it can't reach the tight spaces between them. Plaque that collects in those gaps causes cavities and gum disease over time. Interdental cleaning targets that zone directly. Skipping it means leaving a meaningful portion of each tooth's surface uncleaned, even if you brush twice a day.^¹

How string flossing and water flossers clean differently

This is the biggest difference between the two, and the key to choosing the right one.

String floss removes plaque by physically scraping it off the tooth. You wrap the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and slide it just below the gumline, where it wipes away plaque from the tooth surface.

A water flosser cleans by using a pressurized stream of water to flush away food particles and disrupt bacteria around the teeth and below the gumline. It's easier to use around braces, bridges and implants, and many people find it more comfortable because it doesn't require threading floss between teeth.

Understanding how each method cleans helps explain why both can improve gum health, and why one may work better than the other depending on your needs.

Which one removes more plaque?

A 2024 systematic review pooling seven studies found water flossers were more effective than string floss at removing plaque, particularly from hard-to-reach interproximal areas between teeth.^² The advantage showed up most clearly in the tight contact points along the back teeth, where floss has less room to maneuver and a pressurized water stream can reach more easily.

The review rated this evidence as moderate quality, meaning the results are likely reliable, though individual studies varied enough in design that more research would sharpen the picture.^²

When a water flosser is the better choice

For most people, either method works. In certain situations, though, a water flosser is clearly the smarter tool.

Do you have braces, bridges or implants?

Threading string floss around brackets, wires and fixed dental work is time-consuming and often frustrating. A water flosser reaches underneath and around these areas with far less effort, making it much more realistic to clean thoroughly every single day.

Is flossing uncomfortable or difficult?

If limited hand strength, arthritis or reduced dexterity makes flossing awkward, a water flosser is a clinically accepted alternative. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes both as effective interdental cleaning methods.¹ Your dental provider can help you find what works for your hands and your specific dental situation.

Can a water flosser replace string floss completely?

For most healthy adults, not entirely. String floss and water flossers remove plaque through different mechanisms: direct mechanical contact versus a pressurized water stream. Because they work differently, combining both can catch debris that either method alone might miss.

That said, if string floss is genuinely not an option for you (due to dental work, limited hand mobility or significant discomfort), a water flosser is an effective substitute, and far better than skipping interdental cleaning entirely. Using both tools together gives you the most complete clean available.

Which one should you choose?

Water flossers have an edge on plaque removal, especially in hard-to-reach spots, and are a great option if traditional floss is difficult to use. 
 

Cost is worth factoring in too: String floss is inexpensive and available at nearly any drugstore or pharmacy, while a water flosser is more of an upfront investment.² If you're not sure which option is right for you, your dental provider can recommend the approach that best fits your oral health needs.

Waterpik vs. flossing: which is better? FAQs

If you're still wondering whether a water flosser or string floss is the better choice for your smile, these answers can help.

Should I floss before or after brushing?

Either order works, according to the ADA. What matters is thorough cleaning. Some people prefer flossing first to sweep loosened debris away with the toothbrush; others prefer brushing first.¹

Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I floss?

Light bleeding when you first start flossing (or after a break from your routine) is common. Gum tissue that isn't used to regular contact becomes mildly inflamed, and bleeding usually stops within one to two weeks of consistent flossing. If bleeding continues beyond that, it can be an early sign of gum disease and is worth a conversation with your dental provider.

How often should I use a water flosser or floss?

Once a day is the ADA's recommendation for interdental cleaning, regardless of which method you use.^¹ The timing (morning or evening) matters less than the consistency. Building it into a predictable routine is the most reliable way to stick with it.

Sources

^¹American Dental Association. "Dental Floss/Interdental Cleaners." https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/floss

^²National Institutes of Health / PubMed Central. "Comparing the Effectiveness of Water Flosser and Dental Floss in Plaque Removal Among Adults." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10906797/