The Water Flosser Our Editor Is Obsessed With Is On Sale

It’s a debate. Each dentist has their own take, but ultimately, whatever gets you to floss is better than not flossing. Dallas-based dentist Dr. Amanda Lewis says, “Water flossing is a great adjunct to your smile-care routine. I feel that the act of flossing is still important as it physically touches the surfaces to remove plaque and bacteria. That being said, there are areas individuals have a hard time reaching, due to physical limitations and lessened dexterity, especially as we age.” Dentist and Waterpik spokesperson Dr. Chris Strandburg added, “Although there is some debate among dental professionals, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends ‘cleaning between teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner once a day.’ Waterpik water flossers are classified and accepted by the ADA as powered interdental cleaners for safety and effectiveness.”

Yes. Dr. Samantha Rawdin, a dentist in New York, says, “I do recommend water flossing as an adjunct to regular brushing and flossing, particularly for patients who have bridges, implants, or a fixed retainer (a.k.a. that wire that your orthodontist put on the inside of your lower front teeth when you were 15 years old). The water flossers work really well to flush out the areas beneath these restorations and can help prevent plaque and tartar build up.”

Some dentists believe that water flossing isn’t as effective as normal floss, so make sure to check in with your own dentist when it comes to your teeth and see if there’s a benefit to doing both. However, adding water flossing to your routine will not harm your teeth. Dr. Strandburg adds, “Waterpik water flossers, specifically, have the advantage over string floss when it comes to health — in fact, they’re clinically proven to be up to two times as effective as string floss for improving gum health once you integrate the device into your daily oral care routine. Why? It’s all about removing bacteria!”