What is water flossing and does it work?

Reading time: 5 mins

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for a healthy smile, but cleaning in-between teeth is often overlooked. In addition to regular brushing, flossing plays a significant role in removing plaque and preventing gum disease. While traditional flossing is effective, there's another method gaining popularity: water flossing.

Water flossing might be a bit of an alien concept so it’s only natural you have questions like ‘is a water flosser as good as flossing?’ and ‘does water flossing work?’ Don’t worry, we’ll cover that and much more, including defining water flossing, the different types available, and its benefits versus traditional flossing. We'll also look at water flossing from an environmental perspective, highlighting its potential to reduce waste as well as give you a sparkling smile and a healthy mouth!

Different types of flossing

Traditional flossing. Traditional flossing involves using a thin thread of typically synthetic material like nylon or Teflon – although plant-based alternatives are available - to clean between teeth and remove plaque and food particles. Flossing works by wrapping the floss around your fingers and gently sliding it between teeth.
Water flossing. Water flossing usually means a handheld device that directs a jet of water to effectively clean between teeth and along the gumline, but we’ll go into more detail on exactly what is water flossing below.

What is water flossing and what does a water flosser do?

Water flossing, also known as oral irrigation, is an innovative technique that makes use of a specialised device to clean between teeth and along the gumline. Instead of using traditional dental floss, water flossers employ a pulsating stream of water to dislodge plaque, debris, and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas.

How does water flossing work? Water flossers typically consist of a water tank and a handheld nozzle with different settings to adjust the water pressure according to your preferences. The device directs a jet of water, either warm or cold, towards the teeth and gums, effectively removing plaque and debris. The water pressure can be controlled to ensure a comfortable and efficient cleaning experience, leaving you feeling refreshed and clean without the manual work of regular flossing!

Is a water flosser as good as flossing?

Either water flossing and manual flossing, when used in combination with regular toothbrushing, can play a crucial role in your oral healthcare routine. For optimal cleaning, however, water flossing has some clear advantages.

Water flossing benefits:

Enhanced cleaning. The pulsating water stream in water flossers can reach areas that traditional floss may not effectively clean, providing a more thorough cleaning experience. It can remove stubborn plaque, bacteria, and food particles from tight spaces, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Gum health. Water flossing can help stimulate and improve gum health by gently massaging the gums, reducing inflammation, and promoting better blood circulation. The pulsating action of the water can effectively clean along the gumline, reducing the risk of gingivitis and gum infections.
Accessibility. Those of us with braces, dental implants, or other dental work may find water flossing easier and more comfortable than traditional flossing. The pulsating water stream can reach areas that regular floss may struggle to reach, ensuring thorough cleaning and reducing the risk of plaque buildup. The adjustable water pressure allows for a customised and gentle cleaning experience, minimising discomfort and maximising effectiveness.

Is floss bad for the environment?

Not all floss is the same and not all of it is necessarily bad for the environment, so it’s crucial we make some important differentiations here.

Plastic-based flosses. Most conventional flosses - made from a mix of materials like plastic and nylon – cannot be recycled as mixed materials can be difficult to separate and recycle separately. Nylon is an especially difficult material to breakdown in landfill.¹
Plant-based flosses. Plant-based flosses – like those made from materials like corn, silk or bamboo fibres - can have less of an environmental impact than traditional floss, as these materials are biodegradable and can break down faster than plastic, which can take hundreds of years to breakdown.²
Water flossing. Without the need for plastic-based floss, water flossers do not produce plastic waste in the same way conventional flossing can.

Speaking of sustainability, here at Philips we are making efforts to reduce our impact on the planet and promote responsible consumption. That’s why we’ve partnered with TerraCycle to make certain components of our product easier to recycle.

This includes Philips water flosser nozzles! When your water flosser nozzle has run its natural course, simply print off a shipping label, package up your waste – whether it’s water flosser nozzles, manual toothbrushes, dental floss boxes or electric toothbrush heads – and send it to TerraCycle, free of charge. The process of collecting and sending your used dental care products is carbon-neutral and free. Check out what else you can recycle – not just Philips products - through TerraCycle.

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What is the best water flosser?

Different water flossers have different features, which means depending on your oral health care needs, different water flossers will suit different people. Our Sonicare Power Flosser, however, does a great job of keeping your mouth clean. The unique X-shaped nozzle creates 4 wide streams of water to remove up to 99.9% of plaque in treated areas*, while the Deep Clean mode, using gentle pulses of water in intervals, guides you from tooth-to-tooth so that you don’t miss a spot.

Remember, consulting with a dental professional is always recommended to determine the most suitable oral care routine for your specific needs. By embracing modern techniques like water flossing while also being mindful of the environmental impact, we can achieve a healthier smile and a greener planet together.

Water flossing: what’s the verdict?

If you were wondering ‘is water flossing good?’, hopefully now you have your answer! Water flossing offers a promising alternative to traditional flossing, providing efficient cleaning and gum stimulation. It is particularly useful for individuals with dental work or sensitivity concerns. It is also now easier than before to recycle. However, it's important to note that regular flossing remains a reliable and affordable option.

*In an in-vitro study, actual results may vary

¹ ‘ Tokiwa, Y., Calabia, B. P., Ugwu, C. U., & Aiba, S. (2009). Biodegradability of plastics. International journal of molecular sciences, 10(9), 3722–3742. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10093722

² Degradation Rates of Plastics in the EnvironmentAli Chamas, Hyunjin Moon, Jiajia Zheng, Yang Qiu, Tarnuma Tabassum, Jun Hee Jang, Mahdi Abu-Omar, Susannah L. Scott, and Sangwon SuhACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2020 8 (9), 3494-3511DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b06635