Is Water Flossing Better Than String Floss?

As much as we may love it, we know flossing isn’t everyone’s favorite part of their day. (That’s the whole reason COCOLAB exists, to make oral care more fun!) Nonetheless, flossing should be one of the most important parts of the day. With more tools than ever to help keep your mouth clean, it’s hard to know what’s best for the job. Is flossing with a water flosser better than using regular string floss?

Of course, it depends on your needs and preferences! Let’s break it down so you can decide what works best for your smile.

What Is Water Flossing?

Water flossers — also known as oral irrigators — use a steady stream of pulsating water to clean between your teeth and along your gumline. Think of it as a tiny power washer for your mouth.

They’re great at flushing out food particles and reducing plaque, especially in hard-to-reach spots. Many people find them easier to use than string floss, especially if they have braces, dental implants, or limited dexterity since you don’t have to physically thread a string around brackets or through your teeth — just aim and shoot.

Water flossers are great because they’re:

• gentle on gums and sensitive mouths

• easy to use if you have braces, implants, bridges, or limited mobility

• adds a whole new layer of freshness and clean with water

Of course, while water flossers can really get in there and rinse away the debris, some believe they’re not as effective as going in and physically removing plaque. Which brings us to…

What About String Floss?

Classic string floss is the tried-and-true method. It physically removes plaque and debris from between your teeth when used with the right technique — wrapping it in a C-shape around each tooth and gliding it up and down. When done right, you can see the evidence of your hard work right there on the floss.

It’s compact, budget-friendly, and highly effective when used daily. That said, it does require a bit more coordination and effort, especially if you’re working around braces, bridges, implants, crowded teeth, or you’re working with limited mobility.

String floss is great because it:

• directly removes plaque and debris

• more compact and portable

• doesn’t require battery power

• often recommended as the first step by dentists

Who Wins?

Here’s the truth: both water flossers and string floss do a great job when used correctly and consistently. They just go about it in different ways.

Water flossers are often more comfortable and accessible for people with special oral health needs or anyone who struggles with string floss. String floss offers a more direct way to physically remove buildup—especially when you’ve got the technique down.

If you’re really aiming for gold-star gum care, some dental professionals even recommend using both for a super thorough clean. Water floss first to flush out the big stuff, then string floss to polish things off and make sure you’ve really removed all the plaque.

The best flossing method is the one you’ll actually use on a daily basis. Whether that’s with a string, a stream, or a combination of both, what matters most is making it part of your routine.

Your mouth, your rules. Just don’t skip the floss, okay?