Do Water Picks Work as Well as Flossing? Examining the Best Ways To Clean Between Teeth

March 05, 2025 | Mint Dental Works

 

Water flossers have gained popularity over the past 50 years as an additional tool to help with oral hygiene.

But does this powerful machine actually clean your teeth well?

While they are convenient, gentle, and powerful, it is essential to examine how effective they are, how they can be helpful in certain dental situations, and if they can replace flossing. In this guide, we’ll give you a crystal-clear idea of whether water flossers are the right investment for your dental routine.

 

Table of Contents

 

What Is a Water Pick?

When it comes to oral hygiene, having a nice smile, fresh breath, and less expensive dental work are priorities for most people. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay impacts 90% of adults aged 20-64, while gum disease affects 50% of adults ages 45-65 years. These are preventable oral diseases with the help of a good dental routine. But what happens when brushing and flossing don’t cut it? 

Enter the water pick. 

A water pick or a water flosser is an electronic device that uses the power of water to clean and remove debris from teeth. It is an excellent aid in dental hygiene that helps remove food, keeps gums clean, and is a supplement to flossing. Popular brands include Waterpik, Phillips Sonicare Power Flosser, and more. 

There are also many types of water picks, ranging from more stationary options with large reservoirs to small, portable ones. Water picks are available at many different price points depending on your needs, making them accessible for consumers who need extra help with their oral hygiene. 

If you are struggling with dental hygiene beyond the basics, Mint Dental Works has a variety of services to help get your dental hygiene feeling fresh and back on track. 

 

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Do Dentists Recommend Water Picks?

While most dentists recommend flossing by hand, they understand the usefulness of water flossers like water picks for those who have trouble flossing. This machine can add greater confidence to those struggling to clean their teeth due to dental or medical circumstances. 

Those with braces or those unable to floss by hand can significantly benefit from water picks. When you wear braces, getting all the food and debris removed from your teeth with a toothbrush and traditional floss can be challenging. A water pick can get between the brackets and wires to ensure your teeth are clean. 

Do you have specific questions about water flossers to be answered by a dental professional? While a lot of your answers may be here, Mint Dental Works is also available to get them answered so you can feel confident in your at-home dental routine. 

 

do water picks work

 

Are Water Picks as Effective as Flossing?

Water picks can be a great supplement to flossing, but they are not designed to replace it. Water picks cannot remove as much plaque as flossing, but they are an effective tool for cleaning your teeth. There are many reasons why people use water picks, ranging from supplementation to aiding those with specific dental situations or disabilities. 

Additionally, it can be a great way to ensure you take care of your teeth and gums by adding an extra layer of cleaning. It is generally recommended to floss and follow up with using your water pick to remove any remaining food debris or plaque from the mouth after flossing. 

 

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4 Advantages of Using a Water Pick

If you are on the fence about adding a water pick to your dental rotation, there are some significant advantages to consider. 

 

#1: Easier Than Traditional Flossing for Some People 

For some, having a water pick may be easier than flossing with traditional floss. Flossing requires mobility and accessing each tooth in the mouth without something like braces or a permanent retainer blocking the way. For example, water flossers can significantly help people with:

  • Arthritis or other medical conditions
  • Braces
  • Permanent retainers
  • Dental implants
  • Other dental work

Again, it is essential to keep flossing, but water flossers can help reach these hard-to-reach places. 

 

#2: Easier To Access All Teeth

Everyone has different dental needs that require a different type of care. For those who have small mouths or tightly spaced teeth, getting to hard-to-reach spots to floss can be difficult. 

A water flosser can work for you, especially if you are trying to clean the teeth in the back of your mouth. The tips of the flosser are small enough to move easily around your mouth, making it easy to get in between teeth. Knowing that you can clean all your teeth evenly provides peace of mind that your teeth are well cared for. 

 

#3: Can Be Easier on Sensitive Gums

Gum care is just as critical as cleaning teeth for dental hygiene. Some people with sensitive gums need to ensure they are clean but don’t want to deal with injuring their gums with traditional flossing tools. Water picks can be gentler on gums than conventional flossing. They also come with different intensity levels, so a lower level may be helpful for those with sensitivities. 

In one study, water flossers were shown to clean teeth and reduce gum bleeding better than electric or manual toothbrushes. This is excellent news for those struggling with sensitive gums and looking for help improving their oral hygiene without hurting their gums even more. 

 

#4: Offers Specialized Tips for Various Uses

There are a few reasons why you would want different tip sizes to clean effectively. Depending on the reasoning behind using a water pick, having a specialized tip can help you clean the areas in your mouth better than others. 

Having the versatility of different tips is helpful if you want additional cleaning in multiple places, such as the back of your teeth and your tongue. Some options for different tips are:

  • Daily use tip
  • Orthodontic tip, designed for people with braces 
  • Plaque removal tip to target stubborn plaque
  • Deep cleaning tip
  • Tongue cleaning tip
  • Toothbrush tip 
  • Implant denture tip

 

do water picks work as well as flossing

 

4 Possible Disadvantages of Using a Water Pick

Water picks can be a great addition to your dental routine, but there are some disadvantages or considerations to consider before taking on this new dental adventure. 

 

#1: Can Be Costly

Water flossers are costly compared to the container of floss you can get at the drugstore. The prices vary from $27 for Amazon’s flosser brand to $200 for the PuurSmile Flosser.  Getting a water pick is a premium dental experience and may not be for everyone.

 

#2: Can Be Messy

Although using the water pick is as easy as filling a canister and turning it on, if you do not master the proper technique, it can be messy and inefficient. One tip is to lean over the sink and aim the tip at a 90-degree angle, starting in the back. It is a part of your routine that requires some practice. 

 

#3: Not as Portable

Although they have made water flossers more portable over the years, it is not as simple or convenient as bringing a flosser pick or a roll of floss in your travel bag. Depending on the size, water flossers can pose the same inconvenience as electronic toothbrushes, which need to be charged and are often bulkier than regular toothbrushes. 

Additionally, even if you do not often travel with the water flosser, it requires space on your counter to store. They do carry a few different model types and sizes, depending on your needs and space. 

 

#4: Requires More Time and Resources

Water picks operate using a power source such as a plug-in or battery. This requires more traveling planning to ensure the machine is adequately charged.

Additionally, because you are dealing with water, cleaning and sanitizing it properly is essential to avoid bacteria and mold growth from not only being on your water flosser but going directly into your mouth. 

According to a New York Times Article, it is essential to deep clean your water flosser often. They recommend:

  1. Disassemble the water flosser 
  2. Clean the reservoir by hand or in a dishwasher and let it air dry
  3. Combine two parts warm water with one part white vinegar in a glass and soak the wand for about 5 minutes
  4. Reassemble the machine, fill the reservoir with 1-2 ounces of vinegar and 16 ounces of warm water, and run the entire contents through the machine
  5. Let it air dry

While this is added work, your machine can harbor a lot of unwanted health risks if not properly cleaned. By deep-cleaning your water pick often, you can ensure you clean your teeth in the healthiest way possible. 

 

Tips for Using Water Picks

When you are using a water pick, there are a few different tips you should know to make sure you are using it properly and effectively to clean your teeth.

  • Water comes out in a steady stream once the power is turned on. Lean over the sink to avoid making a mess.
  • Hold the water pick at a 90-degree angle to the teeth for proper cleaning.
  • Start in the back and make your way toward the front.
  • Try to keep your mouth semi-closed to avoid water from spraying everywhere.
  • Start at a lower speed and work your way higher.
  • Rinse, clean, and dry your water pick after each use to prevent bacteria or mold growth.

 

Mint Dental Works Is a SE Portland Dentist With a Fresh Approach

Water flossers are not the only essential aid to practicing good, gentle hygiene. It is important to floss, brush, and attend regular dental cleanings to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and disease-free. At Mint Dental Works, we offer a fresh approach to cleaning in the Portland, Oregon area.

Have additional questions about water flossers or have specific dental needs? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment at our high-tech dentistry office.

 

do water picks work

 

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.