Why Water Flossers Are Gaining Popularity in Canada
If you’ve ever struggled with string floss, you’re not alone. Many Canadians are trying water flossers and sticking with them. These handheld devices pulse a narrow stream of water between teeth and along the gumline (where teeth meet the gums). They feel gentle, reach tricky spots, and make daily cleaning easier for people with braces, bridges, and dental implants.
Are water flossers better than floss?
Water flossers are easier and gentler for many, especially with braces or sensitive gums. String floss still scrapes sticky plaque where teeth touch. The best choice is the one you will do every day—often a simple mix of both tools.
How water flossers work
A water flosser (often called a Waterpik) uses a small pump to push water through a tip. That stream rinses away food and soft plaque between teeth and under the gumline. It can also help flush shallow periodontal pockets (small spaces that form when gums are inflamed) and clean around brackets, wires, crowns, and bridge edges—spots a toothbrush can’t reach well.
Comfortable settings and simple technique
Start with lukewarm water on the lowest pressure. Lean over the sink. Place the tip in your mouth, close your lips slightly to limit splashing, and turn it on. Aim the tip at a 90-degree angle toward the gumline. Glide slowly along the gumline and pause between teeth. Increase pressure only if it still feels comfortable.
Why water flossers are trending
Three reasons stand out. First, ease. If you find string floss awkward or you have arthritis or limited shoulder/wrist movement, a water flosser can be much simpler. Second, comfort. You can dial the pressure down and avoid forcing anything between tight teeth. Third, access. Around braces, bridges, and implants, water flows where floss and brushes struggle.
“Interdental cleaners, such as floss, help remove plaque from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.” — American Dental Association
Think of a water flosser as another interdental cleaner. It helps you clean what your brush leaves behind so your gums stay calmer and your breath stays fresher.
Effectiveness: what the evidence suggests
In everyday use, many people see less gum bleeding and tenderness after adding a water flosser. The gumline gets cleaner, and routine dental cleanings can feel easier. String floss still shines at scraping sticky plaque off tight contacts. That is why most Canadians do best with a blended routine.
Water flosser vs string floss: which tool when?
Use the right tool for the job. Water flossers are great for comfort and speed, rinsing along the gums and around orthodontic or restorative work. String floss is better at scraping plaque where teeth touch tightly. If you need a nudge to make floss a habit, review the benefits of flossing daily to see why even a few extra minutes matter.
Who benefits most
- People with braces, bridges, or dental implants
- Those with sensitive gums or early gingivitis (gum inflammation)
- Anyone with dexterity challenges or small, tight contacts
- Busy teens and adults who want a quick, satisfying step
If you have deeper periodontal pockets (more advanced gum disease), ask your hygienist which tip and pressure are safe for you. A water flosser can support your plan, but professional treatment is key.
Costs, space, and portability in Canada
Most water flossers in Canada cost about $40–$150. Countertop models are stronger and have bigger tanks but need an outlet and shelf space. Cordless models are travel-friendly and great for small bathrooms, but they hold less water and need recharging.
Drawbacks to consider
They’re not a perfect replacement
Water flossers don’t always remove sticky plaque in tight tooth-to-tooth contacts as well as string floss. Many people get the best results using both tools—water for comfort and coverage, string for those tight spots that need a gentle scrape.
Power, price, and a tiny learning curve
Water flossers depend on outlets or batteries and cost more upfront than floss. You’ll also need to practice the lips-slightly-closed technique to prevent splashing. For most users, these trade-offs are small once the routine clicks.
How to use a water flosser: step-by-step
- Fill the tank with lukewarm water.
- Choose a low pressure to start.
- Lean over the sink, place the tip in your mouth, and close your lips most of the way.
- Turn it on. Trace along the gumline, pausing between teeth.
- Spit as needed. Empty and rinse the reservoir after use.
Technique tips for special situations
- Braces: Clean above and below the wire, then around each bracket.
- Implants and bridges: Sweep gently around edges where food collects.
- Sensitive gums: Stick with warm water and low pressure. Move slowly.
If you want to refresh your string-floss skills as well, here’s a clear guide to how to floss correctly.
Choosing the right model
- Cordless: Best for small spaces and travel. Rechargeable. Smaller tank.
- Countertop: More power and a bigger tank for fewer refills.
- Tips: A standard tip suits most people. Orthodontic tips can help around braces; implant/bridge tips with soft bristles are gentle around restorations.
- Settings: Adjustable pressure is helpful if your gums are tender.
When to still use string floss
Even if you love your water flosser, keep string floss in the mix—especially before bed. That gentle C-shape against each tooth helps remove sticky plaque under the gumline. If gums bleed, don’t quit. Bleeding is a common sign of inflammation that often improves with steady, daily cleaning.
Convenience, consistency, and real-life results
The biggest win with water flossers is consistency. They remove the barriers that make many people skip flossing: sore fingers, tight contacts, and time pressure. Use yours daily, and you’ll often notice less gum soreness, fresher breath, and smoother dental cleanings. To keep that momentum, build simple habits and follow practical tips for avoiding plaque buildup.
Water flossers and special dental needs
For orthodontic patients, water flossers make hygiene more realistic during treatment. For people with dental implants, they help keep the gumline clean to protect tissues around the implant. For bridges and crowns, they flush food from tight edges. If you have gum disease, follow your dentist’s guidance about the right tip, pressure, and schedule.
Safety notes
- Use warm water on low pressure if your teeth or gums are sensitive.
- Ask your dental team before adding mouthwash to the reservoir; some solutions can harm parts of the unit.
- Keep the unit clean. Empty and air-dry the tank between uses.
Cost comparison with floss
A pack of floss costs only a few dollars. A water flosser is a bigger purchase, but many people use it more consistently and therefore see better gum health. If a device helps you make daily cleaning a habit, it’s often worth it.
Conclusion
Water flossers are popular because they’re simple, gentle, and effective at cleaning along the gumline and around dental work. String floss still matters for tight tooth contacts. The smartest routine is the one you’ll follow—usually a mix of both. Start with a water flosser to boost daily consistency, and add string floss several nights a week for a deeper clean. Your gums (and your next dental visit) will thank you.
FAQ
Do water flossers replace string floss completely?
Not for most people. Water flossers make cleaning easier and more comfortable, but string floss still scrapes sticky plaque where teeth touch. Many Canadians get the best results using both.
Are water flossers safe for sensitive gums?
Yes—use warm water, start on low pressure, and move slowly. If sensitivity continues, ask your hygienist which tip and setting are right for you.
How long does water flossing take?
About one minute for most mouths. Go tooth by tooth along the gumline and pause between teeth. Don’t rush the corners and back molars.
Can water flossers help with bad breath?
They can. Flushing food and bacteria from gumlines and between teeth reduces odour sources. Remember to brush your tongue gently too.
What about “99.9% plaque removal” claims?
Some studies—often funded by manufacturers—show high plaque removal in treated areas, especially along the gumline. Real-life results vary. Your daily habits and technique matter most. For extra motivation, read the benefits of flossing daily.
Where can I learn proper flossing technique?
Your dental team can demonstrate in person. For a clear step-by-step refresher at home, see how to floss correctly. Pair that with a water flosser and these tips for avoiding plaque buildup to keep gums healthy.
