Waterpik or Floss? La Mirada Patients Usually Do Best With Both
Dec 28, 2025
This question comes up a lot, and it usually sounds like: “Okay… what’s the real answer?”
Because you’re busy, and you don’t want extra steps. At La Mirada One Dental, we get it. If you’re choosing between a Waterpik and floss, the most helpful answer is: use both for optimal results—because they clean differently.
Floss cleans where cavities love to start
Cavities don’t only happen on the chewing surface of your teeth. They often begin between teeth where plaque sits quietly. Floss physically wipes plaque off the sides of teeth in a way water alone can’t always replicate.
A Waterpik supports healthier gums (especially at the gumline)
Water flossers are excellent for flushing food debris and bacteria around the gumline, behind molars, and around dental work. If you’ve ever flossed and then used a Waterpik and thought, “Wait… there was still stuff in there?”—that’s exactly why the combo works.
The easiest “both” routine
If you want a simple plan that doesn’t feel overwhelming:
Once a day: brush + floss
Add Waterpik: either right after flossing at night, or as a quick rinse after meals
If you have braces, implants, or gum inflammation, Waterpik use becomes even more valuable—but it still works best with floss, not instead of it.
If you bleed when flossing, here’s the quick reality check
Bleeding is usually inflammation. When gums are irritated, they bleed more easily—kind of like dry, chapped skin. Daily flossing often reduces bleeding over time, but if it stays consistent after a couple weeks, it may be a sign you need a professional cleaning to remove tartar you can’t reach at home.
What we see in real-life hygiene habits
Most people don’t need a “perfect” routine—they need a repeatable one. If string floss makes you avoid flossing altogether, switch to floss picks. If you hate flossing but love your Waterpik, commit to Waterpik daily and build flossing into your routine gradually. Small habits, done consistently, beat big bursts of motivation.
Pairing home care with professional cleanings
Even with great tools, you can’t remove hardened tartar at home. That’s why professional cleanings matter—they’re the reset that makes your daily routine more effective and more comfortable. If you want to learn what preventive care includes, check out our Dental Cleaning and Prevention page.
Need an affordable way to stay consistent with cleanings?
If you don’t have insurance or you’re looking for a more predictable way to budget for preventive care, our Dental Membership option may help. La Mirada One Dental
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