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If you’ve ever stood in the bathroom holding a spool of floss in one hand and a Waterpik handle in the other, you’re not alone.

A lot of patients at Inspire Dental ask the same question: “Do I really need to floss if I use a Waterpik?” Or the reverse: “If I floss, is a water flosser just extra?” The most honest answer (and the one your gums will thank you for) is that both tools do different jobs—and using both is the best combo for most people.

Think of it like this: floss “scrapes,” and a Waterpik “rinses.”

Traditional floss is great at physically wiping plaque and sticky buildup off the sides of your teeth—especially between tight contacts where a toothbrush can’t reach. A Waterpik (or water flosser) is amazing at flushing out food debris and bacteria around the gumline and in hard-to-reach places. When you only use one, you’re usually leaving something behind.

So which one should you do first—Waterpik or floss?

Most people do best with this simple routine:

• Brush (2 minutes, soft bristles)

• Floss (to remove plaque from between teeth)

• Waterpik last (to rinse out what you just loosened)

If you’re someone who will only do it if it’s quick, flip the order—Waterpik first to knock debris loose, then floss. The “best” order is ultimately the one you’ll actually stick with consistently.

When a Waterpik is especially helpful

Some mouths are basically made for water flossing—especially if you have:

• Braces or clear aligner attachments

• Crowns, bridges, or implants

• Gum tenderness or early gum inflammation

• Deep grooves behind molars where food loves to hide

Water flossers shine in those situations because they can reach around hardware and along the gumline without you fighting the floss. That said, it still doesn’t replace the “wipe” action floss provides.

When floss is non-negotiable

If your teeth touch tightly, floss (or floss picks) is still the MVP. Those tight areas are where plaque can sit quietly until it turns into a cavity or gum irritation. If flossing is hard, that doesn’t mean you should skip it—it usually just means you need a technique tweak, a different floss type, or an easier tool.

A common mistake: using a Waterpik like a pressure washer

More pressure isn’t always better. If you crank it up too high right away, you can irritate your gums and convince yourself water flossing “doesn’t work.” Start on a lower setting, aim the stream at a 90-degree angle to the gumline, and trace along each tooth slowly. Consistency matters more than power.

What if your gums bleed when you floss?

Bleeding is typically a sign that your gums are inflamed—not a sign you should stop. If you start flossing daily after a break, it’s normal to see some bleeding for a few days. But if it continues beyond a week or two, or if your gums feel sore/swollen, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional cleaning so you’re not fighting hardened tartar at home.

The easiest “real life” routine for busy Tigard schedules

Here’s a routine that works for a lot of patients who want results without turning oral care into a whole event:

• Morning: Brush + quick Waterpik rinse (especially if you drink coffee)

• Night: Brush + floss + Waterpik (your “deep clean”)

Even doing the full combo once per day is a win.

Want help choosing the right approach for your mouth?

During a preventive visit, our team can show you exactly where plaque tends to stick (it’s different for everyone), and help you figure out which tools make the biggest difference for your smile. You can read more about routine care on our Dental Cleanings & Prevention page, and if you’re ready to get on the schedule, use Book Now to request an appointment.

Helpful internal links (Inspire Dental):

• Dental Cleanings & Prevention

• Emergency Dental Care

• Insurance & Financing