Some links on our site may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Brushing only cleans part of your teeth, which is why cleaning between them matters so much — and where three tools compete for a spot on your bathroom counter: the traditional string floss, the countertop or cordless water flosser, and the air floss device that fires quick bursts of air and micro-droplets. They all target the same gaps your toothbrush misses, but they get there in very different ways.
String floss is the classic: a thin thread you guide between teeth by hand. A water flosser uses a pressurized stream of water to flush out debris along and between teeth and around the gumline. An air floss device delivers rapid bursts of air combined with tiny water droplets to dislodge particles, aiming to be quicker and less messy than a full water stream. Which one earns a place in your routine depends on your priorities: thoroughness, convenience, cost, or ease for tricky spots like braces and bridges.
Quick answer: String floss remains the low-cost, highly effective staple that most people can rely on. A water flosser is the standout upgrade for anyone with braces, bridges, implants, or who simply finds string floss awkward, offering an easy, satisfying clean. An air floss device sits in between, prioritizing speed and tidiness for people who want something faster than string with less mess than a water stream.
This article is general information, not dental or medical advice. Everyone’s mouth is different; for guidance on the best cleaning method for your teeth, gums, or dental work, consult a qualified dental professional.
Our verdict at a glance
- Best overall value: String floss — inexpensive, effective, and endorsed by decades of routine use.
- Best budget: String floss — nothing else comes close on cost.
- Best upgrade: Water flosser — easy, thorough, and great for dental work.
- Best for braces, bridges, and implants: Water flosser, which navigates hardware easily.
- Best for travel and minimal fuss: String floss, or a cordless water flosser.
- Best for speed with less mess: Air floss.
- Best for people who dislike traditional flossing: Water flosser or air floss.
How they compare at a glance
| Attribute | String floss | Water flosser | Air floss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price tier | Budget | Mid-range to premium | Mid-range |
| Ease of use | Takes technique | Easy | Easy |
| Mess factor | Low | Higher (splashing) | Low to moderate |
| Good for braces/bridges | Harder | Excellent | Good |
| Counter space needed | None | More (countertop models) | Little |
| Ongoing costs | Refill floss | Low (water, occasional parts) | Low |
String floss: the proven staple
String floss is the method most dental routines are built around. A length of thread — waxed, unwaxed, tape, or textured — is guided between the teeth and curved against each surface to sweep away plaque and trapped food. It’s simple, portable, and remarkably inexpensive.
Where it wins: Cost and effectiveness. For very little money, string floss lets you physically clean the contact points between teeth, and it fits in any bag or pocket for cleaning on the go. There’s no charging, no counter space, and no device to maintain — just grab and use. For most people, it’s a dependable foundation.
Where it falls short: Technique and comfort. Doing it well takes a bit of dexterity, and many people find it fiddly, uncomfortable, or easy to skip. It can also be awkward around braces, bridges, and closely spaced teeth, which is exactly where alternatives shine.
Who should buy it: Nearly everyone as a baseline — budget-conscious users, travelers, and anyone comfortable with the technique. Who should skip it: People who consistently avoid flossing because they dislike it, or who struggle with dexterity or dental hardware.
Water flosser: the easy, thorough upgrade
A water flosser directs a steady, pressurized stream of water between teeth and along the gumline to flush away debris. Countertop models hold a reservoir and often offer adjustable pressure, while cordless versions trade capacity for portability. Many people find the process quick, easy, and oddly satisfying.
Where it wins: Ease and versatility, especially around dental work. The water stream navigates braces, bridges, implants, and crowns without the contortions string requires, and adjustable pressure lets you find a comfortable setting. Because it’s so easy to use, people who dread traditional flossing often stick with it more consistently — and consistency is what counts. Ongoing costs are low once you own it.
Where it falls short: Practicality. Countertop units take up space and need refilling, and there’s a learning curve to avoid splashing water around the sink at first. It’s a bigger up-front purchase than a spool of floss, and it’s less pocketable than string unless you choose a cordless model.
Who should buy it: Anyone with braces, bridges, or implants, people who find string floss awkward, and those who want a low-effort, thorough clean. Who should skip it: Minimalists tight on counter space or budget, or frequent travelers who want the lightest option.
Air floss: speed with less mess
Air floss devices aim to combine the convenience of a powered tool with less mess than a full water stream. They fire rapid bursts of air mixed with micro-droplets of water to dislodge debris between teeth, typically using a smaller reservoir and a quick point-and-click action.
Where it wins: Speed and tidiness. The burst-based approach is fast, the smaller reservoir means less to refill, and it generally creates less splashing than a continuous water jet. It’s easy to use and can be a comfortable middle ground for people who want something more convenient than string but less involved than a countertop water flosser.
Where it falls short: It can feel like a compromise. Some users find the quick bursts less thorough-feeling than a sustained water stream, and the smaller reservoir means more frequent refills during a full session. It still costs more than string floss and, like any tool, results depend on technique.
Who should buy it: People who prioritize a fast, low-mess routine and want a powered option without a large countertop unit. Who should skip it: Those who want the most thorough-feeling clean of a full water flosser, or the lowest possible cost of string.
How we compared
We compared these tools on what actually shapes whether you’ll use them every day: ease of use, mess, suitability for braces and other dental work, counter-space and portability needs, and cost — both up front and ongoing. Because technique and individual mouths differ so much, we focused on the general strengths and trade-offs of each method rather than promising specific outcomes. The most important factor in cleaning between your teeth is doing it consistently, so the “best” tool is often simply the one you’ll actually reach for. For advice tailored to your teeth and gums, your dental professional is the best source.
Frequently asked questions
Is a water flosser better than string floss?
Neither is universally better; they suit different needs. String floss is cheap and effective at physically cleaning contact points, while a water flosser is easier for many people and handles braces and bridges well. The best choice is often the one you’ll use consistently.
Can I use a water flosser with braces?
Many people with braces, bridges, or implants find a water flosser especially convenient, since the water stream reaches around hardware that string can snag on. Still, it’s worth confirming the best approach for your specific dental work with your dental professional.
Does air floss make less mess than a water flosser?
Generally yes. Air floss uses quick bursts of air and micro-droplets rather than a continuous jet, which tends to reduce splashing. The trade-off is that some people find it feels less thorough than a sustained water stream.
Do I still need to brush if I use these tools?
Yes. Cleaning between teeth complements brushing rather than replacing it. Brushing and interdental cleaning target different areas, so most routines use them together for the most complete clean.
Which option is best for travel?
String floss is the easiest to pack and needs no power. If you prefer a powered tool on the road, a cordless water flosser or a compact air floss device travels more easily than a full countertop unit.
Bottom line
String floss remains the budget-friendly, effective backbone of cleaning between your teeth, and for many people it’s all they need. A water flosser is the upgrade worth making if you have braces, bridges, or implants, or if traditional floss feels like a chore — its ease tends to translate into better consistency. And an air floss device is the pick when speed and a tidy routine matter most. Since the best results come from doing this daily, choose the tool you’ll genuinely stick with, and check in with your dental professional about what suits your mouth.
Exploring more of your daily routine? Our Beauty & Grooming section has plenty more, including our comparison of at-home hair removal methods and our guide to choosing a facial cleanser.