Water Flosser + Floss: The Simple Combo for Healthier Gums in Laguna Hills

If you’re trying to “do everything right,” it’s normal to want one perfect tool.

A lot of patients ask if a Waterpik replaces floss—or if floss alone is enough. At Laguna Summit Dental, we keep it straightforward: for most people, the best results come from using both. One tool wipes plaque off tooth surfaces; the other flushes bacteria and debris from areas that are hard to reach.

Why floss still matters (even if you own the fanciest Waterpik)

Plaque is sticky. It clings to the sides of teeth and especially between tight contacts. Floss is the tool that physically removes that film, which helps lower your risk of cavities between teeth and reduces gum irritation over time.

Why water flossers are worth it—especially with dental work

Water flossers shine if you have:

• Implants, crowns, or bridges

• Food traps between teeth

• Gum sensitivity

• Orthodontics (braces or aligners)

They help clean the gumline and flush out areas where food and bacteria hang out. They’re also a great option if flossing feels difficult—because something consistent is better than something perfect you avoid.

A routine that doesn’t feel like homework

Try this nightly setup:

1. Brush

2. Floss

3. Waterpik along the gumline

If you’re more likely to Waterpik than floss, start there—then add floss back in gradually. The goal is progress you can maintain.

Don’t ignore bleeding gums

If your gums bleed every time you floss, it’s often a sign of inflammation. Sometimes it improves quickly with daily cleaning. Other times, bleeding sticks around because tartar has built up below the gumline—and that’s when a professional cleaning makes a huge difference.

The hidden benefit: fresher breath

Bad breath often isn’t about the tongue or the toothpaste—it’s about bacteria between teeth and under the gumline. Using floss + Waterpik regularly tends to improve morning breath noticeably, because you’re removing the bacteria that produce odor.

Want us to personalize your home-care routine?

During a preventive visit, we can show you exactly where buildup is starting (and which tool will help most). You can learn more about preventive care on our Dental Cleaning & Prevention page, read about our approach on About Us, and when you’re ready, use Book Now to request an appointment.

Helpful internal links (Laguna Summit Dental):

• Dental Cleaning & Prevention

• About Us

• Book Now

• Blog