Table of Contents
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Dale Hardy, DMD, Cornerstone Dentistry, Anderson. Last updated September 2026.
Quick answer: The best alternatives to flossing are interdental brushes, water flossers, soft rubber picks, floss picks and pre-threaded flossers. A 2019 Cochrane review found interdental brushes may be more effective than string floss, and the ADA notes water flossers help people who struggle with floss, especially with braces or bridges. Pick one you’ll use every day; consistency matters more than the tool.
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who floss, and those who don’t. If you’re in the second group, you’re not alone, and you still have good options. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
Why Cleaning Between Your Teeth Matters
After you eat, food and bacteria settle between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Bacteria form plaque, a sticky film that can lead to cavities and gum disease. If plaque stays put, it hardens into tartar that only a dentist or hygienist can remove.
6 Flossing Alternatives, Compared
| Tool | Best for | What the evidence says |
|---|---|---|
| Interdental brushes | Wider gaps, braces, gum recession | May be more effective than floss |
| Water flossers | Braces, bridges, implants, limited dexterity | ADA Seal products available; research evidence limited |
| Soft rubber picks (e.g., GUM Soft-Picks) | On-the-go cleaning, sensitive gums | Gentle, disposable option |
| Floss picks / pre-threaded flossers | One-handed use, hard-to-reach back teeth | Same action as floss with an easier grip |
| Wooden or plastic dental picks | Quick cleanups after meals | Listed by the ADA as an interdental cleaner |
| Floss threaders | Cleaning under bridges and braces wires | Lets regular floss reach where it otherwise can’t |
1. Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes look like tiny bottle brushes and slide between your teeth. They’re usually easier to use than string floss and are a good fit if you have braces or wider gaps. The 2019 Cochrane review found interdental brushes may reduce gum inflammation more than floss.
Tip: gaps vary in size, so ask your hygienist which brush sizes fit your teeth.
2. Water Flossers
A water flosser sprays a steady, pulsing stream of water between your teeth to rinse away food and plaque. It’s comfortable to use and especially helpful with braces, bridges and other dental work. Look for a model with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
3. Soft Rubber Picks (GUM Soft-Picks)
Soft-Picks are small, disposable picks with soft rubber bristles, a hybrid of an interdental brush and a dental pick. They’re gentle on gum tissue and easy to keep in a bag or car for after meals.
4. Floss Picks and Pre-Threaded Flossers
For many people, the hardest part of flossing is getting the floss into the mouth. A pre-threaded flosser holds a short piece of floss on a handle, so you can use it with one hand. Use a new one each time.
5. Wooden or Plastic Dental Picks
Small wooden or plastic picks can remove food and plaque between teeth. They’re handy for quick cleanups, but they don’t reach as well as floss or an interdental brush, so use them as a backup rather than your only method.
6. Floss Threaders
A floss threader works like a needle: you thread regular floss through the loop, then guide it under a bridge or orthodontic wire. It takes a little practice, but it reaches spots nothing else can.
Is There an Alternative to Flossing That Works as Well?
Yes. Floss or interdental brushes used with brushing may reduce gum inflammation and plaque more than brushing alone, and interdental brushes may work better than floss. Evidence for water flossers is still limited, but they’re a solid choice if they’re the tool you’ll actually use.
Best Floss for People Who Hate Flossing
If you want to stick with floss but hate the process, try:
- Floss picks for one-handed use
- Pre-threaded flossers for back teeth
- Woven or expanding floss that slides between tight teeth more easily
Can Mouthwash Replace Flossing?
No. Mouthwash can freshen breath and may be a helpful addition, but the ADA says it isn’t a replacement for daily brushing and flossing.
Flossing and Your Health
Your daily brushing and between-teeth cleaning are the foundation of good oral health. Some plaque and tartar can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist, so keep up with regular checkups and cleanings.
If you’re looking for dentists in Anderson, Dr. Hardy and Dr. Wilson at Cornerstone Dentistry are always welcoming new patients. We’re happy to help you find the between-teeth cleaning tool that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a water flosser as good as flossing?
It can be a good option, especially with braces or bridges. A 2019 Cochrane review found the evidence on water flossers is still limited and inconsistent, so the best tool is the one you’ll use every day.
Are interdental brushes better than floss?
They may be. The same Cochrane review found interdental brushes may be more effective than floss at reducing gum inflammation, although the overall evidence is low certainty.
Can mouthwash replace flossing?
No. The ADA says mouthwash is not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing, though it can be a helpful addition.
How often should I clean between my teeth?
Once a day, with floss or another interdental cleaner. The ADA says the time of day doesn’t matter, as long as you do it daily.
What is the easiest way to floss with braces or a bridge?
A water flosser, floss threader or small interdental brush. The ADA notes a water flosser can help people with braces, bridges and other dental work reach every nook and cranny.
References
- American Dental Association. Dental Floss/Interdental Cleaners. ADA Library.
- American Dental Association. Flossing. MouthHealthy.
- Worthington HV, et al. Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019.
- American Dental Association. Water Flossers and Water Flossing. MouthHealthy.
- American Dental Association. Mouthwash (Mouthrinse). MouthHealthy.
- Sunstar GUM. Between-teeth cleaning products (Soft-Picks). Manufacturer information.
The content of this blog is for general information and isn’t a substitute for professional dental advice. Talk with your dentist about your situation.
