CarolinasDentist Blog

Is a Waterpik Better Than Traditional Flossing?

Brunette young woman who uses floss every day smiles while wearing a yellow blouse and standing in a wheat field

There is a multitude of fancy dental tools on the market that claim to better your oral health. One you may be curious about is the Waterpik® water flosser. As you know, flossing is a key part of your daily oral care routine. In this blog post, we’ll get to the bottom of claims that a Waterpik water flosser is superior to traditional floss, and we’ll help you decide what form of flossing is best for you.

Waterpik 101

A water flosser, or oral irrigator, is an easy-to-use device that you plug in beside your sink, fill up with warm water, and use to clean between your teeth with a stream of pressurized water. Using various tip attachments, a water flosser can jet water between your teeth, stimulate your gums, and remove food particles and debris from hard-to-reach spaces, especially for those with braces. The Waterpik is clinically proven to be effective and has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. However, they can be a bit pricey up front!

What About String Floss?

String floss is inexpensive, portable, and also proven to be effective at cleaning out the tight spaces between your teeth. Traditional dental floss has been depended on for decades, long before electricity could power a water flosser. In fact, the first string floss appeared sometime in the early 1800s and was made of silk. Notwithstanding a few design changes, string floss hugs your teeth to scrape away plaque and remains a reliable tool to keep on hand in your medicine cabinet.

And the Winner Is…

Actually, we recommend a combination of both water flossing and string flossing (in conjunction with daily brushing, of course!) for optimal dental health. First, use string floss to loosen plaque and food particles, then flush them away with the Waterpik, and follow up with brushing for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. But overall, no matter your individual routine, the most important thing is that you do floss in some form every day.

Keep Up with Your Preventive Oral Care

Flossing is essential and will help you achieve a clean that brushing alone just can’t. Down the road, you’ll be glad you made it a habit, as you’ll avoid issues like bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Biannual dental visits are also critical aspects of a proper preventive oral care routine! Contact us today to schedule your next checkup and cleaning.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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