Watch out, dental floss—water flossers are coming for the throne. Unlike flossing, which can be make it challenging to reach all the nooks and crannies, the best water flossers are far more user-friendly once you get the hang of them. However, our dental experts recommend using both methods in tandem, so don’t throw away your floss just yet.
It’s important to note that not all water flossers (or even dental care products) are created equal. Some are portable for maintaining oral hygiene on the go, while others are countertop models that take up more space. Without proper research, you might end up with one that creates a small flood in your bathroom or dies the moment you step off the plane while on vacation. If you’ve never used a water flosser before, it’s easy to feel intimidated. To help you get started, we asked two dentists for their recommendations, including key tips on how and when to use a water flosser.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
- Why we love it: The brand most closely associated with water flossers is Waterpik, the proverbial Kleenex of the water flosser world. This model, in particular, is a top pick due to its large reservoir, which means you don’t need to refill it often, and its advanced pressure settings. “It’s especially effective for individuals with braces or implants, ensuring thorough care and maintenance,” says celebrity dentist Dr. Sands. With 10 settings to choose from, you can adjust the intensity to match your preference.
- Pressure settings: 10 settings (1-10)
- Countertop or cordless: Countertop
- Water-tank size: 22 fl. oz.
- Timer: Yes
- Rotating tip: Yes
Best Cordless: Panasonic Cordless Dental Water Flosser
- Why we love it: This water flosser is the ultimate travel companion, offering a smart blend of power and portability. “Its compact design ensures it’s easy to carry and use, while its straightforward maintenance makes it perfect for anyone who needs reliable oral care on the go,” says Dr. Sands.
- Pressure settings: 2 (low and high)
- Countertop or cordless: Cordless
- Water-tank size: 5.5 fl. oz.
- Timer: No
- Rotating tip: No
Best Design: Quip Rechargeable Water Flosser
- Why we love it: As a Taurus, aesthetics really matter to me, especially if the item is going to take up valuable countertop space in the bathroom. Not only is this Quip water flosser attractive, but its functionality shines just as brightly. According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Joyce Kahng, “The Quip water flosser offers a continuous stream or on-demand flow, giving users more control and potentially reducing mess.” It’s also great for those with braces, as it “delivers effective cleaning between teeth and along the gumline. Its two pressure modes allow users to tailor the intensity of their flossing, which can enhance plaque removal and gum health,” adds Dr. Sands.
- Pressure settings: 2 (gentle and deep)
- Countertop or cordless: Cordless
- Water-tank size: 150 mL
- Timer: Yes
- Rotating tip: Yes
Best for Travel: Burst Water Flosser
- Why we love it: You never know who you’re going to meet on vacation, so it’s important to keep your oral hygiene up to par. For a portable, cordless option, Dr. Kahng recommends this model for its convenience during travel. She says, “It’s simple to use and holds a charge well, which is great when you’re on the go.”
- Pressure settings: 3 (standard, turbo, and pulse)
- Countertop or cordless: Cordless
- Water-tank size: 4 fl. oz.
- Timer: No
- Rotating tip: Yes
Best for Dental Appliances: Oral-B Water Flosser
- Why we love it: Oral-B reminds us of childhood, which is why we were drawn to this water flosser that combines water pressure and micro-bubbles to target plaque bacteria that can accumulate along the gum line. “This targeted approach not only helps to remove food particles and debris but also reduces inflammation and irritation, leading to healthier gums,” says Dr. Sands. It complements traditional brushing and flossing by reaching areas that may be difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush alone. “Incorporating this water flosser into your daily routine can enhance your oral care regimen, leading to stronger, healthier gums and a reduced risk of periodontal disease.”
- Pressure settings: 3 (intense, medium, sensitive)
- Countertop or cordless: Cordless
- Water-tank size: N/A
- Timer: No
- Rotating tip: Yes
What is a water flosser?
Think of water flossers as a power wash for your mouth. More specifically, Dr. Sands describes it as a dental device that uses a stream of pulsating water to clean between teeth and below the gumline. The device typically consists of a handle and a nozzle that directs a pressurized stream of water, helping “remove food particles and plaque that can contribute to gum disease and cavities,” says Dr. Sands. It’s a fantastic addition to anyone’s oral hygiene routine, but especially beneficial for those with braces, implants, or bridges. (More on that, below.)
Who should use it?
“Water flossers are suitable for anyone looking to improve their oral hygiene, particularly those with braces, implants, or bridges, as well as individuals with gum disease or sensitive gums,” says Dr. Sands. Brackets and wires can make it harder to keep teeth clean with braces, and dental bridges can be tricky to clean with traditional floss. Dr. Kahng notes that for bridges, a floss threader can be cumbersome, making a water flosser a more convenient solution. Additionally, she says that water flossers are beneficial for patients with implants, as they help irrigate around them effectively.
Are water flossers as effective as dental floss?
“Water flossers can sometimes be better at cleaning the gums than dental floss, mainly because most people don’t use dental floss correctly,” says Dr. Kahng. She adds that while dental floss remains the gold standard, many patients achieve better results with a water flosser due to its ease of use. Dr. Sands agrees, noting they can be particularly useful for removing plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
That said, both dentists emphasize that a water flosser is not a replacement for dental flossing. You should use both—water flossing is an adjunct to dental flossing. “The water flosser can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth where flossing is necessary. Those areas are where cavities can form, so you still need to floss,” says Dr. Kahng.
How to use a water flosser?
Dr. Sands explains that to use a water flosser, fill the reservoir with water, select the appropriate pressure setting, and position the nozzle in your mouth. Turn on the device and move the nozzle along the gumline and between teeth, directing the stream at the spaces where plaque and food particles can accumulate. To avoid splashing, it’s best to lean over the sink and keep your mouth slightly open. There are also models that connect to the shower if you’re concerned about the potential mess.
How often should you use a water flosser?
“It is recommended to use a water flosser at least once a day, ideally before brushing your teeth,” says Dr. Sands. Daily use helps maintain gum health, reduce plaque buildup, and enhance overall oral hygiene. However, it’s important to remember that a water flosser is not a replacement for traditional flossing. “While water flossers can sometimes be more effective at cleaning the gums compared to floss, flossing is still crucial for cleaning between teeth where the water flosser cannot reach,” says Dr. Kahng.
What to look for in a water flosser?
- Pressure Settings: Many water flossers come with different pressure settings. For everyday use, Dr. Kahng says you don’t necessarily need multiple settings, just one that feels comfortable. “Higher pressure settings are useful for a thorough cleaning, while lower settings are gentler on sensitive gums,” says Dr. Sands.
- Countertop vs. Cordless: Countertop models typically offer more power and larger water tanks, making them ideal for thorough cleaning. Cordless models are more convenient for travel and smaller spaces, though they may have smaller water tanks and less power, explains Dr. Sands.
- Water-Tank Size: Dr. Sands shares that a larger water tank means longer usage between refills, which is convenient for users who prefer to complete their routine without interruption. Smaller tanks are more compact and easier to store but may require more frequent refilling.
- Built-in Timer: “A built-in timer helps ensure you spend the recommended amount of time cleaning each section of your mouth, promoting effective use and consistency in your oral care routine,” says Dr. Sands.
- Rotating Tip: Some water flossers come with a rotating tip, which can help reach different areas of the mouth more easily and enhance the flosser’s effectiveness, says Dr. Kahng. However, this feature is not essential and largely comes down to personal preference.