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Medically Reviewed
Published: March 22, 2024
Comment (12)
Use our guide to choose a dentist recommended water flosser. Find out which features are worth spending money on, and which can be skipped
Author: Jon Love(12 Comments)
Medical reviewer: Dr Gemma Wheeler, BDS
10 Sources cited
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Our recommendations
Best countertop (corded): Waterpik Aquarius / Amazon, Walmart / ~$75.9
Best cordless: Waterpik Cordless Advanced / Amazon, Walmart / ~$69.27
Best budget: Bitvae C2 / Amazon, eBay / ~$39.99
Best for travel: Waterpik Sidekick / Amazon, Walmart / ~$119.99
Best cordless countertop: Waterpik Ion / Kohl's, eBay / ~$89.99
Best for repairability: Hydrofloss / Amazon, Walmart / ~$109
Water flossers are an alternative to string floss
Instead of relying on traditional string floss, water flossers can be a viable substitute. Research indicates that incorporating a water flosser in conjunction with regular tooth brushing can decrease bleeding gums by 37%, a recommendation also supported by the European Federation of Periodontology.
Our in-house dentist Dr. Gemma Wheeler notes that interdental brushes are the most effective method of cleaning, but she does recommend water flossers for some people:
"A water flosser doesn’t replace interdental brushes, which are the most effective interdental cleaning method. My recommendation to patients is to find a cleaning method that works for them, and there is certainly a place for water flossers. The most effective type of interdental cleaning is the one that you will actually do."
In this post we recommend some reliable water flossers based on vigorous hands-on testing and advice from Dr. Wheeler.
What to look for in a water flosser
In this post we offer recommendations for both corded (countertop) and cordless water flossers. If you have space (approx 6 x 6 inches) for one in your bathroom, we recommend going for countertopover cordless — we explain this in more detail in this section.
Both types of flosser come with similar features, not all of which are necessary. From our hands-on testing, the most essential features of a water flosser are:
45 seconds or more flossing time: enough time to get a thorough clean without having to refill
2 or more pressure modes:important if you have any sensitivity
Rotating nozzle (or handle if it's a countertop flosser): to help you reach all parts of the mouth
Comfortable grip (for a cordless): a large area for the palm and fingers to grip onto is better than a slim handle. It’s also helpful if the grip is made from materials that prevent slippage
Water control button on the handle (countertop): this makes it easy to stop, start and pause the jet of water
Hose storage (countertop): this helps to keep the bathroom tidy
Best countertop (corded)
Waterpik Aquarius WP-660
Waterpik Aquarius
Why it's the best countertop flosser:
The Aquarius has all of the essential features we look for in a water flosser. It is a suitable option whether you are taking proactive steps to clean interdentally, have periodontal disease or if you're recovering from oral surgery. We also rate it as the best water flosser for braces (more on that below).
It is not portable like our best cordless choice below, the Advanced, but the slim handle is easy to hold and move around the mouth. The Cordless Advanced is great, but, the smaller handle on the Aquarius gives the feeling of greater control. In-hand comfort is really quite important. In our testing, we found it easy to control the water flow from the handle, and the water pressure was easy to adjust with the rotating dial.
More info, pros & cons
The Aquarius is fairly compact with hose storage to keep things neat, although there is no place to store any excess power cable. It actually has a smaller profile than you might imagine and although it's bulky, it doesn’t feel as dominant on a countertop as you might expect
An inherent benefit of a countertop option is that it has a larger water tank. The 600ml capacity means that you can floss for longer or get multiple flossing sessions from one single fill. There are 10 different pressure settings on the Aquarius. This is more than you need, but it does give a very finite level of control, which we like.Each setting varies by 10PSI.
Read our Waterpik Aquarius Review.
What we like | Worth noting |
---|---|
80+ second flossing time | No place to stow excess power cable |
Easy to rotate the nozzle | It’s a more expensive option |
10 pressure settings | |
Water control button on handle | |
Hose storage |
Best cordless
Waterpik Cordless Advanced
Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0
Why it's the best cordless:
The Cordless Advanced is one of the most comfortable cordless flossers we have used. Because of its portability, it's also better suited to those who travel. The shape and the large area of raised dots on the back make it lovely to hold.You feel in control, even when you want to rotate the nozzle.
The nozzle is easy to rotate so you can reach all the teeth and clean the entire mouth. In fact, we found rotating the nozzle on the Advanced was easier than on the Aquarius. The large wheel used for rotating the nozzle feels natural to use with good feedback. Being able to rotate the nozzle makes it easier to reach all parts of the mouth.
More info, pros & cons
The 207ml tank does offer 45 seconds of use on the most powerful of the 3 pressure modes. This is about half the time of the Waterpik Aquarius.You don’t have to rush with either, but a compromise for a more portable option is the smaller tank.
Read our Waterpik Cordless Advanced Review.
What we like | Worth noting |
---|---|
45+ second flossing time | Price – it is expensive |
Easy to rotate the nozzle | |
Grippy handle | |
3 pressure settings | |
Easy to attach magnetic charger | |
Travel pouch included in the box |
Best budget
Bitvae C2
Bitvae C2 Oral Irrigator
Why we chose it:
The Bitvae C2 has all the features we recommend of a cordless water flosser and comes with enough nozzles for several years of use, all for a very fair price.
Bitvae flossers don't have the clinical backing of the likes of Waterpik or Philips Sonicare, but I can confirm from my own testing that performance is comparable. I'd struggle to tell the difference if I were blindfolded.
I did find that the nozzle wasn't as easy to hold and rotate with one hand compared to the Waterpik Cordless Advanced, but I wouldn't regard that as a big enough inconvenience to be a deal-breaker, especially if I was shopping on a budget.
The overall feel isn't quite as premium as other irrigators, but it's not a stark difference
More info, pros and cons
It's a shame Bitvae opted for a USB to barrel pin style charging cable, unlike the much more convenient and easily replaced USB type-c cable used by the Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000. However, it is less bulky than the USB charging cable of the Cordless Advanced.
The lack of a travel case is a shame, but not a reason to overlook the C2.
Although I've had no failures during my testing, an overriding concern is the durability and reliability of the Bitvae C2. As a newer brand they don't have the proven track record like big name competitors and supplying only a 1 year warranty doesn't help their case.
Watch our Bitvae C2 irrigator review.
What we like | Worth noting |
---|---|
Good value for money | 1 year warranty |
Plenty of nozzles included | Barrel pin charging connector isn’t as convenient as USB |
Large tank |
Best for travel
Waterpik Sidekick
Why it's the best for travel:
The Sidekick is a unique and compact water flosser, designed with portability in mind. Although it requires connection to an outlet, the power adapter conveniently slides into the unit's base, which then fits into the reservoir, creating a travel-friendly package. Despite its square design, it occupies minimal additional space compared to a cordless model.
One notable advantage of the Sidekick is its extended flossing time. Its 400ml/13oz tank provides approximately twice the usage time of a cordless model. Although it lacks a water control switch and nozzle rotation capability, these are reasonable trade-offs for the slim handle and enhanced portability.
More info, pros and cons
A switch on the unit's base allows you to select from five different pressure settings, offering precise control over the water flow's intensity.
Read our Waterpik Sidekick Review.
What we like | Worth noting |
---|---|
Compact & travel-friendly | No ability to rotate the nozzles |
5 different pressure settings | Uses different tips to other Waterpik units |
Good size tank |
Best cordless countertop
Waterpik ION cordless
Waterpik ION
Why we chose it:
This is the first countertop water flosser we know of that features a built-in rechargeable battery, enabling usage without being tethered to a power outlet. You can enjoy approximately a month's worth of use before needing to recharge. When recharging is necessary, the magnetic charging cable is incredibly convenient.
While this model is considerably more compact than most other countertop units, it is not explicitly designed for travel. It does not include a case, and its size remains relatively large, making it less than ideal for taking on a week-long overseas holiday, for example.
More info, pros & cons
Approved by the American Dental Association, this water flosser effectively cleans between teeth, and the rotating nozzle, water control button on the handle, and 10 different pressure settings provide substantial overall control.
Regrettably, the compact handle can feel somewhat awkward to use at times. It appears that design has taken precedence over usability, as rotating the nozzle can be difficult. The addition of more textured gripping points would significantly improve the experience.
Read our Waterpik ION Review.
What we like | Worth noting |
---|---|
Doesn’t need to be plugged in | Difficult to rotate the nozzle |
10 pressure settings | Compact, but not really travel friendly |
Compact form factor | |
100+ seconds of usage time | |
Water control button on handle |
Best for repairability
Hydro Floss
Hydro Floss Hydromagnetic Oral Irrigator
Why we chose it:
The Hydro Floss isn't the most visually appealing countertop unit, in our opinion. However, it compensates for this with a number of features, including its ease of repair. We do not wish to imply that it will fail sooner than other flossers, but if you ever need to fix it or replace a worn-out part, Hydro Floss sells individual components on its website. This level of access to parts (apart from tips) is not offered by many other brands and we wish more would follow suit.
More info, pros & cons
This water flosser boasts one of the largest tanks we've tested, holding 27 fluid ounces, ensuring you won't run out of water while flossing. Similar to other models, it offers water flow control via a button on the handle and water pressure adjustment through a control dial on the base unit. Hydro Floss has even designed the base to neatly store the power cable, which is a feature not commonly found in other units.
Read our Hydro Floss Review.
What we like | Worth noting |
---|---|
Large water tank | Dated design |
Rotating nozzle | 1 year warranty |
Excess cable storage | |
Easy to source replacement parts |
Recently tested products
We have recently completed testing on 4 relatively new models from Waterpik. Each has its pros and cons, but none have resulted in a change to our top recommended products, although the Radiance gets very close. It is arguably the best of the latest flossers we have tested. It is very similar to the Aquarius with a slight refinement in its design. It is fairly quiet in use, has 10 pressure settings and easy to use on handle controls. The slight downside is that the tip isn't quite as easy to rotate as the Aquarius.
The Sonic Fusion 2.0 Professional is the 2nd generation of Waterpik's flossing toothbrush; it is a water flosser and electric toothbrush combined into one handle. It is an improvement on the original, but we are still not won over. Having a totally separate electric toothbrush and water flosser is a more practical and effective solution in our opinion if you have the countertop space for them.
For those looking for a more portable and cordless option, the Waterpik Express is a great value option and is one of a select few to be powered by AA batteries. It does the fundamental job of cleaning the interdental spaces well. It is easy to grip hold off too. However, the nozzle is not easy to rotate and you don't have any travel friendly accessories in the box.
The ION is another cordless unit, but it is a bit different in that it has all the benefits of a countertop unit. Although technically cordless it is closer to a countertop unit with the large water tank and 10 different pressure settings. You just have the benefit of a rechargeable battery built-in so you don't actually have to be tethered to a power socket.
Other flossers we considered
Only a select few of the water flossers we test actually make it into this best list.
And yet, we can’t say that any of the water flossers we have tested are really bad.
We have been most disappointed by the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion. Admittedly this is a hybrid product, rather than a standalone water flosser. It combines an electric toothbrush and water flosser to create a flossing toothbrush.
Unfortunately, the Fusion isn’t great at either job. It is noisy and cumbersome to use. You don’t get to enjoy all the benefits of an electric toothbrush and water flosser. You are better off sticking with separate items. A regular electric toothbrush and one of Waterpik’s other countertop water flossers.
The Waterpik WF-06 and WF-05 are 2 countertop models that have ‘whitening’ capabilities. The WF-05 Whitening Professional is the premium model.
Both allow you to add whitening tablets into the handle of the flosser. As the water passes through, it dissolves the tablet. It results in a mildly abrasive solution being pushed against the tooth surface. The idea is that it will remove light surface stains from your teeth.
The tablets contain glycerine which helps to lift the stains off the tooth surface. Silica, also contained in the tablets, is an abrasive ingredient which also helps remove stains. Both are effective stain removers and are commonly found in professional polishing pastes.
In theory, it works. Waterpik has done its own research and found it to be effective at removing stains.
In practice, people are often disappointed. It is an expensive solution that doesn’t deliver the tooth whitening results most would expect from Waterpik calling it a “whitening” water flosser. It is only ever going to remove extrinsic staining. It won’t change the natural color of the teeth like professional bleaching.
Keep reading about other flossers we've tested...
Oral-B is a major player in the oral care space. It has produced water flossers in the past, the Oxyjet being the most well-known.
But it has been quite some time since it has competed properly within this space. Recently it has attempted to change this with its new Water Flosser Advanced.
Given its experience and might within the industry we expected better.
It has 45 second flossing time and at least 2 pressure settings. It has 2 weeks of battery life and a water resistant design.
It has a rotating nozzle and is comfortable to hold.
But, it does not feel the best quality. The retaining clip for the water tank feels weak, and the nozzle does not rotate easily
The nozzles do rotate, but not all that easily.
The different pressure settings and modes are made more complicated than they need to be.
It comes with a bulky charging stand that is less than ideal for travel.
It is more expensive than it should be when accounting for these shortcomings.
As you will have seen from our top choices, Waterpik does make some excellent products.
The Waterpik Cordless Advanced takes the top spot for best cordless water flosser. A good alternative is the Cordless 3000 Power Flosser from Philips.
It replaces the AirFloss that came before it. It wasn’t a true water flosser, offering bursts of air mixed with water. The Cordless 3000 is and it is a very good product.
It is arguably comparable to the Cordless Advanced, in fact you get longer usage times from it as the tank is bigger and the X shaped water jet allows for a larger area to be cleaned with each pass of the teeth and gums.
However, it isn’t perfect, the Waterpik's nozzles rotate easier and replacement nozzles are more affordable.
Fairywill has built a reputation for offering cheap alternatives to the major brands.
However, reports have emerged about Fairywill products breaking sooner than they should, which is one of the risks of going for cheaper products from less well-known brands.
They also don't come with the refinements of their more expensive counterparts.
For example, with the Fairywill 5020E you have to connect a power cable into the flossers. The Cordless Advanced and Cordless Select WF-10 have magnetic chargers.
In fact, the Cordless Select has a magnetic USB charging cable. This is super convenient and great for travelers.
Yet, despite this benefit, it loses favour because of the cramped grip. You don’t get the same in hand comfort as the vast majority of other models. We found it one of the most awkward models to use.
You don’t have to worry quite so much about in hand comfort with the likes of the Waterpik Nano or Aquarius. These are countertop units. They have slim handles, which the fingers and thumbs easily hold onto.
The Nano and Aquarius are both good options. But, there is little to differentiate between them. When you consider their features and price, our preference is the Aquarius.
The Hydro Floss is another slim handled countertop option. It is quite unique, because it has one of, if not the largest water tanks of any unit we have tested. It has an 800ml capacity.
Although it comes with a standard style jet tip, it is the only company to offer cannula style tips for the flosser, to get deep into periodontal pockets.
It also boasts the benefit of adding a magnetic charge to the water, which is supposed to help. In practice, you can’t tell the difference. At least we couldn’t.
It is a little dated in its design, but it is certainly functional.
The Hydro Floss or any of the Waterpik units will ever be as cheap as the east Asian brands — Truewell, Hangsun, Atmoko and Nicewell to name a few — nor will you get as many accessories in the box.
But if you do want a cheaper option from Waterpik, the WF-03 Cordless Freedom is a good option.
The compromise here is the small water tank. It is just 150ml. This means less flossing time per fill of the tank. It also has removable AA batteries rather than a built-in rechargeable one. But, in its favour, you do have the option of the different types of interchangeable nozzles. You don’t with most other cheap models.
As this page has shown, Waterpik dominate the water flosser market. It comes as no surprise that they have been relatively unchallenged by a major brand.
Oral-B has had a go, but in all honesty, they are not good enough devices. Philips' attempt with their Sonicare Power Flosser range of flossers on the other hand though is a different story.
No less than 4 different countertop models and a cordless device have been introduced. They are quite similar, with subtle differences. Our power flosser comparison highlights the notable differences.
All are very good, but it is the power flosser 3000 that is the best of the countertop units.
Unsurprisingly there is some similarity between the 3000 and the Waterpik Aquarius. The Power Flosser is the better looking. It is quieter in use too. It is the best alternative to Waterpik from a reputable manufacturer. But, a couple of small details let it down. It has no rotating nozzle and it isn’t quite as good value for money.
All flossers, irrespective of brand, have their pros and cons. For our main recommendations, we have chosen products that are comfortable to use and come with the features that we regard as essential. Comfort is important when it comes to interdental cleaning — the more comfortable a product is, the more likely you are to build a good flossing habit.
Our budget pick isn’t quite as comfortable to use, but it still has the features you need and it’s a good option if you don’t want to pay the price tag of the high end models.
Buyer's guide: useful pre-purchase advice
Dr Gemma Wheeler,
BDS
With the help of our in-house dentist Dr. Gemma Wheeler, we’ve added useful notes and tips from our research and testing. In the sections below, we include the most relevant and important information about shopping for a water flosser. If you’ve got any questions or would like further advice, please leave a comment below.
Who should use a water flosser?
Overall, water flossers are not the most effective method for plaque removal. But they still show benefits for gum health.
They are a good option for someone who has tried and failed to use interdental brushes.
Our in-house dentist Dr. Gemma Wheeler says:
"I would recommend a water flosser to certain people:
- Those who have limited hand mobility and so struggle with interdental brushes.
- People with large gaps where a brush doesn’t fit but food gets trapped.
- Those who won’t use floss and brushes due to a gag reflex, negative experience, or who can’t get the technique right.
- Someone with braces, to help clean around the brackets.
I also say anyone who wants to try them can add them to an existing routine e.g. interdental brushes.
Even with the evidence available, I know that the most effective type of interdental cleaning is the one that you will actually do. I want to support people to make flossing a habit."
Cordless vs corded (countertop) water flossers
If you have space (approx 6 x 6 inches) for one in your bathroom, we recommend going for a countertop over a cordless water flosser. There is no evidence to suggest one is better than the other — scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of both types. In our own hands-on testing, we have found them to be as effective as each other.
We’ve found countertop models slightly more comfortable to use. They also have larger water reservoirs, meaning they have longer cleaning times and need to be refilled less often. They often come with extra features, such as extra pressure settings or a built-in timer.
That being said, a cordless water flosser is still a perfectly good option if you don’t have space for a countertop model, or if you travel a lot. Countertop units need a power outlet.They need to be plugged in for them to work. You are therefore more restricted on where you place them.Cordless units are wire-free. This makes them more portable and convenient, particularly if you don’t have a socket in your bathroom.
Examples of how much space countertop flossers take up
One of the drawbacks to countertop water flossers is that they are larger.
Each model is different, but you generally need an area 6 x 6 inches or 15 x 15cm on your countertop to accommodate the footprint of the water flosser.
You then want to have about 10-12 inches (25-30cm) space above this free for the unit to stand upright.
Each corded unit has a power cable that is around 3-4ft (90-120cm) in length. The hose from the handle tends to be of a similar length too.
A maximum distance from the power socket and the sink is approximately 2 meters. Any more than this and you will likely struggle.
If you are short of countertop space, one option is to store the flosser elsewhere and get it out as and when you need it. Many people place it in a bathroom cabinet. This overcomes the space issue, but regular use can become more challenging as it takes more effort and time to get it setup, and there isn’t the visual reminder from it sitting in plain sight.
Here is a table comparing the sizes of some of the most popular water flossers.
Model | Width | Depth | Height |
---|---|---|---|
Waterpik Aquarius Professional | 4.70 inches (11.94 cm) | 3.80 inches (9.65 cm) | 10.35 inches (26.29 cm) |
Waterpik Ultra Plus | 5.60 inches (14.22 cm) | 5.30 inches (13.46 cm) | 9.90 inches (25.15 cm) |
Waterpik Sidekick | 5.70 inches (14.48 cm) | 3.90 inches (9.91 cm) | 4.84 inches (2.29 cm) |
Waterpik Nano | 5.40 inches (13.72 cm) | 4.40 inches (11.18 cm) | 6.80 inches (17.27 cm) |
Hydro Floss | 8.27 inches (21cm) | 3.93 inches (10cm) | 4.92 inches (12.5cm) |
A bit more on why having different pressure settings is useful
You might not need to switch between them all the time, but having the choice is valuable. Whilst countertop water flossers can have as many as 10 settings, 2 or 3 is common for cordless models. You want at least a low and a high setting. As the names imply, the pressure varies between these. Low is more gentle and high more intense.
Pressure is measured in Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) or Bar. Typically the pressure ranges from 10 to 100 PSI, although some models reach as much as 160 PSI.Low pressure tends to be around 30-45 PSI and high 60-80 PSI, subject to model.
The extra power can blast away more debris, but sheer force is not essential and may feel uncomfortable to some people. Lower pressure with the correct technique is equally as effective.There is no evidence to support using higher power over a lower power. A low setting is ideal for inflamed, sensitive and bleeding gums.If you have healthy teeth and gums, the higher setting can be used.
How a water flosser can be helpful for brace wearers
Water flossers can easily remove food and other debris from around the brackets on the teeth. All of our recommendations above are a good choice for brace wearers. Many brands also have specialised tips for braces to achieve even better results.
Using a water flosser to remove food and plaque will reduce the risk of decay on these tooth surfaces. They also have some positive effects on gum health, as proven in independent research.
Dr. Gemma Wheeler regards them as a good option for people who have braces, but also recommends using interdental brushes:
"If you have braces I would recommend a water flosser in addition to brushing and interdental brushes to get between the teeth.
Interdental brushes are still recommended for interdental cleaning with braces because the overwhelming evidence shows that interdental brushes are the most effective method for cleaning interdentally."
In the section below Dr. Wheeler goes into more detail about the various options for flossing with braces and how you can use a water flosser to maintain good oral health whilst undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Find out more about using a water flosser with braces...
Water flossing vs string flossing with braces
There is agreement that having braces slightly increases your risk of things like tooth decay and gum disease. That is because the brackets stuck to your teeth retain more bacteria, compared to if they weren’t there. Some dentists fall back on the recommendation of string floss for cleaning between the teeth when you have braces.
There are very few studies that directly compare floss and water flossers for brace wearers. Those that do, such as Jolkovsky or that by Pithon et al have mixed results. They seem to agree that both floss and water flossers both remove more bacteria than tooth brushing alone.But they can’t agree that one is much better than the other. String flossing is very technique sensitive. In non-brace wearers it is normally found to be the least effective technique for cleaning between the teeth. Wearing braces makes using floss an even bigger challenge.
The wires get in the way of pulling floss down between the teeth. A flossing tool can help you use string floss. For example, a floss threader allows you to get the floss above the wire and between the teeth. A platypus tool is used like a flossette - it holds the floss tight and the thinner plastic arms mean you can slide it under the wire no problem. Using a water flosser can be easier.
Also, the physical contact of string floss can be more beneficial than water. But when cleaning around a brace, using string floss can be very time consuming and awkward. Water flossers enable you to clean all around the bracket as well as between the teeth. They dislodge food particles. And it is believed that the water flow acts to massage the gums and reduce bleeding from the gums.
Overall, interdental brushes are the most effective option for cleaning. But when it comes to floss vs water flossers, there is no definitive right or wrong answer — it's about finding a cleaning method that works for you.There is certainly a place for water flossers. Ideally, though, you want to be combining the use of a water flosser with interdental brushes.
How a water flosser can help with braces
The design of a dental brace means you have more surface area for bacteria and food to stick to. Food particles get caught in brackets and wires. Getting food particles and dental plaque trapped around your braces can increase your risk of dental disease.
The increased surface area and nooks and crannies of the fittings give more opportunity for plaque to build up on the teeth. It also makes the plaque more difficult to remove.
Failing to clean around these can result in:
- Staining of the teeth
- Decalcification (white spots) on the tooth surface
- tooth decay
- Gingivitis (gum disease)
- Bad breath
Good plaque removal is vital to prevent the onset of gum disease
To remove plaque, you should brush around all parts of your brace and all of the surfaces of your teeth. There is a mixed consensus about when to brush your teeth if you have braces. Ideally, you should brush each time you have eaten.Generally, the advice is to brush straight away. This is especially true if you are wearing removable braces as it means you can put them in as soon as possible.Sometimes, the advice is to leave it about 30 minutes after every meal or snack, before you brush. This would be the recommendation if you have eaten or drunk something particularly acidic. This includes fruits and fizzy drinks.
A manual brush works well if used correctly, but our advice is to invest in an electric toothbrush. A study by the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics found that electric toothbrushes promote better cleaning habits. If you find toothbrushing difficult, switching to an electric toothbrush has an even better effect.
You need to floss in addition to brushing
Even the best toothbrushes and brushing technique won’t remove all the plaque around a brace. You need to use other flossing tools in addition to brushing. The wires and brackets restrict the movement of floss in between the teeth and up into the gum line. This makes flossing with braces awkward.
You do not need a water flosser as a brace wearer, but you do need to clean interdentally. Water flossers make it more convenient to clean these surfaces and reach the gumline.The water and the pressure at which it hits the teeth gets into the smallest of gaps. It also disrupts the bacteria chains that cause gum disease. The evidence doesn’t support water flossers removing plaque. But yet, it still has a positive effect on the gums.
An orthodontic flossing tip can be useful
There are a variety of interchangeable tips available for water flossers. The orthodontic tip can be very useful for braces. It combines a traditional jet tip with bristles to wash and sweep away the debris. The manual action of the bristles gives an extra dimension to the clean. They can help dislodge and disrupt debris and bacteria.
Not all water flossers come with them, but they can usually be purchased separately. Our two main recommendations above — the WP-660 and Cordless Advanced, do come with an orthodontic tip supplied in the box. Nearly all of Waterpik's models are compatible with the orthodontic tip, so Waterpik is a good choice in that respect.
The clinical evidence for and against water flossers
Water flossers are one of the less common forms of interdental cleaning. They are safe, with little ability to cause damage to the gums. Going by the studies that have been completed, it seems that water flossers do not fully remove plaque. Despite this, they can still have a positive effect on the gums, as we explain below.
Waterpik publishes its own clinical research
Waterpik has listed a large amount of clinical research on its website. Some people could perceive this as biased. But it is worth noting that it is independently scrutinised to be published in peer-reviewed journals. This means that you can discount any obvious problems with their data. However, do consider that they are unlikely to promote data that doesn’t support their hypotheses (read: advertising claims). Many of the articles are not available in full online, only the Waterpik summary or the paper abstracts.
Highlights from their research are (the link will lead you to the journal article, not the Waterpik page):
- Using a water flosser in addition to toothbrushing reduces bleeding gums and plaque levels. Lyle et al. compared bleeding scores and plaque levels in two groups: those using only an electric toothbrush; those using an electric toothbrush + water flosser. They found that the group who used the water flosser had decreased levels of bleeding gums. The plaque levels were also lower in those using the water flossers. Although these results were of less statistical significance.
- Waterpiks reduce gingival inflammation more than flossing does. Barnes et al. 2005 study found a Waterpik to be more effective than string floss in reducing gingival bleeding. This study compared manual toothbrush + floss to manual toothbrush + water flosser and sonic toothbrush + water flosser. They miss out a key comparison group: sonic toothbrush + flossing. This makes the evidence somewhat skewed in favour of the water flosser. Much of the benefit of switching to a powered brush is presented as being the water flosser, but there is no way to compare.
- Water flossers are effective and safe for implants. Kotsakis et al. showed that water flossers are as effective as interdental brushes and more effective than chlorhexidine mouthwash. They reduce the amount of bacteria on implants, without damaging the implant surface.
Independent reviews and papers support most of these claims
Independent reviews by Ng and Lim as well as Worthington et al showed that water flossers do not reduce plaque levels. This is also shown in Waterpik’s own study in 2011.Despite ineffective plaque removal, water flossers do reduce inflammation of the gums. They reduce bleeding from the gums, an indicator for active gum disease.
Water flossers might not reduce levels of plaque, but it is thought they do disrupt forming plaque from above and below the gum level. The theory is that this changes the structure of the plaque layer. If the plaque structure is altered, it may cause less inflammation in the gums. But at present, this is only a theory.
The water flossers also flush out food debris. This 2015 review by Sälzer et al also supports water flossers for improving gingival health versus no interdental cleaning aid. The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) also recommends water flossers for interdental cleaning in their evidence based guidelines.
Find out more in our water flosser reviews
We've gathered the advice and recommendations above by thoroughly testing and comparing many water flossers. We usually create a written review, video review, or both for each brush.
You can see our written reviews below and watch our video reviews and comparisons on our YouTube channel.
- Waterpik ION/ION Professional Cordless review
- Waterpik Aquarius WP-660 review
- Panasonic EW1511 review
- Philips Sonicare AirFloss Ultra review
- Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 vs 5000 vs 7000
- Waterpik Cordless Advanced review
- Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 review
- Panasonic EW-DJ10 cordless oral irrigator review
- Waterpik Aquarius vs Ultra
- Waterpik Cordless Advanced vs Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000
- Waterpik vs Sonicare toothbrush: how do they compare?
- Waterpik Aquarius vs Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000
- Waterpik WF-04 Sidekick review
- Waterpik Professional Whitening Water Flosser review
- Quip cordless water flosser review
- Burst Water Flosser review
- Waterpik Cordless Slide review
- Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced review
- Hydro Floss water flosser review
- Waterpik Cordless Select review
- Waterpik Cordless Plus review
- Waterpik Radiance review
- Waterpik Cordless Express review
Related posts:
Best manual toothbrush 2024
Best electric toothbrush 2024
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Author: Jon Love
Medical reviewer: Dr Gemma Wheeler, BDS
- Lyle et al. Efficacy of the Use of a Water Flosser in Addition to an Electric Toothbrush on Clinical Signs of Inflammation: 4-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, 2020.
- Barnes et al. Comparison of irrigation to floss as an adjunct to tooth brushing: effect on bleeding, gingivitis, and supragingival plaque. J Clin Dent, 2005.
- Kotsakis et al. Effect of implant cleaning on titanium particle dissolution and cytocompatibility. Journal of Periodontology, 2020.
- Ng & Lim An Overview of Different Interdental Cleaning Aids and Their Effectiveness. Dent J (Basel), 2019.
- Worthington 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.
- Rosema et al. The effect of different interdental cleaning devices on gingival bleeding. J Int Acad Periodontol, 2011.
- Sälzer et al. Efficacy of inter-dental mechanical plaque control in managing gingivitis – a meta-review. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2015.
- Slot et al. Mechanical plaque removal of periodontal maintenance patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2020.
- Lyne et al. Combining evidence-based healthcare with environmental sustainability: using the toothbrush as a model. British Dental Journal, 2020.
- Piton et al. Effectiveness of different mechanical bacterial plaque removal methods in patients with fixed orthodontic appliance: a systematic review/meta-analysis. Bioscience Journal, 2017.
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Kaia David
January 10, 2024
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Hi, Jon - Have you looked at the customized (and very expensive) Proclaim hydro cleaning system as a replacement for flossing? It looks like it would need to be used in addition to brushing but it could save time and help rinse below the gum line.
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JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
January 12, 2024
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Hi Kaia,I am aware of it, but have not looked to buy/try it. It is very expensive and to be honest can't justify trying it at this time.Are you considering it?
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Kaia David
January 12, 2024
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Balking at the price, but I have a hard time with regular flossing. If I do get it, I’ll let you know how it works for me.
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Rolando
January 2, 2023
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Jon, thank you so much for your videos. I have learned so much!What is your opinion on shower adapter flossers like this one https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ES2HNI?
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JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
January 2, 2023
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Hey. To be honest I haven't tried to be able to comment properly.I think it will serve a purpose, but there are going to be limits on effectiveness as it will be dependant on the water pressure etc.You will need to bear in mind that it can only be used in the shower, so if travelling you can't take it with you etc. Also, consider the availability of replacement nozzles etc.
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Zachary Pizza
January 6, 2021
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Hi Jon,Wow, we love the videos and your blog. My wife and I have just spent 2 hours at our kitchen table reviewing all Waterpik products and plan on buying a flosser tomorrow. We really like your insight and feel so grateful for this information. Can we ask you something? We have searched and searched for any reviews on Waterpik's Radiance Water Flosser and cannot find anything. What do you know about Waterpik Radiance model? Would you recommend this model over the Waterpik Aquarius Professional? Do you know when the Radiance model came out? Maybe its brand new?We are torn between Radiance and White Aquarius Professional. It seems as though the Radiance is a newer version of Aquarius with just better upgraded button feature, however there is no reviews and they don't even sell this model on Amazon. So we thought we would reach out to you since we both agreed you are an expert and we respect and value your insight.Hope you are having a great start to your 2021!Kimberley & ZacharyThis link is to comparison pagehttps://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/products/compare/WF-04CD010-1/WF-09CD010-1/WP-670/WP-660/
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JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
January 6, 2021
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Hi Zachary & Kimberly.Thanks for your question.Although I don't know exactly when the Radiance was launched I do understand it to be a newer model launched, I believe within approximately the last 6 months.I have not had hands-on time with this model or reviewed it as yet.The lack of reviews is likely because it is a newer product, it is sold only via Waterpiks own online store (so fewer people will even come to learn it is available) and well, not many people review a water flosser! Reviewing water flossers for most isn't quite as exciting as the latest smartphone for example.Because I have not had hands-on time with is, I can't honestly say that you most definitely should or should not purchase it.However, based on my knowledge of Waterpik and the specifications I have absolutely no reason to doubt its ability and I feel it would perform as well as the Aquarius WP-660.It has the same size water tank and the same pressure settings.The most significant differences as I am sure you have seen are:- Different design- The lack of color options for the unit itself- No massage mode (not essential)- The button on the handle - a push rather than slider found on the Aquarius- Ther way you can rotate the nozzle/jet tipA little further explanation on that last point. With many Waterpik models, you can rotate the nozzle a full 360. You do this by twisting the attachment at the bottom of the nozzle. The hose that fed into the handle was fixed and the handle itself does not rotate.However with newer models like the radiance, instead of the nozzle being rotated at the top of the handle, the whole handle now rotates because the way the hose attaches to the handle is slightly different. Therefore by rotating your hand (with the handle in it) creates the 360 rotation that you would have once gotten from twisting the nozzle at the top of the handle. I hope that makes sense!Ultimately it is your decision, but most importantly I do believe the flossing/cleaning experience will be basically the same with no discernable differences.Whilst the Radiance is newer you may get a better value deal on the Aquarius.I sincerely hope that helps.
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Neil Gawlak
August 7, 2020
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I have gone through more than 8 water flossers of various brand names in the past 10 years. In my opinion, even the most highly rated brands and models are poorly made. That includes larger separate tank models as well as cordless ones. One is very lucky to get 6 months of daily use for any of them, and, sometimes less. They just stop doing their job. Either the pump goes or the electronic parts crap out. I have taken most of them apart after they quit. I admit total ignorance of how to repair anything more complicated than a leaaky hose or connnection. What strikes me as both obvious and a bit odd, is the fact that these devices, made to work in a wet environment, all showed major areas of oxidation/rust on their interior metal parts. My last failed flosser, was one I took very speciial care to dry out after each and every use...as much as I was able to dry. That one, a "Usable" brand, of course, made in China like they all are, was the first one, After 4 Waterpik brand devices failed within 6 months of purchase, and each was corroded inside. Whenever a water flosser manufacturer, effectively protects the metal innards of the device from moisture, maybe the will then have a moderately long service life. Presently, though, no brand or model can be trusted to work longer than a few months even with care. And since the average price for these pieces of junk seems to be about $45 online, per unit, and water flossing is something one learns to value highly, and miss when the device just lies there taking up space, replacements become something of a priority...and there goes another good piece of change for a new one. But, I am afraid that buying any water flossser at a reasonable price which will last enough to prove it's value is a fairy tale.
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JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
August 7, 2020
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Thanks Neil for the feedback on your experience. With any of these that have failed, have you gone back to the manufacturer to ask for a repair/replacement under the warranty?
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Barry
February 23, 2020
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A. Lot of retailers still sell Waterpik model 450Did you review it and if so where can I find the reviewThanks
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JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
February 24, 2020
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Hi Barry.I am sorry to say that we have not written a full review of this product, so I have no link to provide you.It is still a functional model that at the right price could make for a good buy.
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Dave
July 28, 2019
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Wish you'd talk about keeping reservoir clean. My WP-450 is impossible to keep clean!
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JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
July 29, 2019
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Hi Dave,You might find this video helpful:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzOoc2_tzeY
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Cindy M
July 10, 2019
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Excellent reviews! Have you had a chance to look at the new Sonic Fusion from Waterpik? https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/lp/sonic-fusion/It’s a brush and flosser in one. I ordered the professional version with a discount from my dentist and I think it does an excellent job when using the brush and floss together.
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JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
July 11, 2019
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Hi Cindy.Thanks for the comment.I am pleased to read that you think the Sonic-Fusion from Waterpik does a good job. Personally I was not so impressed, particularly when you take into account the price. I felt a separate electric toothbrush and flosser would be better.If however you got a discount, that can make a bit of a difference on the judgement.
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