Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (2024)

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (1)

If there's one gadget guaranteed to make a mundane daily task easier, it's the water flosser. Fairly new to the dental scene, it uses water to thoroughly clean your gnashers after brushing, helping to simplify your flossing routine (as we all know how fiddly flossing tape and interdental brushes can be).

These are our best plaque-busters at a glance but scroll on for our detailed reviews.

Best water flossers

Do dentists suggest you use water flossers?

Dentists agree that inter-dental cleaning is always a good thing. Brushing doesn't quite get into the gaps, and because around 40% of the tooth surface is between the teeth, flossing is pretty essential to a good dental hygiene regime.

‘Water flossers are a brilliant addition to interdental cleaning,’ agrees Dr Richard Marques, a Harley Street dentist. He also has a useful tip – adding diluted mouthwash to your flosser's tank can give you an even more thorough, antibacterial clean.

Although it may sound like a lot, Marques advises that it's still good practice to continue manual flossing too. Before you think that’s way too much work, however, he says it's not essential to brush, manual floss and water floss every day, but any form of daily flossing is good.

Are water flossers actually beneficial?

The short answer is 'yes'. Using a water flosser can help to reach those areas at the back of your mouth that are often hard to fully clean, while anyone with fixed braces will be happy to hear they can also help remove food debris and plaque more easily than traditional flossing.

According to Dr Richard, another benefit of a water flosser is they can help reduce gum bleeding.

How we test water flossers

Over the course of two weeks, our panel blind tested seven different brands of water flosser, assessing how easy they were to use, as well as considering the overall performance and design.

Images were analysed by dental health professional Farah Karim, who visually graded the difference in teeth before and after using the water flosser. Manufacture checks were also carried out, looking at noise level, weight, size and run-time.

In the Men's Health Lab, the team put the products through their paces using a VISIA image analysis machine to check how effective the water flossers were at removing plaque and food deposits on the buccal surfaces of the teeth.

1

Best water flosser for range of settings

Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 Oral Irrigator HX3806/31

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (8)

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (9)

1

Best water flosser for range of settings

Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 Oral Irrigator HX3806/31

Now 34% Off

With six different modes, this flosser offers plenty of variation when it comes to water pressure. It scored well when it came to the pressure too, which testers said wasn't too aggressive and didn't cause any irritation.

During testing, the panel found the water tank an easy size to hold – some models can be quite bulky – as well as being easy to fill up. It was also praised for its ability to angle around gums.

Key specifications

Number of settings:6
Number of attatchments:2
Type of attachment heads:Standard nozzle, Quad stream nozzle
Volume:250ml
Run time:Two-week battery life and USB charging travel case
Battery time:Full minute before needing to be refilled
Waterproof:N/A

2

Best water flosser to share and best budget flosser

PECHAM Portable Water Dental Flosser IPX7

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (10)

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (11)

2

Best water flosser to share and best budget flosser

PECHAM Portable Water Dental Flosser IPX7

For those looking for a high intensity when it comes to pressure, this flosser pulses 1400-1800 times/min and claims to remove up to 99.9% of food residue. It also features rotating jet tips, which not only massage gums, but also help promote blood circulation.

Our panel really liked how easy it was to change heads on this one, so it can be shared with a partner (you can also easily differentiate the heads by their coloured bands, similar to electric toothbrushes.) Some testers said would have liked like a low battery light indicator, but this is a great buy for the price.

Key specifications

Number of settings:4
Number of attatchments:4
Type of attachment heads:Three jet tips, Orthodontic tip
Volume:300ml
Battery time:80 days
Waterproof:Yes

3

Best water flosser for travel

H2ofloss Water Flosser

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (12)

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (13)

3

Best water flosser for travel

H2ofloss Water Flosser

H2o has innovated when it comes to the design of this gadget, adding a gravity ball at the end of the tube, which ensures water can still be sprayed out of the nozzle, no matter the angle of the flosser. Cordless, lightweight, with a battery that lasts 10-15 days on a full charge, it's also a good pick for frequent travellers.

It's even more impressive when you consider the price, at just under £30. It also holds enough water to last the full minute of flossing, although some said the larger water tank does make it a little bulky.

Key specifications

Number of settings:5
Number of attatchments:6
Type of attachment heads:Two standard tips, Orthodontic tip, Periodontal tip, Tongue scraper tip, Toothbrush head
Volume:300ml
Run time:Full minute without needing to be refilled
Battery time:10-15 days
Waterproof:Yes

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4

Best for sensitive teeth

Binefia Water Flosser for Teeth

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Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (15)

4

Best for sensitive teeth

Binefia Water Flosser for Teeth

Specially designed for those with sensitive teeth, this flosser has five settings, including ‘soft’ and ‘gentle’ modes, and its flexible pressure impressed our panel.

As well as being easy to personalise, it did such a good job that one tester said it ‘cleaned better than regular floss’. The panel found it ‘easy to grip’, and really liked the amount of attachments provided, too. It also comes with a travel bag to keep everything neatly together.

Key specifications

Number of settings:5
Number of attatchments:6
Type of attachment heads:Two standard tips, Orthodontic tip, Periodontal tip, Tongue scraper tip, Toothbrush head
Volume:300ml
Run time:N/A
Battery time:20 days
Waterproof:Yes

5

Best for removing plaque

Waterpik Ultra Cordless Water Jet Flosser WP450

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (16)

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (17)

5

Best for removing plaque

Waterpik Ultra Cordless Water Jet Flosser WP450

Waterpik is one of the best known brands in the water flosser sphere, and for good reason. This flosser cleans deep between teeth, using a good level of pressure and a pulsating mechanism. It also performed best in our lab tests, as it was the most effective at removing plaque and food deposits on the buccal surfaces of the teeth.

Our testers said it was able to clean their wisdom teeth, as well as behind their retainers, which are both usually difficult to reach areas.

Key specifications

Number of settings:3
Number of attatchments:4
Type of attachment heads:High Pressure Classic Jet Tip, Orthodontic Tip, Plaque Seeker Tip, Tongue Cleaner
Volume:210ml
Run time:45 seconds during use
Battery time:N/A
Waterproof:N/A

6

Best water flosser for teens

BURST Water Flosser

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (18)

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (19)

6

Best water flosser for teens

BURST Water Flosser

If you need to make flossing more attractive to teens (or are just a fan of colour), then this model may just do the trick. With a fun hexagonal design and smiley face on the on/off button, it also comes in pastel tones including pink and lilac, as well as black, which makes an appealing change to the usual bright white of dental gadgets.

It has a long-lasting battery and a small water capacity – although this does mean you'll have to refill before you're done, it’s also great for smaller hands. Our testers found it sprayed accurately between teeth to dislodge any leftover food and was gentle too.

Key specifications

Number of settings:3
Number of attatchments:3
Type of attachment heads:Includes two replacement tips. Other tips available to buy: Perio Tip - for those with sensitivity and Ortho Tip: for those with orthodontics and lots of dental work
Volume:111ml
Run time:N/A
Battery time:80 days
Waterproof:Yes

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (20)

Tested byNora Merik

Beauty and Grooming Tester

Nora is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has a master's degree in cosmetic science. She is using her expert knowledge of product development, formulation, product evaluation and market research to test a wide range of hair and beauty products in the beauty labs for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, ELLE, Men’s Health. In the lab she uses a variety of methods such as the Diastron, The Multi Skin Test Centre, The VISIA Complexion Analyser to test anything from hydration, skin barrier function, pore size and more.

Get a Deeper Clean than Just Brushing Alone with Best Water Flossers (2024)

FAQs

Why don t dentists recommend Waterpik? ›

But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss. Don't throw away your traditional dental floss just to try something new. Most dentists still consider regular flossing the best way to clean between your teeth.

What are the disadvantages of a water flosser? ›

Cons
  • If the cost is an issue, then you may not want to get a Waterpik as a flosser as it will be more expensive initially.
  • You can't use it without electricity, thus limiting its mobility. ...
  • Plaque, even after it is removed by your dentist or in the shower, sticks to your teeth and can be difficult to remove.
Mar 3, 2023

What kind of water flosser do dentists recommend? ›

9 out of 10 dentists recommend WATERPIK over other brands. WATERPIK is the #1 selling water flosser brand in the world.

Does Waterpik do deep cleaning? ›

The WATERPIK water flosser helps protect your oral health between dental visits by using technology to create an effective combination of water pressure and pulsations, cleaning deep between teeth and below the gumline where brushing misses.

Which is better Waterpik or water flosser? ›

If so, you may have wondered what the difference is between the two. The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.

Can Waterpik damage your teeth or gums? ›

Conclusion. In conclusion, water flossers can be a safe and effective way to clean between teeth and along the gum line. When used properly and in moderation, they can even improve gum health. However, it's important to be mindful of the pressure setting and to follow proper technique to avoid any potential gum damage.

Do doctors recommend water flosser? ›

In general, water flossers are a good idea and most dentists do recommend them.

Does a Waterpik remove tartar? ›

Water flossing can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing the buildup of tartar. However, a water flosser may not remove existing tartar once it has formed. Using a water flosser can aid in tartar prevention, but it's not a substitute for professional dental cleanings.

Do you still need to floss if you use a water flosser? ›

A Waterpik Shouldn't Replace Brushing or Flossing

Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly. Using a Waterpik while continuing to practice good oral care can help you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

What is the number one Waterpik? ›

Buying Options. Testers unanimously chose the Waterpik Ion as the best countertop water flosser both in terms of cleaning and saving counter space. It tied with our runner-up pick, the Waterpik Aquarius Professional, for being the “most likely to deliver that 'just left the dentist' feeling.”

What is the best cordless water flosser to buy? ›

The Waterpik Cordless Advanced is our pick for best cordless—and we think its lightweight, minimalist design is great, especially for newbies. We found the reservoir easy to fill, and the water lasted much longer than the 45 seconds indicated on the package.

What is the most powerful dental flosser? ›

Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 - Black

Good water pressure... This is the most powerful battery powered flosser. It's not very convenient to use a flosser sitting on the counter because sometimes the water can splash everywhere, on the mirror and floors and on yourself even by accident. "

How can I deep clean my teeth at home? ›

10 Steps for Deep Cleaning Teeth
  1. Regularly Brush Your Teeth. Let's start with the most obvious, but also the most important, for maintaining proper oral hygiene. ...
  2. Use A Soft Toothbrush. ...
  3. Floss Daily. ...
  4. Remove Debris & Plaque. ...
  5. Use Mouthwash. ...
  6. Practice Professional Cleaning Aftercare. ...
  7. Drink Plenty Of Water.
Mar 22, 2023

Can 7mm gum pockets be reversed? ›

Periodontal pockets can be treated and reversed with good oral hygiene or with dental treatment. But when left untreated, periodontal pockets can lead to tooth loss.

Should I put Listerine in Waterpik? ›

Mouthwash or other recommended antibacterial solutions can be used in our water flossers. We recommend using no more than a 1:1 ratio of solution to water.

What do dentists say about Waterpik? ›

The ADA recommends that water flossers be used in addition to regular flossing, not as a replacement. Water flossers are effective at removing plaque and preventing cavities and gum disease. They are especially beneficial for patients wearing fixed dental appliances like bridges, permanent retainers, and braces.

Is there any side effects on using a Waterpik? ›

Some people like to use string floss first to scrape off and loosen plaque. A Waterpik can then be used to efficiently rinse out residue and plaque left behind. Waterpiks are safe to use and contain no risk, except to your wallet, when compared with traditional string floss.

Can Waterpik damage fillings? ›

Within the limitations of this study, the use of water-jet flossing is safe for composite restorations. However, patients should be advised not to continuously use the highest-pressure setting when they have restored teeth with resin composite restorations.

Can Waterpik damage implants? ›

Although your dentist may advise you to regularly use an electric toothbrush and a water flosser for your daily oral sanitation, you should stay away from them for a few days after getting dental implants because they can easily damage the surgical site.

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