A Dentist’s Guide To Water Flossing – Plus The Best Water Flossers To Buy (2025)

Unlike flossing, which can 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 holiday. If you’ve never used a water flosser before, it’s easy to feel intimidated. To help you get started, we asked dentists for their recommendations, including key tips on how and when to use a water flosser.

Meet the experts

In this story

  • What is a water flosser?
  • Who should use it?
  • Are water flossers as effective as dental floss?
  • How to use a water flosser?
  • How often should you use a water flosser?
  • What to look for in a water flosser?

The best water flossers at a glance:

Best overall: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

Waterpik Professional 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: 650ml
  • 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: 162ml
  • Timer: No
  • Rotating tip: No

Best affordable water flosser: Ordo Hydro Sonic Water Flosser

Ordo Hydro Sonic Water Flosser

  • Why we love it: If you’re looking for something cost-effective, it’s worth considering Ordo’s water flosser. It’s not just easy on your bank account – it also comes dentist-approved, with Dr Krystyna recommending the device for its dentist-led design. “It uses hydro-kinetic technology for a deep clean that lifts build-up on the gum line and between teeth,” she says. Powerful for plaque removal while being gentle enough to not damage sensitive gums, it’s a worthwhile buy for flossing those areas that are hard to reach. What’s more, Dr Krystna notes its high number of pulsations per minute and 360-degree rotating nozzle as key. “These features make the water flosser simple to use and effective at reaching the back of teeth – including the molars, which can be difficult to achieve with manual flossing. she adds.
  • Pressure settings: 3 (intense, medium, sensitive)
  • Countertop or cordless: Cordless
  • Water-tank size: 260ml
  • Timer: No
  • Rotating tip: Yes

Best for dental appliances: Oral-B Aquacare 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

Best for power: Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000

Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000

  • Why we love it: Expertly designed to blast away debris stuck on the surface and between teeth, Philips’ device has the kind of power that gets you that dentist-clean feeling. It’s set apart from other water flossers on this list by its quad stream technology nozzle, which ejects water from four separate jets on the X shaped attachment to powerfully and quickly clean more surfaces on your teeth and gums in just one 60 second session. A standard, single jet nozzle is also included in the box – it’s great for targeting pesky trapped food as well as spot cleaning plaque on the surface of your teeth. We’re quite taken with the ergonomic design, which is neither awkwardly chunky to manoeuvre in hand or on your bathroom countertop.
  • Pressure settings: 2 modes (clean and deep clean) with 3 pressure intensities
  • Countertop or cordless: Cordless
  • Water-tank size: 250ml
  • Timer: Yes
  • Rotating tip: Yes

Read more: 8 Of The Best Teeth Whitening Kits For A Beautiful Smile

Best for travel: Burst Water Flosser

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: 120ml
  • Timer: No
  • Rotating tip: Yes

Best design: Quip Rechargeable Water Flosser

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.” says Vogue writer Iman Balagam. “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: 150ml
  • Timer: Yes
  • 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 pressurised 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.

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, every dentist we consulted emphasise 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. “Don’t forget to do this on both the inside and outside of your teeth, holding the water over each tooth for for at least two seconds,” Dr Krystyna adds, advising lukewarm water is best to avoid gum or tooth sensitivity. To avoid splashing, it’s best to lean over the sink and keep your mouth slightly open.

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.
A Dentist’s Guide To Water Flossing – Plus The Best Water Flossers To Buy (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6075

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.