Brushing only cleans 60% of the surface of your teeth. That’s because the remaining 40% is located between your teeth, where brushing can’t reach. So, what can you do to make sure you’ve got that remaining 40% covered?
Find the best water flosser possible.
Poor oral hygiene can result in bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and a host of life-threatening health disorders. This is why dental health experts recommend regular flossing to clean the areas between your teeth.
String flossing versus water flossing.
Aside from being time-consuming, string flossing can cause bleeding or worsen gum sensitivity. It can also be difficult to reach certain areas.
A study has found that string flossing eliminates only 57.7 percent of plaque as opposed to a 74.4 percent plaque reduction with water flossing, when both are combined with manual brushing.
Make the wise switch.
While it’s bulkier and costs a lot more than string floss, investing in a water flosser is a no-brainer.
We gathered dozens of the best water flossers on the market and put them to the test. Our top picks are listed below and ranked according to the qualities that you may find most suitable for your flossing preference. We also found the best cordless water flosser, to satisfy a hands-free approach.
#1 Best Overall Water Flosser
Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser WP-663 Blue
- Trusted, reputable brand
- Cutting edge technology
- Comprehensive settings
Pros
Waterpik’s top-of-the-line countertop flosser is certified by US dental health professionals. Its condensed, streamlined design and advanced features offer ease of use. It includes multiple tips that perform varied oral cleansing functions.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.9/10
It’s equipped with a dual-mode pulse modulation system. The Floss Mode ensures total plaque removal, while the Hydro-Pulse Massage Mode relaxes the gums to encourage circulation and alleviate pain from gingivitis. Its advanced control mechanism has 10 pressure settings to accurately regulate water strength and speed. The flosser includes seven tips: three standard jet tips, one toothbrush tip, one Plaque Seeker tip for implants and bridges, one orthodontic tip for braces, and one periodontal tip for the gums. It has a 1-minute timer with a 30-second pacer to keep track of your flossing.
Features
9.9/10
The reservoir’s 600 mL capacity will generate around 90 seconds of floss time. Two LED indicator panels display which mode (Floss or Massage) is in use. There’s an on/off switch on the handle to conserve energy and water. It’s powered through a 120V outlet.
Value
9.8/10
Under $66, backed by a 3-year warranty. Available in 8 other colors.
#2 Best Cordless Water Flosser
Waterpik Cordless Freedom WF-03
- ADA-approved
- Compact flossing efficiency
- Superb for braces
Pros
It’s the best cordless water flosser from the company that invented the water flosser in 1962. It’s accepted by the American Dental Association, and clinically proven to be safe and effective. It’s guaranteed to reduce gingivitis symptoms in as little as two weeks.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.7/10
Its dual pressure modes (45 PSI and 75 PSI) produced more impressive results when tested against other brands’ portable models. Both pressure settings operate at an ideal 1200 pulses per minute. The dynamic pressure settings, coupled with the fixed pulsation speed, deliver a perfect, steady gush to eject plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. It includes two tips for general use and an orthodontic nozzle for flushing braces. The 150 mL water reservoir is easy to fill and holds enough water for 30 seconds of use.
Features
9.7/10
It runs on three AA batteries which can endure one to two months of daily use. The device is shower-safe and comes with a premium microfiber travel bag. Waterpik guarantees healthier gums in fourteen days or your money back.
Value
9.5/10
It’s available in black or white at under $48. Your purchase is backed by a 1-year warranty.
#3 Best Portable Water Flosser
ToiletTree Products Oral Irrigator by Poseidon Portable and Cordless Water Flosser
- Travel-friendly
- 150 mL reservoir
- Low-noise settings
Pros
It has a functional and highly mobile design that’s excellent for travel or home use. The performance of its variable pressure settings is comparable to most countertop flossers. The auto shut-off mechanism prevents unintended battery power depletion.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.3/10
You can choose between the normal (60 PSI) and soft (40 PSI) settings depending on the sensitivity of your teeth or gums. The super-fine 0.6 mm water spray goes through every space between your teeth to extricate plaque, tartar, and food debris. After flossing, shift to pulse mode (80 PSI) to clean and soothe your gums. All the settings are propelled by a motor that emits 68% less noise than other water flossers. The 150 mL water tank can be filled from two ports, which is suitable for 60 to 80 seconds of flossing.
Features
9.2/10
The device is IPX7 water-resistant for in-shower flossing and trouble-free maintenance. Its motor automatically stops after a two-minute cycle to preserve battery life. The tip is released from the handle with the push of a button. It runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last a week on an 8-hour full charge. The charging adapter has a universal 100V to 240V capacity. The Poseidon contains no harmful bisphenol A plastics that can cause a number of ailments.
Value
9.4/10
It’s priced at $27.95 with a USB cable and charger included.
#4 Best Dental Water Flosser
Panasonic Cordless Water Flosser EW1211A
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight yet durable
- 100% waterproof
Pros
It’s a reliable and portable water flosser that packs a lot of power for its size. The totally waterproof assembly makes it effortless to clean and maintain. The body’s curved, rubberized grip with intuitive, soft-touch control buttons will make flossing quicker and more comfortable.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.2/10
Each of its three pressure settings focuses on a particular oral care requirement. The Jet mode provides precision cleaning with its 85 PSI and 1500 pulses per minute configuration, which blasts plaque and food particles from your teeth’s enamel surface. The Air In Regular setting, with 55 PSI and 1400 pulses per minute is great for cleaning your gums, tongue, palate, and the insides of your cheeks. The Air in Soft setting is for massaging the gums to stimulate blood flow. All three settings are safe for braces, bridges, and crowns. The 130 mL tank allows 35 seconds of use.
Features
9.2/10
It utilizes a Ni-MH battery that charges on a wall-mountable AC charging dock. A full charge supplies fifteen minutes of run time. A memory feature remembers the last setting you used. The flosser and the charging dock are fully washable. The water tank is detachable and dishwasher-safe.
Value
8.9/10
It costs $63.00, with a 2-year warranty.
#5 Best Rechargeable Water Flosser
Philips Sonicare HX8211/02 Airfloss Rechargeable Electric Flosser
- Easy to use
- Outstanding battery life
- Unique flossing technology
Pros
It fires a mix of air and mist to clean between your teeth. It’s portable, lightweight, and less messy to floss with as it uses a minimal amount of water. It runs on a highly efficient lithium-ion battery that will run for days from a full charge.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.1/10
It discharges pressurized air and minute droplets of water to dislodge plaque and food debris from your teeth and gumline. It’s a one-button, single-tip flosser that provides a user-friendly, fuss-free operation. The combination of pressurized air and liquid works as well, if not better, than conventional water flossers to flush every corner of your mouth of unwanted deposits that may cause cavities or infection. It only takes 30 seconds for this device to thoroughly cleanse your mouth. A single press of the button delivers one burst. Holding down the button will initiate an auto-burst feature that automatically ejects one burst every second. It’s safe for braces, fillings, and bridgework. Mouthwash can be used in place of water for a longer-lasting fresh breath.
Features
9.1/10
It runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that’s engineered to endure up to fourteen flosses on a single charge. A battery indicator light flashes when the device needs to be recharged. The unit sits upright on a tiny, space-saving charging base. It has a multi-volt, universal adapter to make it extra-convenient for overseas travel.
Value
8.2/10
It’s available for $129.99 and supported by a standard 2-year warranty.
#6 Best Water Flosser For Bridges
Zerhunt Dental Water Flosser Teeth Cleaner
- High-frequency pulsation
- Anti-leak tank design
- Ideal for crowns and bridges
Pros
It’s a heavy-duty device that can reach and clean areas that a majority of water flossers can’t. Pressure settings permit a fine-tuned floss for your teeth and gums. The device’s elevated pulsation levels and specialized tips are perfect for cleaning crowns and bridges.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.6/10
It includes three standard jet tips, an orthodontic tip for braces, a plaque seeker tip, a periodontal tip for the gums, and a tongue cleaner tip. Switch between ten adjustable pressure settings from 30 to 125 PSI to floss parts of your teeth and gums with different responses to stimuli. Its advanced pulse modulation system produces a water pulsation rate of 1250 to 1700 pulses per minute for enhanced cleansing with optimal comfort. A high frequency pulsation is beneficial for those with braces and other restorative applications. It has a 600 mL capacity water reservoir that’s more than adequate for the 1-minute floss time recommended for the device.
Features
8.5/10
It’s well-built and designed for ultimate functionality: the control knobs and buttons are thoughtfully placed, the tips rotate 360 degrees, and the attachments are easily removed or alternated. As a safety precaution, a built-in timer is preprogrammed to turn off the machine after three minutes, in case you forget. The water tank is sealed with double rings to prevent leaks or seepage. It also features a 100V to 240V input.
Value
8.7/10
It’s available in black or white for just under $36.
#7 Best Multifunctional Water Flosser
H2ofloss Dental Water Flosser
- 12 tips included
- Large reservoir
- Quiet operation
Pros
This water-resistant, countertop water flosser is well-suited for the entire household. It includes 12 tips for all-around interdental cleaning. The water tank holds enough water for one full flossing without having to be refilled.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.3/10
It comes with twelve tips: four color-coded standard jet tips, and two tips each for cleaning your tongue, periodontal pockets, braces, and nasal passages. This extensive collection of nozzles makes it the best water flosser for multipurpose use. There are five pressure settings ranging from 5 to 110 PSI, and a pause button. Its 1200 water pulses per minute is lower than many countertop flossers, but sufficient to penetrate deep between your teeth and reach just below the gum line. The pulsating water also massages your gums. Its reservoir holds 800 mL of water for a maximum of three minutes of uninterrupted flossing.
Features
8.2/10
The unit is IPX7 water-resistant. The tips rotate 360 degrees with the turn of a knob on the handle. The pressure settings and pause switch is right on the handle for one-handed flossing. A safety feature will automatically shut off the device to prevent overheating. Its low-noise operation is powered through a 120V outlet. It includes a holder that can accommodate seven tips.
Value
8.3/10
$33.99, backed by a 2-year warranty.
