Watch out, dental floss – water flossers are coming for the throne. Unlike floss, which can be difficult to get into all the nooks and crannies, the best water flossers are much more user-friendly once you get the hang of it. However, our dentists recommend using both methods at the same time, 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 get 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 top tips on how and when to floss.
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 choice because of its large tank, which means you don’t have to refill it often, and advanced pressure settings. “It’s especially effective for people with braces or implants, ensuring thorough care and maintenance,” says celebrity dentist Dr. Sands. With 10 settings to choose from, you can adjust the volume to your preference.
- Pressure settings: 10 settings (1-10)
- Benchtop or wireless: Bench
- Water tank size: 22 fl. ounce.
- Timer: Yes
- Rotating tip: Yes
Better Wireless: Panasonic Battery Water Dental Flosser
- Why we love it: This water flosser is the ultimate travel companion, offering a smart combination of power and portability. “Its compact design ensures easy portability and use, while its simple maintenance makes it ideal for anyone who needs reliable oral care on the go,” says Dr. Sands.
- Pressure settings: 2 (low and high)
- Benchtop or wireless: Wireless
- Water tank size: 5.5 fl. ounce.
- Timer: No
- Rotating tip: No
Better Design: Quip Rechargeable Water Bottle
- Why we love it: As a Taurus, aesthetics really matter to me, especially if the item is going to take up valuable bathroom counter space. 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 continuous or on-demand flow, giving users more control and potentially reducing mess.” It’s also great for those with braces, as it “provides effective cleaning between teeth and along the gum line. The two pressure modes allow users to adjust the tension of their floss, which can improve plaque removal and gum health,” adds Dr. Sands.
- Pressure settings: 2 (soft and deep)
- Benchtop or wireless: Wireless
- Water tank size: 150 mL
- Timer: Yes
- Rotating tip: Yes
Best for travel: Gushing water
- Why we love it: You never know who you’ll meet on holiday, so it’s important to keep your oral hygiene up to par. For a portable, wireless option, Dr. Kahng recommends this model for its comfort during travel. He 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)
- Benchtop or wireless: Wireless
- Water tank size: 4 fl. ounce.
- Timer: No
- Rotating tip: Yes
Best for dental appliances: Oral-B Water Flosser
- Why we love it: Oral-B reminds us of childhood, so we were drawn to this water flosser that combines water pressure and micro-bubbles to target plaque bacteria that can build up along the gum line. “This targeted approach not only helps 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 can be difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush alone. “Incorporating this strand of water into your daily routine can improve your oral care regimen, leading to stronger, healthier gums and a reduced risk of periodontal disease.”
- Pressure Settings: 3 (strong, medium, sensitive)
- Benchtop or wireless: Wireless
- Water tank size: N/A
- Timer: No
- Rotating tip: Yes
What is water thread?
Think of water flossers as a dynamic mouth wash. More specifically, Dr. Sands describes it as a dental device that uses a stream of pulsating water to clean between the teeth and below the gum line. The device typically consists of a handle and nozzle that directs a pressurized stream of water, helping to “remove food particles and plaque that can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay,” 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 flossing is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their oral hygiene, especially those with braces, implants or bridges, as well as those with gingivitis or sensitive gums,” says Dr. Sands. Brackets and wires can make it difficult to keep teeth clean with braces, and dental bridges can be difficult to clean with traditional floss. Dr. Kahng notes that for bridges, a floss can be cumbersome, making water floss a more convenient solution. In addition, he says water flossers are beneficial for implant patients by helping to irrigate effectively around them.
Are water flossers as effective as dental floss?
“Water flossing can sometimes be better at cleaning gums than flossing, mainly because most people don’t floss properly,” says Dr. Kahng. He adds that while flossing remains the gold standard, many patients achieve better results with a water flosser because of its ease of use. Dr. Sands agrees, noting that they can be especially useful for removing plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
That said, both dentists stress that water flossing is no substitute for flossing. You should use both—flossing with water is a supplement to flossing. “Water flossing can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth where flossing is necessary. These areas are where cavities can form, so you need to floss,” says Dr. Kahng.
How to use a water thread?
Dr. Sands explains that to use a water flosser, fill the reservoir with water, select the appropriate pressure setting, and place the nozzle in your mouth. Turn on the device and move the nozzle along the gum line and between the teeth, directing the stream to the places where plaque and food particles can accumulate. To avoid splashing, it is best to lean over the sink and keep your mouth slightly open. There are also models that attach to the shower if you’re worried about the potential mess.
How often should you floss?
“It’s recommended that you floss at least once a day, ideally before you brush your teeth,” says Dr. Sands. Daily use helps maintain gum health, reduce plaque build-up and improve overall oral hygiene. However, it is important to remember that a water flosser does not replace traditional floss. “While water flossing can sometimes be more effective at cleaning gums compared to flossing, flossing is still vital for cleaning between teeth where water flossing can’t reach,” says Dr. Kahng.
What to look for in a water thread?
- Pressure Settings: Many water flossers are available with different pressure settings. For everyday use, Dr. Kahng says you don’t necessarily need a lot of settings, just one that feels comfortable. “Higher pressure settings are useful for thorough cleaning, while lower settings are gentler on sensitive gums,” says Dr. Sands.
- Benchtop vs Wireless: Countertop models typically offer more power and larger water tanks, making them ideal for thorough cleaning. Battery models are more convenient for travel and smaller spaces, although they may have smaller water tanks and less power, explains Dr. Sands.
- Water tank size: Dr. Sands shares that a larger water tank means more use 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 part of your mouth, promoting efficient use and consistency in your oral care routine,” says Dr. Sands.
- Rotating Tip: Some water flossers have a rotating tip, which can help reach different areas of the mouth more easily and enhance flossing effectiveness, Dr. Kahng says. However, this feature is not necessary and largely depends on personal preference.
