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Confession time! I don't floss daily, even though I tell my dentist otherwise, but I do carry floss picks for those emergency food-stuck-in-teeth moments. These instances inevitably remind me of my inconsistent flossing habits. I've long wondered whether a good water flosser would help me be more diligent. Now, after much research and testing of various water flossers, my answer is yes. So, what is a water flosser and how does it work? A water flosser is a handheld device that streams water at a steady pace to remove food particles from between your teeth, just like traditional dental floss.
According to the American Dental Association, optimal oral hygiene involves brushing for two minutes twice daily to prevent plaque buildup and cleaning between teeth once daily to prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis. Despite this, fewer than 50% of people floss daily.
Why? A 2022 study lists various reasons, such as fear of bleeding gums or pain, forgetfulness, and skepticism about the effectiveness of flossing in addition to brushing to prevent gingivitis, even when doctors recommend it.
However, the fear of bleeding or damaged gums is no longer a valid excuse. According to the ADA, water flossing is an excellent alternative for those with dental work that makes traditional flossing challenging. This includes people with crowns, bridges, braces or implants.
And it's never too early to start flossing. "Children should begin flossing when they have two teeth that touch, typically around the age of 2 or 3," says Casey Johnson, DDS, a board-certified orthodontist who practices in Colorado. "It's generally recommended to start with regular dental floss to ensure that proper technique and habits are established." But if kids find floss hard to use, a water flosser can be an effective alternative, says Johnson, if used under adult supervision.
He recommends the Waterpik brand because "it is easy to use, durable and has everything you would need for a water flosser." Other brands may have more bells and whistles, "but Waterpik is a simple solution that does the job well at a relatively low cost for the consumer," Johnson says.
As it happens, after testing multiple products and speaking with a number of dentists about what to look for in a high-quality water flosser, I tend to agree: Waterpik wins out as the top pick for best water flosser. That said, there are four other flossers that stand out for a number of reasons, whether you're on a budget, you're looking for a long-lasting battery or you want a flosser you can take with you when you travel. So read on to discover which water flossers made the cut (and which ones didn't).
Table of contents
Related: We also compiled a list of the best electric toothbrushes you can buy to boost your oral hygiene. And check out our list of the best at-home teeth whitening products to help you get that Hollywood smile.
Update, April 15, 2025: We checked all prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best water flosser remains unchanged.
Best overall water flosser
More water flossers we like
Traditional dental floss vs. water flossers
Experts agree that a water flosser should supplement rather than replace traditional flossing in most cases. "While water flossers are effective, regular floss remains the gold standard for flossing because it can reach slightly under the gums, providing better removal of food particles and plaque," says Chelsea Perry, DMD, a dentist practicing in Westborough, Mass.
Factors to consider when purchasing a water flosser
When choosing the best water flosser, it's essential to think about your health and lifestyle needs. Here's what to consider:
Gum sensitivity: Look for models with adjustable pressure settings and gentle pulse modes.
Orthodontics, implants and crowns: Choose a flosser with specialized nozzles for braces and other dental appliances. Ensure the flosser has tips designed to effectively clean around implants and crowns.
Lifestyle: Do you travel frequently? If so, opt for a cordless, rechargeable model that's compact and easy to pack.
Space availability: Select a design that fits comfortably in your bathroom, especially if space is limited.
Affordability: Find a model that fits your budget without compromising essential features.
What to look for in a water flosser
Here are the factors to look for when shopping for a water flosser:
Type: Countertop or cordless? A countertop model offers more power but requires space and an outlet, while a cordless model is portable, rechargeable and travel-friendly.
Water pressure settings: Perry points out that adjustable pressure settings can accommodate different sensitivity levels.
Water capacity: To avoid frequent refills as you floss, consider the flosser's water capacity — a larger reservoir means you may be able to get through a full session without having to stop to add more water. Just be aware that Perry advises against leaving water in the reservoir between uses.
Nozzles: Check for a variety of nozzles to address different dental needs.
Pulsation frequency: Ensure the flosser offers effective pulsation for thorough cleaning.
Features: Do you need normal, soft or massage pulse modes to enhance your flossing routine? What about a pause button to control water flow or a water pressure indicator for precise control? Perry adds that a rotating nozzle helps reach all areas of your mouth.
Design and ergonomics: Evaluate how the flosser fits into your space and how comfortable it is to hold and use. Perry adds that she avoids flossers with overly complex controls and those that are difficult to clean.
Price: More expensive doesn't always mean better. Quality options are available for every budget.
Warranty: Check for a warranty to ensure your investment is protected.
As dental hygienist JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, PhD, a Proclaim Health adviser, points out, "The best option when it comes to toothbrushes, flossing and beyond is always the one that the patient will use regularly."
So, spend some time doing your homework and choosing the best option for you.
How we chose the best water flosser
We did our research, contacted multiple dentists and dental health experts, including the American Dental Association, and spoke to almost a dozen longtime water flosser users to select the eight products we tested.
All testers completed a standardized rating form for each product they tested, and based on their ratings and notes, the final product selections were determined.
FAQs
Are water flossers as effective as traditional floss?
Yes and no, according to the research and the experts. Even proponents of water flossers concede that traditional flossing produces the best results if done frequently. But that's the key: frequency. "Water flossers require less effort and therefore are used more frequently than traditional floss," says Johnson.
Can I use a water flosser if I have braces or implants?
Yes. Some water flossers tout their effectiveness for people with implants or orthodontics, and many of the dentists we spoke to said they recommend them for patients in those categories.
"We have patients tell us they will use normal floss," says Johnson, "but after a few appointments, it's clear that they haven't flossed at all. We have found that patients who use water flossers use them much more frequently and often have healthier gums."
How often should I use a water flosser?
At least once a day for 60 seconds. The best time to floss is at night before bed. Perry's nighttime routine is to brush for two minutes, floss with traditional floss and then use a water flosser.
Who shouldn't use a water flosser?
"People with periodontal disease should not use a water flosser because the force of the water jet can potentially push bacteria deeper into the gum pockets, exacerbating the condition," says Perry.
What's the difference between a water flosser and an electric toothbrush?
An electric toothbrush can help you get to hard-to-reach tooth surface areas. A water flosser can get between teeth and below the gumline, but it doesn't clean the tooth surface.
Is a countertop or cordless water flosser better for me?
It depends on your preferences and needs. Countertop models generally provide more flossing tips for family use but take up more space and need a power outlet. Cordless water flossers are rechargeable, portable and convenient. They often come with various flossing tips designed for different purposes, although they may be less suitable for multiple users sharing the same device.
Other water flossers we tested
Oclean: This water flosser must be the most streamlined, elegantly designed flosser I've ever seen. I wanted to love it. Unfortunately, even on the lowest-intensity setting, the tips suctioned my inner cheeks and underneath my tongue and vibrated too forcefully for me.
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000: I loved this compact countertop version of the Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser, but since it offers the same features as its cordless counterpart, we chose to include the cordless version instead.
Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser: It's a basic version of the newer and more feature-rich Waterpik models on our list, so we chose not to include this water flosser. However, it's a solid option for those who want a simple, cost-effective flosser.
Meet our experts
JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA, dental adviser at Proclaim Health
Casey Johnson, DDS, board-certified orthodontist at All Kids Dental in Colorado
Chelsea Perry, DMD, founder of Elite Dental Studio in Westborough, Mass.
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