Water Flossers
(Also known as ‘Oral irrigators’)
Last updated: 18th March 2024
Written by Dr Zaeem Jafri
Water flossers are gaining popularity for their effectiveness and ease of use. At Nova Smiles, we're all about exploring innovative ways to maintain your smile, and water flossing is a technique worth exploring, especially since a lot of you ask our online dentists about water flossers.
In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about water flossers.
In Summary
Water flossers are very effective in removing plaque from in between your teeth and under your gum line
They have been clinically trialled and show similar plaque reduction to tape floss
Most people prefer using a water flosser compared to tape floss as it is easier
Water flossers are great at getting under bridges, braces and implants
You should use them before brushing your teeth with toothpaste
The best and most tested water flossers on the market are made by Waterpik
What is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser, (also known as an oral irrigator), is a handheld device that uses a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between your teeth and below the gumline.
Think of it as a power washer for your teeth and gums! It's designed to complement your brushing routine, reaching places your toothbrush can't.
Many people will use water flossers as an alternative option to using normal string floss.
They come in counter-top and cordless versions.
Are water flossers effective?
Recent research has shown that water flossing can be as effective as, or even superior to, traditional tape floss in removing plaque from between teeth.
Additionally, the people who were participating in the study highlighted that they preferred the process of water flossing compared to using tape floss because it was much easier to do.
With a water flosser, you can reach hard-to-clean areas without having to manually hold and manoeuvre tape floss which leads to a more pleasant experience and a high likelihood of establishing the habit of cleaning in between your teeth before brushing.
Research
Which is the best water flosser to use?
When you search for a water flosser you will see hundreds of different options at different price points so it can be hard to choose which one to go for.
In general, when choosing a product that you want to use for years, we normally advise sticking with established brands that have been making similar products for a while and who will be available to help with issues if they arise.
We have seen several water-flossers enter the market and then become discontinued shortly after, meaning that you won’t be able to get replacement tips for your machine.
Waterpik
Waterpik has been a leader in water flosser development and is one of the original brands that holds several patents. it is also the most common brand used in the clinical trials mentioned above.
Waterpik is also approved by the Oral Health Foundation.
They offer 2 different styles of water flossers
Countertop water flossers like the Waterpik Ultra Professional (£82)
Portable water flossers like the Waterpik Cordless Advanced (£119.99)
They also have a cheaper cordless option called the Waterpik Cordless Pearl for £63.68.
A cordless Waterpik is our choice of water flosser to recommend because they have been around for 60 years and are the water flossers used in most of the clinical trials testing their efficacy.
Alternative Water Flossers to buy
Below is a list of alternative water flossers you may wish to consider if Waterpik doesn’t seem right for you.
Oral B Oral Irrigatorr
Oral B is a well-established oral care brand and has a few options to choose from:
Oral-B Oral Health Center Irrigator - A countertop water flosser which combines with their electric toothbrush for £175.
Oral-B OxyJet cleaning system - A countertop water flosser for £102.92.
Oral-B Aquacare 6 Pro Expert - A cordless water flosser for £85.
Spotlight Oral Care - Water Flosser with UV Steriliser
The Spotlight Oral Care Water Flosser with UV Steriliser distinguishes itself with a unique feature: a built-in UV sterilizer to ensure the cleanliness of the device's tips.
It’s a cordless option which costs £120.
400ml water tank
Gentle Mode - Water Pressure: 60 PSI
Clean Mode - Water Pressure: 120 PSI
Pulse Mode - Water Pressure: 60-120 PSI
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser is a cordless option for £79.99.
Leveraging the Philips Sonicare air and micro-droplet technology, this flosser efficiently cleans between teeth and along the gumline, removing up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas. It's engineered to improve gum health and is especially beneficial for people with braces, implants, or other dental work.
3 intensities
250ml water tank
Panasonic Dentacare
The Panasonic Dentacare water flosser is a cordless option for £75.64.
2 modes
165ml water tank
Ordo water flosser
The Ordo Water Flosser is a sleek and modern addition to any bathroom vanity, designed for those who seek both style and functionality in their oral hygiene tools. It’s a cordless water flosser and costs £44.99
3 pressure settings 80-160 psi
260ml water tank
4 weeks battery
60-day money back guarantee
How to use a water flosser
Using a water flosser is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your oral hygiene routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Fill the Reservoir: Begin by filling the water flosser's reservoir with lukewarm water. For those with sensitive teeth or gums, warm water can provide a more comfortable experience. Ensure the reservoir is properly attached to the base of the unit.
Select the Tip: Choose the appropriate tip for your needs. Most water flossers come with a variety of tips designed for general cleaning, plaque removal, orthodontic care, and more. Insert the selected tip firmly into the handle.
Adjust the Pressure Setting: If you're new to water flossing, start with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable. The right pressure allows for effective cleaning without causing discomfort.
Lean Over the Sink: Position yourself over the sink and place the tip in your mouth. Close your lips slightly to prevent splashing, but allow water to flow freely from your mouth into the sink.
Turn On the Water Flosser: With the tip in your mouth, turn the unit on. Begin with the back teeth, and move the tip along the gumline and between teeth. Pause briefly between teeth to allow the water stream to flush out any debris or plaque.
Clean Both Sides of Each Tooth: Ensure you clean the inside and outside surfaces of each tooth. For best results, follow a pattern to ensure no area is missed. It's recommended to spend at least a minute on this entire process.
Adjust Your Technique as Needed: As you become more accustomed to using the water flosser, you may find a specific technique that works best for you. This could involve adjusting the pressure setting or the angle at which you hold the tip.
Drain and Clean: After use, empty any remaining water from the reservoir and rinse the unit as directed by the manufacturer. This helps prevent mould and mineral buildup, keeping your water flosser in optimal condition.
Ideally, you want to use your water flosser every day (before bed is a good idea) and you want to use your water flosser before brushing your teeth with toothpaste.
Chat with our dentists about water flossers
If you have any more questions about water flossers, it could be more about the products, how to use them or if you need help figuring out which one you should buy, click the button below to speak to one of our dentists.