The best water flossers for better oral hygiene

Our smile is important to us. A smile is everyone’s best feature, and looking after our teeth is one foolproof way to make sure that it stays sparkling. Of course, oral hygiene is not only important for the sake of our looks, but also for the health of our teeth and gums.

We all know that brushing our teeth regularly (ideally with an electric toothbrush) helps to keep bacteria, plaque and tartar under control and reduces the risk of gum disease. We also know about flossing and how it is an important way of preventing cavities and cleaning areas that a toothbrush simply cannot not reach.

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If we're honest, most of us fall a little short when it comes to using dental floss. That’s because it comes with plenty of downsides - whether its bleeding gums, fraying string, or difficulty reaching some teeth, we can all struggle when it comes to traditional flossing. Plus, it isn't an eco-friendly option. So, is there a better solution? That’s where water flossing comes in.

Water flossers have been around for some time and are hardly a new phenomenon. Unlike traditional flossing, water flossers - sometimes called water picks - use an oral irrigator to spray water into the mouth and gums. The pressure and pulsation of the water massages the gums, cleaning away any plaque and food debris.

The effectiveness of water flossers over traditional flossers is still a controversial topic, although studies have shown that water flossers are significantly more effective than traditional flossing in terms of removing plaque. Water flossers are regarded as a better choice for those with braces or similar dental work, and they are far more environmentally friendly as they produce zero waste.

However, water flossers are a much more expensive product compared to traditional string floss, and as a result, require far more thought prior to purchase. To make things easier on you, we have outlined the top seven water flossers on the market today.

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A quick look at our selection

• Oral-B Aquacare 6 Pro-Expert Water Flosser

• H2ofloss Water Flosser Professional

• PECHAM Portable Water Flosser

• Waterpik WP-660UK Ultra Professional Water Flosser

• Liberex FC2660S Cordless Water Flosser

• Laluztop Cordless Water Flosser

• Fairywill Water Flosser

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The Best Water Flossers

How do water flossers work?

Water flossers allow you to directly apply a thin, pressurised jet of water to the areas between your teeth and up to your gum line. The pressure and pulsations provided by the water flosser can help clean away plaque and food debris. If you’re new to water flossing, it might take you a few goes to get used to the water pressure and technique.

The water is held in a small refillable tank, typically with a 300ml capacity on portable devices. The motor and pulsations are powered by either a rechargeable battery or a mains power outlet.

Do dentists recommend water flossers?

While studies have suggested that water flossers are equally, if not more, effective than traditional flossers in the removal of plaque, dentists still appear sceptical about their effectiveness compared to string flossing. A combination of water and string flossing is the most widely recommended approach for optimal oral hygiene. Just remember to always consult your dentist to determine best practice.

Are water flossers as good as traditional flossers?

While traditional flossers are sometimes regarded as more effective in the removal of harmful plaque, water irrigators are often the better choice for example in the case of sensitives gums and orthodontic work. Before replacing string flossing all together, speak to your dentist and determine which flossing technique is best suited to you.

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