Best Water Flosser / Flosser of 2023 Reviews and Buying Guide
Are you looking for a dental jet (also called dental water flosser ) for complete oral hygiene (in addition to brushing)? Do you have implants or braces (braces) and still have food debris stuck in that brushing can’t remove? This guide will show you the best water flossers on the market and how to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Comparative Water Flosser, Dental Jet: best models
🏆 Our Ranking 🏆
1- Oral-B Oxyjet Water Flosser: A Reliable and Affordable Water Flosser
2- PANASONIC EW1411H845: Wireless and with a rechargeable battery, a best seller
3- WATERPIK WP-660EU: An ideal water flosser for implants
4- APIKER (FC169): Inexpensive but powerful water flosser approved by the FDA
5- PANASONIC EW-DJ40-W503: the smallest (foldable) but reliable
6- WATERPIK Ultra WP-100: A best-selling water flosser
7- WATERPIK Complete Care 5.0 WP-861: Ultrasonic toothbrush and water flosser
1- Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced,
Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced. A professional and affordable dental jet
The Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced is the best-selling model from the American brand, an expert in oral hygiene (the most recommended by dentists).
This dental cleaning device combines the best of Oral-B’s experience (with decades of experience in the design of water flossers) and the quality of the best German technology from Braun. It incorporates the unique Oxyjet technology, which enriches the pressurized water stream with purified air micro-bubbles, stimulating the gums while neutralizing bacteria under the gum line.
The water pressure can be adjusted to your liking thanks to a dial with five intensity levels. At maximum pressure, it can remove food debris, plaque, tartar, and other dirt from the mouth, even in the most inaccessible places.
In addition, it has a rotating jet which, together with the microbubble massage, will allow you to have healthier gums with use. Thus, in addition to preventing dental caries, it prevents gingivitis, bleeding gums, and inflammation.
Another great feature of this water flosser is that it allows you to add mouthwash to the great 600ml reservoir (which makes it especially recommended if you like to use mouthwash to supplement your oral hygiene and have better breath).
It works by rinsing two types of flow to choose from a single jet (to act intensely on specific areas) or multiple sprays (for people with sensitive gums, with a delicate massage).
Recommendation:
It is highly recommended for people with dental implants (fillings, crowns, bridges, …) and orthodontic appliances (brackets, …) because the jet is perfect for removing dirt from the most complicated places. This does not damage the implants or the gums around them.
It comes with 4 Oxyjet nozzles, so up to 4 people can use it at home.
The Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced irrigator for dental hygiene is a safe bet for the whole family for its performance, ease of use (it can be used in children and the elderly), and its price.
You can also check: Oral B toothbrushes
Pros
- Five levels of water pressure intensity
- Four nozzles included
- Circular nozzles, inspired by professional water flossers (allow to surround the tooth with ease)
- Air filter
- Two flow modes
- Suitable with mouthwash
- Suitable for implants and orthodontics
- Tank capacity
- Tank with lid
- Closed compartment for 4 bits
- Leading brand
- Excellent value
- Oxyjet technology with purified air beads
- Gum massage/stimulation
- Powerful
Cons
- Some people may find it noisy.
- Only one type of special nozzle (Oxyjet) is available.
2- Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser, Battery Operated & Portable for Travel & Home,
Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser: Portable dental jet, Wireless and with a rechargeable battery
The Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser portable water flosser from the famous Japanese consumer electronics brand incorporates the new interdental cleaning mode, which makes it more efficient than ever.
It has passed the clinical studies of the Department of Periodontology of the University of Dentistry of Japan. Which show that in just two weeks of use, it can improve gingival (gum) health.
This small interdental jet offers an incredible maximum pressure jet of almost 6 bar, which helps to remove all the dirt and food debris trapped between the teeth, periodontal pockets, gums, etc.
With this pressure, oral hygiene is also recommended for people with implants and braces. Other cleaning modes include Jet, Air in-Regular, and Air in-Soft. With the Air in method, micro-spheres of Air are injected into the pressurized water, stimulating circulation by gently massaging the soft tissues of the mouth (gums).
With this portable water flosser, the built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 60 minutes of runtime (20 days with three cleanings per day). This is a highly recommended water flosser for trips, getaways, and weekends for its small size and low weight (only 305 grams with the nozzle).
It has a very ergonomic design with a handle that serves as a reservoir and is easy to grip. Its 130ml capacity provides 120 seconds of battery life (more than enough for standard recommended cleaning).
The Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser Cordless Oral Flosser is very powerful (compared to other competitive devices), with the best technology and Japanese manufacturing quality, but at a lower price than you might expect!
Pros
- Four operating modes
- Microbubble Technology
- Clinically tested (for interdental and gingival cleaning)
- Gum massage
- Reduced water consumption with Interdental mode
- Suitable for implants
- Rechargeable battery
- Autonomy
- Lightweight
- Promotes the use of mouthwashes
- premium brand
- Japanese technology
- Powerful
Cons
- The tank may need to be more sufficient at maximum pressure, but it is effortless to refill it.
3- Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser Professional For Teeth, Gums, Braces, Dental Care,
WATERPIK WP-660EU: A powerful irrigator for implants
The Waterpik WP-660EU Aquarius, an oral water flosser, is one of the complete proposals of the prestigious American brand specializing in home appliances for dental hygiene.
Its technical characteristics of pressure and water flow are similar to those of the WP-100 model (the best-selling in the history of Waterpik) but with more features and a more compact design.
The innovative pulse modulation technology (which offers a jet of water at 1,400 pulses per minute ) increases its descaling power and eliminates tartar, food debris, interdental space, periodontal bags, and even band threads.
It is also worth noting its patented Hydro-Pulse technology, which produces a mild gingival massage effect, stimulating blood circulation in the gums and improving their health.
This electric flosser has a complete set of 7 nozzles, with what we consider essential in an excellent dental water flosser: a special nozzle for cleaning implants and a special nozzle for orthodontics are elements that it is impossible to clean well with a conventional brush.
In addition to the ten adjustable pressure intensities, it has two unique operating modes to adapt the cleaning to your needs: dental floss mode and a massage mode for gum stimulation.
In summary, the Waterpik WP-660EU Aquarius electric dental flosser is a highly recommended oral hygiene device for home use but with near-professional features (certified by the ADA, American Dental Association).
Pros
- 2 Special operating modes
- Ten adjustable pressure levels
- Kit of 7 nozzles included
- 360° rotating nozzle.
- Pulse modulation technology (increased cleaning power)
- Gum massage effect
- 1-minute timer with 30-second splits
- Recommended for dental implants and braces
- Control of the handle
- Tank capacity
- premium brand
- Competitive price
- Compact size
- Powerful
- ADA Compliant
Cons
- There are only 2 bits in the closed compartment for bit storage.
4- Apiker Water Flosser, Oral Irrigator for Teeth Cleaning & Braces Care, with 8 Multifunctional Tips,
APIKER (FC169): powerful Inexpensive water flosser approved by the FDA
The APIKER professional dental water flosser with eight multifunctional nozzles is a complete, well-equipped, and versatile proposal with the capabilities of a professional water flosser at one of the lowest prices (which has made it bestsellers).
It allows you to adjust the pressure intensity, with ten levels to choose from, using a manual wheel located on the base of the device, which (by the way) has a very compact and slim design.
You can tailor the pressure to your mouth’s sensitivity, using a high-frequency pulsating burst of water to remove any interdental dirt and get below the gum line (where tartar or plaque build-up).
It effectively prevents tooth decay, as it has been proven to remove up to 5 times more bacteria than a traditional toothbrush. But the highlight of this budget water flosser is that it comes with a complete set of 8 special cleaning nozzles (one of the most comprehensive you’ll see on the market today), with three standard nozzles (each with a color, ideal for family use), one special nozzle for removing bacteria and stains from teeth, one special nozzle for periodontal bags, one special nozzle for cleaning with orthodontic appliances, one nozzle for cleaning teeth, tongue and one special nozzle for nasal cleaning.
It is a powerful device with a maximum pressure of 150 PSI (equivalent to 10.3 bars). This pressure is relatively high and even higher than many more renowned brands.
Another detail of excellence of this cheap water flosser is that it is waterproof and water-resistant (class IPX7). So it can be used safely as an electrical device. It is made from BPA-free materials and is FDA (US Government Food and Drug Administration) certified for added safety.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this professional APIKER dental irrigator with eight multifunctional nozzles is among the most popular dental water flossers.
Pros
- Cheap
- Considerable power
- IPX7 water resistance
- Retractable and resistant spiral sleeve
- Tank with an anti-leak valve
- 360-degree rotating nozzle
- On/off button on the handle
- Ideal for implants and bands
- Closed storage compartment for accessories
- Ten adjustable pressure levels
- Eight special nozzles as standard
- Special nozzle for nasal cleaning
- BPA free
Cons
- Some users may find it noisy (at full power).
5- Panasonic Professional Cordless Water Flosser for Dental
Panasonic Professional Cordless: the smallest (foldable) but reliable
The Panasonic Professional Cordless portable oral irrigator is the ingenious proposal of the famous Japanese firm, specially designed for travelers.
The concept of this device is to allow complete dental hygiene wherever you go, with comfort thanks to an original telescopic mechanism that allows its length to be reduced to 14 cm.
The mouthpiece can be removed and stored in a side compartment of the device’s body, making it ultra-compact.
This powerful little dental water flosser from Panasonic offers a jet pressure of almost 6 bar. This pressure is comparable to many much larger water flossers. It is sufficient to remove food debris and tartar from the space between teeth, molars, braces, or implants using a powerful jet of water pulsed at a high frequency (1,500 pulses/minute).
To emphasize that this is a water flosser designed for travel, the charger incorporates automatic and universal voltage regulation (you can use it in any country worldwide).
It is IPX7 certified, waterproof, and water-resistant (you can use it in the shower). Moreover, its tank is removable for proper cleaning. Notably, the tank is dishwasher safe and is very convenient to fill with water.
Some details about the Panasonic water flosser:
You will find one cleaning nozzle in its box, but additional nozzle kits are available. Which can be used as a reserve or for family use.
Another important detail is that it can be used with mouthwash (so you can perform two operations at once: interdental cleaning and mouthwash for a fresher and cleaner mouth).
It is a rechargeable device, the battery of which has an autonomy of 15 minutes (freedom sufficient for five days in regular use).
This portable water flosser has something other competitors don’t, which when folded, the on/off button is hidden and protected.
So you can never accidentally press the button and drain the battery while traveling (which often happens with other water flossers when you carry them in your suitcase).
Not only is it small in size, but it’s also one of the lightest we’ve had the opportunity to test, weighing just 265 grams!
In our opinion, the Panasonic Professional Cordless portable dental hygiene water flosser needs to take up space. It combines the best technical characteristics to make it one of the best options as a travel water flosser.
Pros
- Two power modes
- IPX7 water resistance
- Tank capacity
- Suitable for implant use
- Dishwasher safe tank
- Easy-to-fill tank
- Gum massage
- Very lightweight
- When carried in luggage, the on/off button cannot be operated inadvertently because it is hidden.
- Charger with automatic voltage regulation (ideal for travel)
- Well-known brand
- Japanese quality
- Rechargeable battery
- Foldable
Cons
- travel case not included
6-Waterpik WP-100W White Ultra Water Flosser, 1 Each
WATERPIK Ultra WP-100: A professional dental water flosser
The Waterpik Ultra WP-100, a dental water flosser, has been the bestseller of the prestigious American firm since its launch (a few years ago).
This model has received clinical certification from the renowned American Dental Association (ADA) to demonstrate its reliability in removing dental plaque from teeth and gums. It is also one of the most recommended by dentists in their offices (for its reasonably priced performance).
This new Ultra version is an update that improves the previous iconic model (the Waterpik WP-100 Classic), such as a compact and quieter design, a greater variety of nozzles, and a new control button design on the handle or the closed compartment for storing the nozzles.
It incorporates a range of 7 types of specialized cleaning nozzles. These include the unique orthodontic mouthpiece, which is ideal if you wear braces, the Waterpik Plaque Seeker, which is specially designed for dentures with dental implants, and the tongue cleaner (for better breath).
It has a pressure intensity adjustment to adapt the cleaning to your convenience and the sensitivity of your teeth, with ten levels. A detail, for greater comfort, is that the nozzle can rotate on its axis 360º. This makes it easier to direct the jet to any point in the mouth.
This device is in Waterpik’s mid-range, but it’s powerful (nearly 7 bar maximum pressure and 384 ml per minute of water flow). The tank has a volume of 651 ml, with an autonomy of one and a half minutes of water flow.
In short, if you want a good, reliable water flosser and have implants or dental appliances. The Waterpik Ultra WP-100 will allow you to have a simple but complete oral hygiene device.
Pros
- Ten levels of water pressure regulation
- Seven nozzles included (including 1 for tongue cleaning)
- The nozzle can rotate 360º.
- Quieter than the previous version
- It is clinically tested by the ADA.
- Recommended for dental implants and braces
- Tank autonomy
- closed tank
- Closed storage compartment for the bit
- Mark
- Price/quality ratio
- Powerful
Cons
- No gingival massage
7-Water Flosser and Toothbrush Combo with 11 Tips,
7- Water Flosser and Toothbrush: Ultrasonic toothbrush and water flosser
The Water Flosser and Toothbrush Cordless Water Flosser with Toothbrush is a new proposal from the famous brand and represents a perfect combination of the two devices that will allow you to complete oral hygiene… much more effective than traditional dental floss!
This dental hydro jet offers adjustable water pressure, between 10 and 100 PSI. But with dimensions that have been reduced compared to previous models.
This particular Waterpik device is a 2-in-1 that, in addition to the hydrodynamic cleaner. It also has a battery-operated toothbrush with ultrasonic technology.
As a dental cleaning powerhouse, it can be used for individuals and families (with extra nozzles and heads).
There is no doubt about its effectiveness since, in addition to ADA certification, it has passed clinical studies showing that this oral water flosser is 50% more effective than dental floss and 100% more effective in improving gum health (even in the presence of implants).
Plus, it’s so powerful it’s up to three times more effective at cleaning teeth with braces (and if you have braces, you know how hard it is to remove all the foods trapped there).
Triple Sonic feature:
The toothbrush features Triple Sonic technology, making it nine times more effective at removing stains from teeth than brushing with conventional toothpaste. It has three operating programs: cleaning, whitening, and massage.
This rotating electric toothbrush works wirelessly, thanks to a rechargeable battery with a charge indicator. The toothbrush has a long battery life and includes a practical carrying case, making it ideal for use outside the home (travel, work, etc.).
To ensure that the brushing time is sufficient, it has a 2-minute timer (recommended by dentists).
The Water Flosser and Toothbrush are good choices if you need two devices in a small space. It is ideal for small bathrooms.
Pros
- Adjustable pressure on ten levels
- Bit storage box
- timer
- Recommended for dental implants and braces
- Toothbrush travel case
- Two standard toothbrush heads
- Mark
- Small (for dental hygiene station)
- Waterproof toothbrush
- Battery life
- Three operating modes (brush)
Cons
- If you have more than one in the family, you will need to buy more cleaning nozzles.
Which dental jet/water flosser to buy? Purchase guide
What is a water flosser?
A dental (or oral) water flosser is an electrical device that projects a jet (continuous or bursts) of water under pressure. Traditionally used by professionals, technology now allows it to be used at home.
Also, the modern water flosser usually has high-frequency pulsating water technology.
Several clinical studies show that a water pulsation rate of 1,400 pulses/minute is ideal for the most effective removal of dental plaque, bacteria, and food debris.
In the case of a fixed water flosser, it has a central unit where a water tank is integrated, which connects through a hose or sleeve to the control handle and in which there is the nozzle from which comes out the pressurized water jet.
In a portable water flosser, everything (reservoir, handle, and nozzle) is integrated into a single device.
There are also non-electric water flossers, which can be tap water flossers (the pressure is the same as the household water supply) or manual water flossers (where the pressure is exerted utilizing an actuated mechanism by hand).
What is a water flosser used for?
The irrigator eliminates dirt (plaque, tartar, food debris, bacteria, etc.) in places in the mouth that conventional brushing cannot reach: the interdental spaces and under the gumline (or periodontal pockets).
Most people think that brushing their teeth is enough, but the toothbrush’s bristles cannot penetrate well into the spaces between the teeth, the molars, and the periodontal pockets, where there is always trapped food debris.
This can eventually lead to cavities between the teeth which are not visible until it is too late… a water flosser prevents this!
It also cleans the gums gently, more delicately, and without damaging them (ideal in gingivitis, bleeding or inflamed gums, etc.)
How to use a water flosser?
Using a water flosser is easy and requires no prior knowledge. All you need to do is follow these three basic steps (we’ll focus on a stationary water flosser, but they’re all similar):
First step
- Insert the cleaning nozzle into the handle and fill the water tank.
- We recommend that you always use lukewarm water for greater comfort for your teeth and gums.
Second step
- Select the desired pressure level and cleaning mode (if offered).
- Tip: start with the lowest intensity and increase it as needed (mainly if a child or older person uses it).
Third step
- Stand over the sink. Insert the mouthpiece without closing your lips and press the power button.
- Guide the tip into the spaces between the teeth and then go over the gum line.
How long should the Water Flosser be used?
Professionals recommend that interdental cleaning with an oral water flosser be carried out for at least one minute and never exceed 5 minutes after brushing.
Therefore, the ideal duration is 30 seconds for the lower half of the mouth and 30 seconds for the upper half.
When to use a water flosser: before or after brushing?
The water flosser can be used after brushing teeth and leaving at least 2 hours between uses (so as not to weaken the enamel).
The recognized American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once to avoid gum damage. Still, with the Water Flosser, there is no risk of damaging the gums (that’s why you can use it after each brushing).
Benefits of using a dental water flosser
Using a water flosser has only advantages:
- Several clinical studies have shown that water flosser is much more effective than interdental brushes, dental floss, and other conventional methods.
- It removes food debris, plaque, and bacteria that a regular toothbrush can’t go (under the gum line and in the spaces between teeth).
- Gently cleans the gums without damaging them.
- Prevents cavities.
- Prevents periodontitis or gingivitis, inflammation, and bleeding gums.
- Stimulates blood circulation in the gums and improves their health.
- The jet is not bothersome if you suffer from tooth sensitivity, sensitive gums, or bleeding gums, …
- If you have implants, this allows you to clean the contact with the gums without damaging them.
- This is the most effective method for cleaning food debris trapped in the wires of orthodontic appliances, such as braces.
- Prevents bad breath (especially water flossers with special nozzles for cleaning the tongue).
- Prevents tartar formation.
How to choose the best oral irrigator?
To choose the best water flosser for dental hygiene, you should consider your needs and the following conditions:
Fixed or portable dental water flosser? Types of Water Flossers
Depending on where you are going to use the water flosser or what features you need, the differences between a stationary water flosser and a portable water flosser are:
Stationary water flossers:
– For stationary use in the sink at home, they have a more extensive water reservoir, greater pressure control (more levels of intensity regulation), and advanced functions (a timer, etc.).
Portable water flossers:
– For use outside the home (mainly when traveling), they are cordless (battery or rechargeable batteries) and are small (take up little space in a suitcase, bag, etc.).
Stationary water flosser with the electric brush:
– It has all the advantages of a stationary water flosser, but it has an integrated cordless brush. Ideal if you want two devices in 1, taking up minimal space (fewer wires, etc.).
Water pressure regulation
Oral water flossers usually have multiple pressure settings. Fixed models generally have 3 to 10 levels of adjustment, and portable models have 2 to 3 levels.
The higher the number of adjustment levels, the better the pressure control and cleaning customization. We recommend (especially if you are using an oral water flosser for the first time) to start rinsing at the lowest intensity (setting 1) and increase as much as your teeth or gums tolerate it.
Water tank capacity
The size or capacity of the reservoir depends on the type of water flosser and its design.
Portable water flossers typically have a maximum reservoir capacity of 210ml, and desktop water flossers typically have a 600-1000ml reservoir.
The size of the tank determines the autonomy of the water jet:
150 ml > 30 sec
210 ml > 45 sec
450 ml > 60 sec
600 to 1000 ml > 90 sec
On portable water flossers, it often happens that the water runs out during oral cleaning, and you have to pause to refill it, but it’s a quick operation.
Another critical detail (on fixed dental water flossers) is that the tank has a lid.
Using Mouthwash or Rinse with the Water Flosser
Some irrigators allow you to add a mouthwash to the jet by adding the product to the water tank (pouring it after the water and in the proportion indicated on the instructions).
This is a feature you need to consider if you are one of those people who need or like to have good breath or a fresher, cleaner mouth.
Using the Dental Water Flosser with Implants and Braces
Any oral water flosser is highly recommended for implants and dental appliances. Still, some brands have special nozzles for removing food debris between wires and bracket components and special nozzles for cleaning around dental implants (fillings, crowns, …) without damaging either the implant or the gums.
A good example is Waterpik Water Flossers and their Waterpik PS-100E Plaque Seeker Tip (special for implants) or Waterpik Orthodontic Tip OD-100E (special for orthodontics).
Handle controls
All water flossers have an on/off button on the handle (stationary or handheld). Still, the more advanced ones also have an additional control that pauses the jet when pressed and restarts it when released while the device is running.
This button allows better control of the jet and saves on the tank’s water consumption (you only use the quantity of water you need). It is helpful if you take a short break during cleaning.
360-degree rotatable tip
The swivel base allows the nozzle to rotate 360 degrees, which is very useful for directing the jet of water to the desired location of the area to be cleaned. This is a function that many water flossers allow. It is not essential but highly recommended for convenience. It will enable the pressurized water jet to be directed by turning the nozzle with the thumb without stopping the plane.
Gum massage mode
The best water flossers have a unique program of pulsed water or pressurized water enriched with micro air bubbles that massage and stimulate the gums.
It is an important and almost essential function if you have problems with gingivitis, bleeding gums, sensitive gums, or swollen gums, … because this mode of massage has been proven to improve gum health.
On some water flossers, a set of nozzles may be included, or you will need to purchase it separately.
Cleaning time
Various professional dental organizations recommend that interdental cleaning with a water flosser be done after brushing your teeth for 60 seconds.
A unique feature (typically found on mid to high-end water flossers) that helps you control your cleaning time is that the water flosser shuts off after 30 seconds to remind you to switch to a water flosser—another half of your mouth.
At one minute (30 seconds after the previous one), the Water Flosser stops again, and here it tells you that the interdental cleaning time has reached the recommended time. However, the device may continue to operate (until there is no more water or you stop it).
Best Water Flosser Brands
In the oral hygiene sector, many brands market water flossers for home use, with more or less wide ranges, among others: Waterpik, Oral B – Braun, AEG, Nevadent, PHB, Hangsun, Apiker, Sogo, Vitis, Pro-HC, Boston Tech, Panasonic, Lacer, Philips, Xiaomi, Mx Onda, Ovonni, Solac, Farline, …
But among all these brands, the ones that dominate the market are:
- Waterpik is the global market leader and most recognized in technology and quality (with ADA certification). Founded in 1962, the company is based in Fort Collins (Colorado, USA) and is one of the pioneers in designing and manufacturing water flossers.
- Oral-B is the North American expert brand in oral hygiene, with a wide range of specialized products. It is the brand most recommended by dentists and the inventor of the electric toothbrush. It was founded in 1950 in San Jose (California, USA), and its water flossers are highly sought after for their reliability.
- Panasonic is a famous consumer electronics brand specializing in portable and travel dental water flossers. The brand was founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita and is based in Kadoma City, Japan. A Panasonic dental jet is synonymous with Japanese quality and technology.
- Philips (Koninklijke Philips NV), the prestigious Dutch multinational consumer electronics company, offers a range of exclusively portable Philips interdental jets with innovative technical features and exceptional design and build quality. It was founded in 1891 in Eindhoven (Netherlands).
- Lacer is a pharmaceutical laboratory well known for its wide range of oral hygiene products (from mouthwash to toothpaste to toothbrushes, etc.). It only sells one water flosser model, but it is trendy in pharmacies because of its good value for money.
- Xiaomi is a top-rated Chinese technology company known for bringing out highly innovative electronic devices and gadgets at a low price but with a quality far above standard. It has only one travel water flosser model in its catalogue, but with enviable and superior performance to other more renowned brands.
You can find prices ranging from 30 euros for a basic model to 150 euros for a high-end brand (or 250 euros for dental hygiene basics: water flosser with a brush).
