However, if you avoid new dentistry tools at all costs and are new to water flossing, work your way up to full blast. The options on this list all offer multiple pressure ranges and are strong enough at their lowest setting to get the job done. “If your gums are prone to bleeding, speak with your dentist or hygienist prior to changing your oral care routine,” he adds.
3. Consider the different head options—but start standard
While most water flossers come with a standard tip—a nozzle that shoots water, no other bells or whistles—some also come with sensitivity-minded heads or even ones that navigate and irrigate around braces and retainers. Most people will be fine with the standard-fit nozzle, but Dr. Aguilera advises you to be mindful of your precise needs and find a device that satisfies the checklist.
Water Flosser Benefits
1. Water flossers can give your mouth a 360-degree clean
Any water flossers that have earned the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval should be good at removing food debris and dental plaque, notes Kate Zoumboukos, DDS, a dentist at SW Austin Dental in Austin, Texas. However, she says you should also account for the tool’s ability to blast water at various angles and pressures when snagging one. “Some dental restorations such as fixed bridges, or wire-based orthodontic treatments can be difficult to clean,” she says. “Water flossers can access many of these challenging areas.” You’ll see a specific pick for braces and retainers in our roster that I’ve selected specifically for that reason.
2. The best water flossers have a range of settings
While some of the more complicated water flossers may come with a learning curve, they still offer a vast array of options for you, be it the pulse, pressure, speed, or cast of the water. This makes it something you can share with other members of your household, so long as you each person has your own dedicated nozzle. “It’s important to follow the directions of the water flosser system,” says Dr. Zoumboukos. “Users must be aware of the nozzle direction and water pressure setting.” And when you get started, she urges taking it easy and starting slow (lest you end up with a big wet mess sprayed all over your bathroom). Still, no device should be too difficult to understand, she says.
3. Water flossers are an alternative for people with dexterity challenges
There are many people who cannot use dental floss due to dexterity challenges. The various designs of water flossers make it possible to get a good cleaning out without the maneuvering required by hand-administered floss.
4. Water flossers keep your hands away from your mouth
“Many people do not want to put their hands in their mouth, or they find food debris on the floss to be gross,” says Dr. Zoumboukos. It’s these patients of hers that she says are the most obvious candidates for using water flossers.
5. Water flossers can improve your breath—with this hack
Here’s a little trick for improving your breath, from Dr. Aguilera: “You can increase the antibacterial benefits and directly fight bad breath by filling the water reservoir with a combination of alcohol-free mouth rinse and water,” he says. Do this before bed, and you’re likely to wake up with less harsh breath each morning, too.
How to Use a Water Flosser
1. Understand your available bathroom real estate
Does the device work with your bathroom setup? They’re not huge, but they’re a lot bigger than a spool of floss. If it doesn’t fit in your bathroom, it’s likely to get tucked away and forgotten—and that certainly isn’t the aim here.
2. Test the device before putting it in your mouth
You don’t want your first experience with the device to go awry—like, if the pressure is too high or the spray is too messy. So, Dr. Zoumboukos suggests pointing the head and testing it into your bathtub or shower, to get familiar with the settings and how the device handles. “There are different types of water flossers, and delivery systems which range from countertop delivery systems, to cordless systems, along with others, so practicing in a safe direction within the system is helpful,” she says. “Select a stream pressure that you feel you can safely control, and become familiar with the off-setting.”
3. Don’t shy away from a little blood
Okay, you don’t want to have the pressure so high that this process hurts. But, if you finish a water flossing session that otherwise feels fine, and you notice a little bit of blood in the sink—don’t panic. The most likely verdict is that your gums were weak in one or more spots, and simply need adjusting to the new cleaning routine. If so, they’ll grow stronger—it’s no different from what happens when you use dental floss. That being said, if you notice persistent bleeding or sensitivity, speak with your doctor straight away, and stop using it until you have clarity on the situation.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Water Flossers
I live in a water-flossing household. We’ve always got one or two in rotation (spoiler alert—the few we love best are all represented on this roster). In my 11 years as a grooming writer and editor, I’ve tested dozens of these devices, and have landed on these tools as the best in show. Yes, you’ll see mostly familiar names on this roster, but for good reason: As with most grooming devices, I tend to throw my trust behind the brands that can invest the most money in testing, materials, ADA compliance, and innovation. There are a couple of newbies on the roster, too, but those familiar names like Philips Sonicare, Waterpik, and Panasonic continue to set the standard.
About Our Experts
For this article, Hurly got advice and insights on water flossers from two top docs in the dental field: Dr. Kate Zoumboukos of SW Austin Dental in Austin, Texas, and Dr. Nicolas Aguilera at Apa Aesthetic in New York City.
