Take the faff out of flossing with our guide to the best water flossers, from features & benefits to best-rated buys
Ready to make a splash with your dental hygiene routine? Dive into the world of water flossers and discover the benefits, as well as how to use one. We'll also take you through some of the best water dental flossers at Boots.
Why choose a water flosser?
You may be brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day (nice work!), but are you doing everything you can to help keep your mouth in mint condition?
Step forward, flossing. Flossing helps reach the bits that brushing might miss, giving your mouth the VIP treatment (and putting you front of the queue for a gold star next time you visit the dentist!). According to the NHS, regular flossing could also help reduce bad breath and gum disease. What’s not to love about that?
When it comes to flossing, there are a few options to consider. Regular flossing tape and interdental brushes can be useful, but water flossers, or oral irrigators, might just level up your dental hygiene regime.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of water flossing…
The benefits of using a water flosser
If you’re wondering whether a water flosser might be right for you, the answer is: probably! We spoke to Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist (www.mydentist.co.uk, @mydentist), who explained the benefits of using a water flosser.
“Water flossers can make a great addition to your tooth brushing and care routine, particularly for those who wear fixed dental appliances such as braces, bridges, or permanent retainers.” This is because they help remove stubborn food particles from around the teeth.
And they’re not the only ones who could benefit from using a water flosser. “People who have conditions such as gingivitis or periodontal disease will likely see an improvement in their gum health once they start using a water flosser,” Nyree says.
Nyree explains: “Similarly to standard dental floss, water flossers will help you to remove plaque and therefore keep your teeth in tip top shape.”
And the benefits of water flossing don’t stop there. “They can be easier to use than dental floss as they are less technique sensitive,” Nylee points out. Which makes them a great choice for people with problems like arthritis.
Whichever flossing product you choose will benefit your teeth and gums. Some people may find water flossing easier or more convenient for getting those hard-to-reach areas.
Top rated water flossers for 2024
When it comes to choosing a water flosser, there are a few different features to consider. Some come with different attachments for braces and dentures, for example. Others might even come with their own portable case and handy charging options, for people who love to travel.
Take a look at some of the best cordless water flossers, and the reasons they’re loved so much.
Ordo Hydro Sonic Water Flosser Rose Gold
• Cordless
• 220ml water tank
• 3 bespoke modes
• USB-C charger
• Suitable for 8+ years
Before we get into the science of this model, let’s just take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous this water flosser’s going to look in your bathroom. That alone is enough to put a smile on your face each day, right?
But the benefits of this water flosser don’t end there. We’re talking a bespoke, deep-cleaning action thanks to the three pressure settings, up to 2,000 water pulsations per minute, 360-degree nozzle rotation and an ‘on demand’ mode.
All in all, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to level up their dental hygiene regime (and make it fun at the same time!). Don’t just take our word for it though – here’s what customers are saying on boots.com:
“I’m partially sighted and find this very easy to use. “ – Bonniebabe
“Well made and easy to use. Good performance, long battery life” – Kate
“I recently visited my dental hygienist and she said my dental hygiene is perfect! I told her I use a water flosser and she said they are brilliant!!” – Hayleigh J
“This water flosser has exceeded my expectations and has truly enhanced my oral hygiene routine.” – Marcus
Waterpik Cordless Plus Water Flosser WP-492UK – Black
• Cordless
• Up to 45 seconds of water capacity
• 2 pressure settings
• Ultra-quiet technology
• Ergonomic non-slip grip
• Suitable for 8+ years
This sleek, lightweight water flosser comes with four different tips so you can give your tongue, teeth and gums the five-star treatment. The classic jet tip is great for general use, or you can use the orthodontic tip if you have braces. Pop on the plaque seeker tip if you have implants, crowns or retainers, and don’t forget the tongue cleaner to help banish bacteria and bad breath!
Two pressure settings mean you can keep things low and gentle if you’ve got sensitive gums, or power up for a deeper clean. The flossing tip rotates 360 degrees to reach all areas and angles.
Take a look at what boots.com customers think of this water flosser:
“Having used the Waterpik a few times I can see the difference in the way my teeth are looking. Very good bit of kit” – Peter
“Once you get used to this, it makes such a difference. So much easier than ‘traditional flossing’.” – Stardust
“Really cleans the tight spaces floss can not reach” – Andrea
Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 Oral Irrigator, White, HX3826/31
• Cordless
• 250ml reservoir
• 60 second clean
• 2-week battery life
• USB charging travel case
Looking for a thorough clean that’s gentle on your gums? This water flosser uses Quad Stream technology – meaning the head has an ‘X’ shape so the water flows out in four separate streams – to ensure fast, effective flossing. You can alternate between ‘Clean’ and ‘Deep Clean’ modes and adjust the intensity level to suit what’s comfortable for you.
This flosser also has a 360-degree rotating nozzle to make short work of getting to those hard-to-reach areas. Plus, it comes with its own case and USB charger, so you can take it with you on your travels.
Here’s why boots.com customers love this model:
“Excellent cleaning, powerful, well designed and a noticeable result every time. A great device, highly recommended. Has completely enhanced my teeth cleaning routine, wouldn't be without it!” – Paul L.
“Works really well. Holds the right amount of water. Leaves teeth and gums feeling extremely clean. Used many flossers over the years this is the best I’ve had.” – MoDeen
“Cleans well, no fuss, easy to refill, battery lasts” – Mindy.
How to use a water flosser effectively
Here’s our handy step-by-step guide to using a water flosser:
- Make sure the nozzle is attached correctly
- Fill the reservoir with tap water, or diluted mouthwash if you prefer, according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Test the intensity of the spray in the sink
- Select your settings
- Hold the nozzle pointing at a 90-degree angle to your gum and turn your flosser on
- Start at the back of the mouth and gently guide your water flosser from tooth to tooth
Top tip: Make sure you’re leaning over the sink to let the excess water run out. Alternatively, you could use your water flosser in the shower.
When should you use a water flosser?
According to Nylee, it’s a good idea to water floss each day, just before you brush your teeth. “Using your flosser before you brush will allow any debris stuck onto your teeth to dislodge, which should then be removed easily with your toothbrush,” she says.
To maximise the effectiveness of your water flosser, Nylee recommends using it once, if not twice, a day. “You may find it easiest to add water flossing into your general brushing routine and do it twice a day, which would help you to keep plaque to a minimum, too.”
Maintaining & cleaning your water flosser
Your water flosser helps you keep your gums and teeth clean, so it’s only fair that you repay the favour and keep your water flosser clean, right? Luckily, Nylee has some top tips for maintaining your water flosser, too.
“When cleaning your water flosser, make sure you remove the tip from the flosser itself, soaking it in water or denture cleaner for five minutes, before rinsing the tip underneath warm water.
To make sure you’re keeping your water flosser to as high a hygiene standard as possible, I’d recommend changing the flosser tip every three to six months, as you would with your toothbrush head.”
Do dentists recommend water flossers?
Any dentist will agree that flossing in any form should be an important part of your daily dental regime, to help keep your teeth and gums health and free from food particles and bacteria.
As Nylee has pointed out, water flossers can help make the job of flossing super quick and easy, helping to remove plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Water flossers can also help flossing more accessible for certain groups of people, making them an essential in many bathrooms.
How do water flossers compare to traditional string floss?
As we mentioned before, both dental floss and water flossers will help remove plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, a water flosser may be easier for people with braces, retainers or dentures, or mobility problems such as arthritis.
Water flossers also provide peace of mind as they make it easy to reach angles and areas that might be harder to get to with traditional dental floss, such as in between teeth.
Ultimately though, whichever way you choose to floss, you’ll be doing your teeth and gums a favour. Now that’s something to smile about!
