Water flossers for your teeth
Also known as an oral irrigator, a water flosser is a handheld device that uses strong pulses of water to help clean between your teeth. As approved by the American Dental Association, water flossers supplement traditional flossing and brushing and can fight against gum disease and oral decay.
Typically, water flossers are most effective when used in addition to regular oral hygiene techniques. But they are also a solid alternative to string floss and can be helpful for people who have had extensive dental work or braces.
If you’re in the market for a water flosser, chances are you’ve come across options by Waterpik and Oral-B. In this guide, you’ll learn the critical differences between the two brands and which water flossers are the best.
Waterpik
Waterpik water flossers are renowned for their quality and performance. With a range of cordless and countertop models, these water flossers are suitable for anyone who needs a little extra help with their oral health.
They are designed with advanced technology to reach where regular toothbrushes and string floss can’t. People with restorative work such as crowns, dentures, implants or braces and people who have difficulty flossing regularly could benefit from a Waterpik. Models start at just under $40 and can go as high as $140, depending on the type and features.
Waterpik pros
Used with a regular toothbrush, the Waterpik can clean out loosened plaque and flush out harmful bacteria.
The long handle makes the tool easy to maneuver into tight spaces and clean between the teeth and gums. This helps reduce the risk of gum disease, plaque buildup and cavities.
Most Waterpiks have different nozzles, tips and pressure settings for a customizable experience and cleaning technique suited to the user.
Cordless models are lightweight and portable, meaning you can take them on trips with relative ease.
They are safe, easy to use and gentler than string floss on sensitive gums.
Waterpik cons
Most models work for adults. Young children shouldn’t use them. Parents should supervise older kids who use a Waterpik.
This tool can be messy when first learning the proper flossing technique and how to control the water spray.
Like other water flossers, the Waterpik requires a power source. The countertop options need an electrical outlet, while the cordless models run on a battery.
Some models are expensive. Plus, users must replace the tips every 3 months.
Best Waterpik products
Cordless Express Water Flosser: available at Amazon Inexpensive, straightforward water flosser that’s portable and easy to use. ADA-approved and clinically proven to reduce plaque buildup by 99.9% with daily use. It’s battery-operated and comes with three AA batteries.
Waterpik Sidekick Portable Water Flosser: available at Amazon Compact and powerful, this countertop model doesn’t take up much space but still offers the same performance as full-sized options. It has a classic tip and a swivel handle, which allows for easy use.
Waterpik Complete Care Electric Toothbrush with Water Flosser: available at Amazon This option features a rechargeable electric toothbrush with three modes, including clean, whiten and massage. This water flosser is compact, portable and convenient to use. Despite its size, the reservoir holds enough water for 90 seconds of flossing at a time. It comes with extra flosser tips, toothbrush heads, a travel case and a 2-year warranty.
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion Electric Toothbrush and Water Flosser Combo: available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond This sleek, corded oral irrigator comes with 10 pressure settings and a powerful electric toothbrush. Plus, it has a 2-minute timer to ensure optimal brushing.
Waterpik Classic Jet Tip: available at Amazon This pack comes with two replacement flosser tips, each a distinct color, compatible with the brand’s cordless models.
Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids: available at Amazon This option was developed for kids and is gentle enough for sensitive teeth while still being powerful enough to get around braces and dental implants for optimal cleaning action.
Oral-B Water Flosser
As the number one dentist-recommended provider of electric toothbrushes globally, Oral-B is known as a leading brand when it comes to oral hygiene. In addition to toothbrushes, the company has come out with the Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced, a cordless oral irrigator that provides deep cleaning and promotes gum and tooth health. The standard retail price for the Oral-B Water Flosser is from $75-$100.
Oral-B Water Flosser pros
It has three intensity settings that allow it to effectively remove plaque and particles of food and clean beneath the gum line where the toothbrush and string floss can’t reach.
This option works for those with implants, braces and other dental work.
Uses Oxyjet technology to infuse water with microbubbles of air to reduce plaque and bacteria.
It has three customizable flossing settings, including general and targeted cleaning and a gum massage.
It has on-demand control over the water stream.
Cordless and portable with a convenient water reservoir and rechargeable battery.
It comes with a rechargeable handle, charger and two replacement nozzles.
Oral-B Water Flosser cons
There is minimal customization and only one model to choose from, the Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced.
The reservoir doesn’t hold a lot of water and may need regular refills.
Despite having several pressure settings, this tool isn’t as powerful as other water flossers at a similar price point.
Best Oral-B products
Oral-B Genius 7500 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush: available at Amazon Convenient and compact, this Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush has a long-lasting battery for up to two weeks of use and six brushing modes for cleaning and whitening teeth.
Oral-B Genius 7000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush: available at Amazon High-tech electric toothbrush with six modes, including deep clean, gum care and whitening. Powerful enough to remove up to 100% more plaque than manual toothbrushes. Plus, it connects to the Oral-B app to track brushing habits, promote good oral habits and determine target brushing needs.
Oral-B Pro 1000: available at Amazon Midrange electric toothbrush works great alongside water flossers and traditional string floss to loosen and remove plaque, fight gum disease and promote good breath.
Oral-B iO Series 7 Electric Toothbrush: available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond With advanced technology and a customized brushing experience, this model is powerful enough to leave your teeth and gums clean and healthy after every use.
Should you get a Waterpik or Oral-B Water Flosser?
When it comes to dental health, it’s hard to go wrong with a water flosser. Both Oral-B and Waterpik are leading brands with an established track record of creating powerful tools that work for your teeth and gums. If you want something with more variety and innovation regarding your water flosser, consider Waterpik. But if you’re looking for reliability and brand consistency, choose Oral-B.
Angela Watson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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