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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
- Best flosser and toothbrush set: Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
- Most affordable: INSMART Cordless Water Dental Flosser
- Most efficient: Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000
- Nicest design: BURST Water Flosser, Rose Gold
- Best shower flosser: Oral Breeze ShowerBreeze
- Best for the whole family: MySmile Cordless Water Flosser
- Best oscillating water flosser: Spotlight Oral Care Water Flosser
- Most elegant water flosser: Waterpik Sidekick Collapsible Water Flosser
- Best for kids: Waterpik Countertop Water Flosser for Kids
We all know flossing is important for dental hygiene, but it’s often challenging to commit to daily. As comedian Mitch Hedberg said, “People who smoke cigarettes say, ‘Man, you don’t know how hard it is to quit smoking.’ Yes, I do. It’s as hard as it is to start flossing.”
Water flossers, also called oral irrigators, can make flossing easier or more effective by removing the sticky film of plaque from teeth to prevent cavities. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), when used correctly, water flossing can reduce the risk of gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease.
Ready to narrow down your search? Here are recommendations, tips on how to comfortably use these devices, and how we went about choosing.
We chose the best water flossers of 2022 considering the following:
- Effectiveness: The ADA gives its Seal of Acceptance to products proven to be safe and effective. We included products given the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Design and types: We included a range of water flossers, including portable, 2-in-1 flosser-toothbrushes, and those that attach to your shower head.
- Sizes: You’ll find options for flossers with small and large reservoirs, and handheld and countertop models.
- Pressure and adjustments: Each product has multiple water pressure settings so that you have options for the best fit for your teeth and gums.
- Price and affordability: Products are in a range of prices, including options for every budget.
- Reviews: Products in this list have a minimum rating of 4 out of 5. We also used the Fakespot Google Chrome Extension, which shows approved sellers and warns of fake or misleading reviews.
Water flossers are significantly more expensive than traditional dental floss, but they do last much longer. Check out the pricing guide below to see the general cost of each product.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Best 2-in-1 flosser and toothbrush
Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
- Price: $$$
- Reservoir capacity: 22 ounces
- Number of pressure settings: 10
- Pro: generous reservoir capacity, electric toothbrush included
- Con: pricey pick
- Warranty: 2 years
This Waterpik water flosser comes with all the bells and whistles, including an electric toothbrush. If you’re looking to replace your manual toothbrush and get into water flossing, this double-duty flosser may be the answer. Its large 22-ounce capacity reservoir makes this a great choice for large bathroom countertops and families with multiple users.
This is a pricier option than many other flossers, but keep in mind that it also includes an electric toothbrush. Waterpik claims that their electric toothbrush removes nine times as many stains as a manual toothbrush, and has three modes: clean, whiten, and massage.
The reservoir is top-rack dishwasher-safe, making cleaning it easy and convenient. The flosser and toothbrush are rechargeable by plugging the unit into the wall. With your purchase, you’ll also get five flosser tips, two toothbrush heads, a toothbrush travel case, and a 2-year warranty.
Most affordable
INSMART Cordless Water Dental Flosser
- Price: $
- Reservoir capacity: 300 milliliters (10.14 ounces)
- Number of pressure settings: 3
- Pro: handheld model takes up less counter space
- Con: Some reviewers experienced longevity issues.
- Warranty: 18 months
This cordless water flosser is attached to the reservoir, so it takes up less counter space. The flosser is powered by a lithium battery, rechargeable by USB. Each charge lasts up to 21 days.
The three pressure settings — normal, soft, and pulse — are designed to be low noise, and can remove up to 99.9% of plaque, according to the brand. It comes with four flosser heads, so a family can use one model for a fraction of the price of other flossers.
The carrying bag, lightweight design, and long charge time may make the INSMART Cordless Water Flosser a good choice for traveling.
Most efficient
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000
- Price: $$
- Reservoir capacity: 250 milliliters (8.4 ounces)
- Number of pressure settings:3
- Pro: cordless and waterproof
- Con: a little messy to use, according to some reviewers
- Warranty: 2-year limited
According to the company, the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 removes up to 99.9% of plaque in treated areas. The 2-year limited warranty covers any defects that might appear. The battery is charged with a USB cable and wall adaptor, and each charge lasts up to 2 weeks.
The Power Flosser 3000 uses what Phillips calls “quadstream technology.” A special tip separates the water into four jet streams to reach more area between the teeth and along the gum line for a faster clean. Pulses guide you from tooth to tooth, and you’re done in 60 seconds.
The Power Flosser 3000 is quiet and lightweight, which can be helpful for those with gripping issues or arthritis in their hands.
Best design
BURST Water Flosser
- Price: $$
- Reservoir capacity: 110 milliliters (3.71 ounces)
- Number of pressure settings:3
- Pro: ergonomic, compact design, impressive charge window
- Con: small reservoir
- Warranty: lifetime
In addition to a sleek design, BURST Water Flosser has a lifetime warranty, USB charging port, easy method of refilling water, shower-safe materials, and 80 days of use from one charge.
BURST claims their flosser has one of the strongest engines on the market, allowing for extra powerful flossing. Use the standard, turbo, or pulse pressure settings to blast away plaque and debris. Its ergonomic and compact design may be easier to use for folks with dexterity issues or hand pain.
Best shower flosser
Oral Breeze ShowerBreeze
- Price:$
- Reservoir capacity: N/A
- Number of pressure settings: “dimmer” switch
- Pro: no need to fill reservoir tank
- Con: can only be used in the shower
- Warranty: 5-year replacement on valve only
The Oral Breeze ShowerBreeze attaches to your existing showerhead, meaning you can only use it in the shower. Though this limits where you can use it, it also makes cleanup easier. The food particles, plaque, and water wash right down the shower drain, eliminating the need to clean your sink or mirror. Since it attaches to your showerhead, you never have to refill a reservoir tank.
The dimmer switch lets you adjust the pressure until you find your ideal setting.
The ShowerBreeze is made of chrome-plated brass. The company has installation instructions and videos online.
If you have trouble making time to floss, this could be a great option, since you can add a minute of water flossing to your regular shower routine.
Best for the whole family
MySmile Cordless Water Flosser
- Price:$$
- Reservoir capacity: 350 milliliters (11.83 ounces)
- Number of pressure settings: 5
- Pro: 8 jet tips and settings to accommodate children and adults
- Con: Some reviewers found it a little messy to use and fill.
- Warranty: 1 year
This cordless, portable, waterproof water flosser comes with eight replaceable jet tips. Five pressure settings, including one for children and another for sensitive teeth, makes it a versatile flosser for the whole family. The intelligent display makes it easy to find the right mode, set the water temperature, and gauge battery power.
The rechargeable battery lasts 15 to 20 days when fully charged. And with its convenient storage pouch, this water flosser is great for travel.
Best oscillating water flosser
Spotlight Oral Care Water Flosser
- Price: $$$
- Reservoir capacity: 190 milliliters (3.72 ounces)
- Number of pressure settings: 3
- Pro: oscillating design for a better clean, easy on/off button
- Con: pricey pick, no warranty
- Warranty: none offered
This handheld water flosser is compact, cordless, and rechargeable. But its standout feature is the oscillating nozzle, which directs more water around and between the gums and teeth. It makes for a thorough clean with minimal effort. The nozzle tip is also small, so it works well in tight spaces or with orthodontics.
On the downside, the reservoir is small and you may need to refill halfway through flossing your entire mouth. There’s also no warranty offered, but the company does have a 30-day refund window if you decide it’s not a good fit.
Most elegant water flosser
Waterpik Sidekick Collapsible Water Flosser
- Price: $$$
- Reservoir capacity: 384 milliliters (13 ounces)
- Number of pressure settings: 5
- Pro: compact and collapsible, sleek black and copper design
- Con: pricey pick
- Warranty: 3-year limited
Elegant may be a funny way to describe a water flosser, but with its black and copper color palette, this one really deserves the title. It’ll look great on your counter!
As another Waterpik pick, this powerful corded flosser is accepted by the ADA. It’s a travel-sized model that delivers full-size performance. The reservoir reverts for travel and storage and is big enough for a full 60-second flossing.
A slide pressure control system has five settings so you can find the most comfortable option. Plus, it has a 3-year warranty.
Best for kids
Waterpik Countertop Water Flosser for Kids
- Price: $$
- Reservoir capacity: 15 ounces
- Number of pressure settings: 3
- Pro: sized for kids ages 6-12
- Con: on the loud side
- Warranty: 2 years
Waterpik made our list a third time with its countertop water flosser specifically designed for kids ages 6 to 12. It’s a much smaller version of Waterpik’s adult models with no cover and a basic design to make the flossing process easy. Simple switches turn the flosser on and off and adjust the pressure. Plus, the reservoir can be inverted to serve as a cover to keep the unit clean.
The set comes with an orthodontic tip and a classic jet tip. And to make it more appealing to kids, the reservoir is bright green.
| Water flosser | Price | Reservoir capacity | Number of pressure settings | Pro | Con | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 | $$$ | 22 ounces | 10 | generous reservoir capacity, electric toothbrush included | pricey pick | 2 years |
| INSMART Cordless Water Dental Flosser | $ | 300 milliliters (10.14 ounces) | 3 | handle model takes up less counter space | Some reviewers experienced longevity issues. | 18 months |
| Phillips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 | $$ | 250 milliliters (8.4 ounces) | 3 | cordless and waterproof | Some reviewers found it a little messy to use. | 2-year limited |
| BURST Water Flosser | $$ | 110 milliliters (3.71 ounces) | 3 | ergonomic, compact design, impressive charge window | small reservoir | lifetime |
| Oral Breeze ShowerBreeze | $ | N/A | “dimmer” switch | no need to fill reservoir tank | can only be used in the shower | 5-year replacement on valve only |
| MySmile Cordless Water Flosser | $$ | 350 milliliters | 5 | includes 8 jet tips and settings to accommodate children and adults | Some reviewers found it a little messy to use and fill. | 1 year |
| Spotlight Oral Care Water Flosser | $$$ | 190 milliliters | 3 | oscillating design for a better clean, easy on/off button | pricey pick, no warranty | none offered |
| Waterpik Sidekick Collapsible Water Flosser | $$$ | 384 milliliters (13 ounces) | 5 | compact and collapsible, sleek black and copper design | pricey pick | 3-year limited |
| Waterpik Countertop Water Flosser for Kids | $$ | 15 ounces | 3 | sized for kids ages 6-12 | on the loud side | 2 years |
Wondering what to look for in a water flosser? Here are some tips about features and other considerations.
- Pressure settings: Look for multiple pressure settings, especially if you have sensitive gums or teeth. If you’re new to water flossing, it might take some time to adjust to the force of the water, so you want multiple options to choose from.
- Cost: Keep your budget in mind when getting a water flosser. Don’t overspend on a product you might not end up using.
- Size: Do you travel a lot? If so, you’ll want a lightweight flosser that fits easily in your carry-on bag. If you’re a homebody with a large bathroom countertop, a standing model with a large reservoir might be better for you. If you have troubles with dexterity, gripping, or hand pain, choose a lightweight, ergonomic model.
- Warranty: Many flossers have a 90-day guarantee, meaning you can try it for up to 3 months and get your money back if it’s not for you. Look for a flosser with a warranty of at least 2 years and read the coverage details. Flossers aren’t cheap, and you want to make sure yours will last (or is easily replaceable if it breaks).
- Ask around: If you still don’t know which option to go with, ask your friends, family, or dentist which products they prefer.
This type of oral health appliance uses water, pressure, and often pulsation to deliver a stream of water into the mouth. Aiming this targeted stream along the gum line and between the teeth can help remove food particles and bacteria that could contribute to plaque.
That makes a water flosser a good addition to regular brushing and flossing for healthy teeth and gums.
- Always point your flosser at the sink to test the stream before putting it in your mouth.
- For easy cleanup, use your water flosser in the shower (after making sure yours is shower-safe).
- Put the flosser inside your mouth and aim the water along your gum line and between your teeth.
- To reduce water splashing, close your lips before turning it on and while using the flosser.
- After flossing, make sure to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, and spit out any loosened food or plaque.
No matter how you choose to floss, it’s imperative that you do floss. The ADA strongly recommends you find at least one way to floss, whether that’s with dental tape, dental floss, water flossers, or floss picks. If water flossing isn’t for you, check out some alternatives below.
- Waxed floss: Waxed floss is dental floss coated in wax, making it easier to glide between the teeth. It’s also more likely to be flavored, which can make it feel more refreshing and pleasant.
- Dental tape: Also called ribbon tape, dental tape is similar to floss but is broader and flatter. Some people find tape easier to use than floss and like how it covers more tooth area than regular floss.
- Flosser picks: If you find dental floss unwieldy or unpleasant, try flosser picks, which are plastic picks that are prethreaded with floss. You can grip the pick with your fingers and move it in between each of your teeth, scraping each tooth’s side as you pull it up.
How do water flossers work?
A small motor allows water to come out in a steady, powerful stream. This stream of pulsing, pressurized water has enough force to dislodge food particles stuck between teeth, and blast away plaque and stains. The water stream can get to hard-to-reach crevices that brushing alone cannot.
Are water flossers better than string floss?
This is a good question with an unclear answer. Water flossers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance are proven to remove plaque. They can also be easier for some people to use than dental floss. Water flossing may not be quite as effective as traditional flossing at removing plaque, but using both can be a good combo.
Can I use a water flosser instead of dental floss?
Water flossing isn’t considered an alternative to dental floss, but it can be an effective supplemental aid. Brushing your teeth, flossing with traditional floss, and flossing with water give you the most thorough at-home cleaning.
However, something is always better than nothing, so if you hate regular flossing but love water flossing, it’s better than not flossing at all. For a clearer answer for you, ask your dentist at your next cleaning.
What’s the difference between a Waterpik and flosser?
There’s no difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser. Waterpik is a brand of water flossers, but the name has become largely synonymous with the product as a whole.
Water flossers are a good alternative to traditional dental floss if you hate flossing, have orthodontic work, or are concerned about gum disease.
Ash Fisher is a writer and comedian living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. When she’s not having a wobbly-baby-deer day, she’s hiking with her corgi, Vincent. Learn more about her on her website.