We all know that taking care of your teeth is one way to keep your entire body in good health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath (gingivitis), cavities that need to be filled, tooth extraction, and, in severe case, gum disease. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (even better if you can do so after every meal), but regular brushing alone won’t get all the food particles out from in between each tooth. That’s where flossing comes in.
A water pick (aka an oral pulsating irrigator or water flosser) is a device that streams water directly at your teeth. Water flossing can remove food particles and reduces bacteria and infections that can eventually lead to gum disease. Water flossers can also help if you wear braces, dental implants, or a retainer, or if you have anything permanently implanted in your mouth, as dental floss can often be painful to use.
We’ve researched some of the best water flossers on the market so you don’t have to:
Good: Waterpik WP-660 Water Flosser
Waterpik is one of the best water picks you can buy. According to the product description, the Waterpik removes up to “99.9% of plaque from treated areas and is up to 50% more effective than floss for improving gum health; perfect for braces, implants, and other dental work.” This model has been reviewed almost 70,000 times on Amazon, and with almost all 5-star ratings, it’s a clear winner at just under $70. This model comes in an array of colors, so you can find one that blends in with your bathroom.
Better: Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser
This cordless, rechargeable, portable water flosser works great in small spaces, and if you travel a lot and need to bring the Waterpik with you, consider this your best option. The Waterpik brand was given the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance for its ability to “remove plaque along the gum line” and also helps to reduce gingivitis. This model is typically just under $40 and has nearly 10,000 positive customer ratings from verified purchasers.
Best: Waterpik Complete Care Water Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush
This sonic-fusion model is a toothbrush and flosser in one unit. It comes with an electric toothbrush and Waterpik water flosser, so you can use it on three settings: Brush, Floss, and Brush and Floss. This also has the ADA seal and is “up to two times as effective as traditional brushing and flossing for reducing plaque and improving gum health,” according to the product description. Its sleek design will look great in any bathroom. It’s small, so it won’t take up too much space, and it sells on Amazon for $149.
Bonus: Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids
Getting serious about one’s dental health starts at an early age. Why not show kids it can be fun taking care of their teeth by showing them how to floss in a new, fun way. This Waterpik model features a safe electrical design for kids 6 years of age and older. It has lower water pressure than the adult versions and is smaller in design, making it easy to handle for little hands. Water flossing is three times as effective for kids as brushing and using string floss, likely because it’s much easier to use. This Waterpik is also ideal for kids who are getting braces for the first time. You can find it on Amazon for $56.
For flossing, the goal is to pick an option you’ll use regularly. If you’ve had that roll of dental floss in your drawer for a year and it’s untouched, choose a water flosser and stick with it. Water flossers provide a deep clean, so your teeth will feel like they had a recent trip to the dentist’s office. The bottom line is that you should develop a routine that you can commit to daily that includes brushing, flossing, or water flossing; it will help you avoid future dental work that can result from cavities, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and gum disease.
Nothing replaces a good old-fashioned trip to the dentist every six months so you don’t miss anything that could lead to more serious issues. The great thing about water flossers is they can be used in conjunction with string floss as another way to remove particles in between your teeth, and many come with additional features like brushes to give you an even cleaner mouth. Add to that the portability of many, and it makes a perfect addition to your dental routine.
