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Top Waterflossers Rated by Our Dental Hygienist Brooke Shipp

Maintaining good oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing your teeth twice a day. While toothbrushes and traditional interdental aids like floss and interdental brushes play a crucial role in plaque removal, adding a waterflosser to your daily routine can take your dental care to the next level. Waterflossers are ideal for patients who have implants, bridges, crowns or braces.

Our dental hygienist Brooke Shipp breaks down the best waterflossers, how to use them, and which is the most eco-friendly.

What is a Waterflosser?

A waterflosser (also known as an oral irrigator) is a handheld device that uses a steady stream of pressurised water to clean between teeth and around the gum line.
It’s especially helpful in flushing out food debris and plaque from areas that are often difficult to reach with regular floss or a toothbrush.

Benefits of Using a Waterflosser

Complements Brushing and Flossing
When used alongside brushing and other interdental cleaning aids, a waterflosser ensures more thorough plaque removal.
Ideal for Dental Work
They are particularly useful for people with implants, bridges, crowns, or braces—areas where traditional cleaning tools can be tricky to use.
Eco-Friendly
Unlike single-use floss picks or floss, waterflossers only require water and electricity. Cordless models can be charged and reused, and many use recyclable packaging.
Gentle and Effective
The stream of water is less abrasive than string floss, making it a good option for people with sensitive gums or receding gum lines.

When Should I Use a Waterflosser?

If you’re wondering ‘when should I use a water flosser?’, the answer can make a real difference in how effective your oral hygiene routine is. Dental professionals generally recommend using your water flosser before brushing and traditional flossing. Doing so helps to dislodge food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gum line, creating a cleaner surface for your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to do their job more effectively.

By flushing out debris first with a water flosser, you’re not only prepping your mouth for better brushing, but you’re also minimising the chance of pushing plaque back into the gums while brushing.

Using one of the best water flossers at the right time in your routine can also be particularly helpful if you wear fixed braces, have dental implants, or suffer from sensitive gums. Many people report that water flossing before brushing makes their whole mouth feel fresher and helps improve their overall dental health over time.

How Do I Use a Waterflosser?

Fill the Reservoir
Use warm water to help reduce sensitivity.
Select Your Pressure Setting
Start on the low setting if you’re new to using one, and work your way up to medium or high.
Position the Tip
Place the tip just a few millimeters from your gum line.
Close Your Lips
This helps minimize splashing.
Turn It On and Trace
Gently trace the gum line and between each tooth.
Pause to Spit
As your mouth fills with water, pause, spit, and continue.

Tip: Avoid using mouthwash in the reservoir, as it can stain teeth and make the internal components sticky.

How Do I Clean a Waterflosser?

Empty any remaining water after use.
Turn the device back on briefly to flush out any residual water from the system.
Wipe dry and store in a clean, dry place.

Choosing the Right Waterflosser

Waterpik Cordless Advanced — 10/10

Arguably the best on the market, this model offers a steady stream of water, ideal for thorough cleaning. It has three settings: high, medium, and low. Beginners should start on the lowest setting and increase as they become more comfortable.
🔗 Available to purchase here

Ordolife Hydro Sonic+ Water Flosser — 9/10

The Hydro Sonic Water Flosser harnesses advanced hydro-kinetic technology to effectively remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line. It provides superior protection against cavities and gum disease while keeping your breath fresh, all with a gentle touch on your gums.

Featuring up to 2,000 water pulses per minute, three adjustable pressure levels, an ‘on demand’ mode, and a 360-degree rotating nozzle, this device ensures thorough plaque removal and supports healthier, brighter teeth.
🔗 Available to purchase here

Zerolla Eco Electric Water Flosser — 8/10

For the eco-conscious, this BPA-free waterflosser offers both steady stream and pulse options. It’s made with recycled packaging and designed to be both eco and budget friendly.
🔗 Available to purchase here

Corded vs Cordless Models

Cordless Models
Compact, portable, and perfect for storing in cupboards or using on-the-go. Most hold a charge for about a week.
Corded Models
Options like the Waterpik countertop version offer a larger reservoir and a smaller handle, which can make them easier to use. However, they are bulkier and require a mains socket and counter space near a sink.

Final Thoughts

A waterflosser is not a replacement for brushing or traditional flossing, but is a powerful supplementary tool that can help you reach those stubborn areas and reduce plaque buildup more effectively.

It’s especially beneficial for people with dental work or those who find normal floss uncomfortable or difficult to use. By integrating a waterflosser into your routine, you’re taking an extra step toward healthier teeth and gums, with the added bonus of being kind to the planet.

If you’re searching for the best water flossers, it’s important to consider factors such as water pressure settings, reservoir size, portability, and ease of use. But which brand is the best water flosser really depends on your individual needs.

Whether you’re looking to improve your gum health, protect expensive dental work, or simply want a more convenient way to floss, investing in one of the best water flossers can be a smart and effective step toward better oral health.