What is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser is an oral health appliance designed for dental care at home.
Although sizes and features vary, all WATERPIK water flossers include:
- Motor with pump
- Water reservoir
- Special water flosser tip
The motor and pump cause a stream of pressurized, pulsating water to flow from the reservoir through the tip and into the mouth.
The targeted stream of water removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria in a way that’s more effective, more comfortable, and easier than traditional string floss. The pulsating action also stimulates gum tissue for added health benefits.
Why Choose a Water Flosser?
If you don’t like string floss, don’t floss often, or find string floss hard to use, a water flosser can be the answer.
- Many people find water flossing easier and more pleasant than using string floss, and they may floss more often as a result.
- Gum disease prevention and treatment is another reason to use a water flosser. WATERPIK water flossers are clinically proven to reduce gingivitis, remove plaque, and improve gum health.
- Water flossers are especially useful for cleaning braces and other orthodontics, as well as cleaning bridges, crowns, and dental implants.
- Water flossers are helpful for people with dexterity issues, such as arthritis, who find string flossing difficult.
What About Toothbrushing?
For daily home care, dentists recommend:
- Brushing your teeth 2x a day for 2 minutes
- Flossing once a day to clean between your teeth
Although water flossing reaches areas that tooth brushing can’t, it is not a replacement for brushing your teeth. Rather, it is an alternative to string floss, interdental brushes, or floss threaders to remove plaque and debris that brushing leaves behind.
Is Water Flossing Messy?
Compared to string floss, water flossing is easier and doesn't require you to put your hands in your mouth or deal with used string floss.
The correct technique is the key. Unlike string floss, you don’t need to look in the mirror or hold your mouth open wide.
To use a water flosser, place the flosser tip in your mouth, close your lips most of the way, and lean over the sink. Then turn the power on. As you floss along the gumline and between your teeth, allow the water to empty from your mouth into the sink.
Dental Professionals Recommend Waterpik™ Water Flossers
WATERPIK is the #1 water flosser brand recommended by U.S. dental professionals* and is backed by 70+ clinical studies.
For details about features and to read product reviews, browse our variety of WATERPIK water flosser models:
*Professional AAU, 400 US Dental Professionals, October 2023