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When it comes to dental hygiene, you've probably reached expert level at brushing with toothpaste, but according to studies, only about one-third of adults in the U.S. say they floss daily, as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). That's understandable: It’s hard to find the time for an extra step like flossing or whitening, plus the fiddling with string is kind of a pain. But regularly flossing can reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, so it's worth making time for it. Thankfully, there's a gadget that makes it a lot easier: the water flosser.
A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, uses a highly pressurized, pulsating stream of water to remove food, plaque, and debris from your teeth and gums. “Using a water flosser before you brush at night is a great way to knock out any food debris from the day and give your toothbrush a more effective role in cleaning your teeth,” says Bobbi Stanley, DDS, a general and cosmetic dentist.
There are many products to choose from and the best water flosser for you depends on your individual needs, but generally the ones that dentists approve bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance. And, although they come in various sizes, some large enough for entire families to share, the most convenient tend to be more compact and cordless.
Before you make space for a new water flosser in your bathroom, here's what to look out for when purchasing one.
The best water flossers
What to consider
Type
Those that want to buy a water flosser for their whole family, as opposed to getting an individual flosser for each family member, may consider countertop oral irrigators to be their best options, says Dr. Stanley. However, if you don't like the idea of sharing a dental tool (even with interchangeable heads), don't have the space for a large appliance, or travel frequently, a compact cordless water flosser may be more appealing.
Pressure settings
Multiple pressure settings, measured in PSI, allow for greater customization, since the space between teeth and gum sensitivity varies from user to user. Some devices have more pressure settings than others, but most start around 10 PSI. A higher number usually denotes more pressure.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
The ADA Seal of Acceptance has been used to highlight dentist-approved products for 90 years. The presence of this seal shows that products—everything from toothbrushes to water flossers—have undergone rigorous testing and research to ensure that they do what they claim safely and effectively, says Ruchi K. Sahota, DDS, a family dentist in Freemont, California. Products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance generally display the badge on product packaging and listings, but you can also use the association's product search database.
How we chose
To help you find the best water flosser for you, we consulted two dentists to find out what the most important features are, plus asked them to share the products they recommend to their own patients. We also asked Women's Health editors and contributors for their favorites, putting some of the most highly-rated options to the test. We evaluated each for attributes like design, size, range of settings, and whether it carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. We're confident these dentist-recommended water flossers suit all needs, whether you're in the market for one for your whole family, are looking for something that'll work with the hardware in your mouth, or an on-the-go option when you travel.
Below, find the seven best water flossers, tested by editors and dentists.
Pros
Comes with four tips- Travel-friendly
- Designed with a dishwasher-safe reservoir
Cons
- Only three pressure settings
After considering countless water flosser options, we made Waterpik's Cordless Advanced Water Flosser our best overall pick for its space-saving size, ease of use for families, and expert design that makes flossing feel like less of a chore.
Despite the compact size (great for clearing your countertops and travel), this water flosser, which comes from arguably the most well-respected name in the category, is perfect for a family of four. It comes with four tips, plus is equipped with three pressure settings ranging from 45 to 75 PSI. It also has a seven-ounce reservoir that's removable, so you can give it a quick clean in the top rack of the dishwasher.
We like its 45-second built-in timer, which takes the guesswork out of the task, and the 360-degree rotating tip, which really gets into every nook and cranny, leaving your teeth and gums spotless. As an added bonus, its waterproof design makes it easy to use in the shower for when you want to multitask.
Another feature we like is that its magnetic charger is safe to use with proper adapters in outlets globally, and that it comes with a travel bag, making the compact pick even more travel-friendly than most.
Read more: Best Teeth-Whitening Strips
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Pressure Settings | 3 |
| ADA Seal of Acceptance | Yes |
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Stays charged for up to 21 days
- Quiet
Cons
- Only three pressure settings
This water flosser may come at a fraction of the price of others on this list, but it's still equipped with an impressive array of settings. Like our top overall pick, it has three pressure settings—soft, pulse, and normal. It also comes with four heads for multiple family members and operates on four different cleaning modes. Users say they're all fairly quiet, especially compared to some other water flossers they've tried and particularly countertop models.
We love that the device is fully waterproof for shower flossing sessions. The fact that it comes with a travel bag and a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 21 days are also pretty nice bonuses, especially for frequent travelers.
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Pressure Settings | 3 |
| ADA Seal of Acceptance | No |
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Best Countertop Water Flosser
Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
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Pros
- Features more pressure settings than other brands
- Available in different colors
- Good for braces
Cons
- Noisier than other brands
If you're prone to sensitivity when you floss, the Waterpik Aquarius is the best tool for comfort. It has 10 (!) pressure settings, ranging from 10 to 100 PSI, you can play around with until you find the perfect fit for you. The countertop water flosser also comes with seven interchangeable tips that make it suitable for multiple family members to use and a generous 22-ounce water tank that won't need constant refilling.
Users like its built-in timer, which pauses at 30 second intervals to help pace flossing time, and they appreciate the wide range of pressure settings, since it affords both kids and adults a more comfortable experience.
The Aquarius Water Flosser also makes a great pick for removing leftover food around dental hardware, like crowns or braces. Our testers particularly like that it comes in four colors—white, gray, black, and navy—to make such a bulky bathroom accessory a little less bothersome to look at all day every day. Our only complaint? Some users say it's rather noisy during operation.
| Type | Corded countertop |
|---|---|
| Pressure Settings | 10 |
| ADA Seal of Acceptance | Yes |
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Micro-bubbles help deliver a deeper clean
Cons
- Only has three pressure settings
Oral-B has a reputation of providing reliable and affordable dental products, and its water flosser is no exception. This portable, cordless water flosser deep-cleans and detoxifies below the gum line with water enriched with micro-bubbles of air to reduce plaque bacteria. It also offers different stream options, including multi-jet for all-around cleaning, focused for targeted cleaning, and rotational for a gum massage.
Users say that, in addition to the effective cleaning they get from this flosser, they like its slim design. They also say the stand is nice and stable on their countertop. We've heard great things about the battery life, too—one user says they get approximately two weeks of use per charge.
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Pressure Settings | 3 |
| ADA Seal of Acceptance | No |
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Pros
- Can set up regular tip replacement
- Holds a charge for up to eight weeks
- Comes in three attractive colors
Cons
- Only two pressure modes
Like toothbrushes, the tip on your water flosser should be changed every so often—ideally every three to six months. We love that Quip takes the mental load off by setting you up for a replacement subscription right from the get-go. (You can, alternatively, just purchase the unit and skip the subscription.)
We like the device itself just as much as this convenience. It comes in three easy-to-look-at metallic shades and is highly functional, thanks to a 360-degree rotating magnetic floss tip, two pressure modes, two water flow settings, and its large reservoir (as far as portable options go!). The icing on the cake? The flosser holds a charge for up to eight weeks.
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Pressure Settings | 2 |
| ADA Seal of Acceptance | No |
Best For Braces
Aquasonic Aqua Flosser
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Dual-voltage
- Comes with dedicated orthodontic periodontal tips
Cons
- Water reservoir is on the smaller side
Though this water flosser can be used by anyone, experts suggest those with mouth hardware look for a water flosser equipped with 360-degree rotary tips that can reach places that traditional floss can't. This one fits the bill. Like other great cordless flossers, this Aquasonic option is relatively compact and portable. It even comes with a travel bag, plus is dual-voltage, so you can take it on an international jaunt without worry.
Users love how easy it is to clean, too. There are no tubes to flush—you simply pull the tank off the back, empty the water, rinse out, and let things dry. The flosser does require that you charge it overnight to get it fully juiced up, but once it's charged, it can power up for weeks.
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Pressure Settings | 3 |
| ADA Seal of Acceptance | No |
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Pros
- Comes in seven colors
- Highest pressure of any others we evaluated
- Comes with five tips
Cons
- Highest settings may be too intense for some
Don't let the price on this water flosser fool you. It's the most powerful irrigator on our list, operating at pressure settings from 20 to 120 PSI and 1,400 pulses per minute. Users say, because of this, it does an excellent job of removing debris from between teeth and any dental hardware like braces, helping to prevent bad breath.
We also like the 260 milliliter water tank, which is relatively sizable for a portable device, and the five included tips that make the compact pick a solid choice even for families. For those who like their personal hygiene products to have a little bit of flair, we do appreciate that this dental tool comes in seven colors, including fun options like purple and blue.
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Pressure Settings | 5 |
| ADA Seal of Acceptance | No |
Meet the Experts
- Bobbi Stanley, DDS, is a general and cosmetic dentist and owner of Stanley Dentistry in Cary, North Carolina.
- Ruchi K. Sahota, DDS, is a family dentist in Freemont, California.
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Emilia Benton
Contributing Writer
Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. In addition to Runner's World, she has contributed health, fitness and wellness content to Women's Health, SELF, Prevention, Healthline, and the Houston Chronicle, among other publications. She is also an 11-time marathoner, a USATF Level 1-certified running coach, and an avid traveler.
Addison Aloian
Assistant Love & Life Editor
Addison Aloian is the assistant love & life editor at Women’s Health and a NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT). She covers all things lifestyle, astrology, relationships, and fitness. In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City, and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health, her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.
