6 Best Water Flossers, Tested By Dentists And Editors

ProsComes with four tipsTravel-friendlyDesigned with a dishwasher-safe reservoirConsOnly three pressure settingsAfter 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 its compact size (great for keeping your countertops clear and for travel), this water flosser, from arguably the most respected name in the category, is perfect for a family of four. It comes with four tips, plus it 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 to leave your teeth and gums spotless. As a bonus, its waterproof design makes it easy to use in the shower for when you want to multitask (perhaps the best place to carry out what can be a messy water flossing task).Women’s Health beauty editor Nicole Saunders has used this exact water flosser on and off for several years. She describes it as straightforward to use and effective even at the lowest pressure setting. “My Waterpik provides that fresh and clean feeling that I crave from pro teeth cleanings,” Saunders says. “Aquarius easily irrigates the back of my molars where the poppy seeds from my everything bagel always seems to get stuck. Ultimately, I consider this the Goldilocks of waterflossers. It’s comfortable to use, seamless to incorporate into my routine, helps keep my gums healthy, all at a relatively affordable price tag.”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. All those perks made testing the thing out less of a chore and something we actually came to look forward to. And that's a big plus for something like flossing, which most of us are always looking for an excuse not to do.Read More: Best Teeth-Whitening Strips TypeCordlessPressure Settings3ADA Seal of AcceptanceYesProsFeatures more pressure settings than other brandsAvailable in different colorsGood for bracesConsNoisier than other brandsIf 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.We commend its built-in timer, which pauses at 30 second intervals to help pace flossing time, and appreciate the wide range of pressure settings, since it affords both kids and adults a more comfortable experience (some of us tried it out on our offspring).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? It's a tad on the noisy side.Further testing revealed that while the many settings is something of a plus, sometimes you just want a few easy options that get the job done. Having options is a good thing, but it's easy to fuss over just the right one and get into time-wasting territory.TypeCorded countertopPressure Settings10ADA Seal Of AcceptanceYesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLong-lasting batteryMicro-bubbles help deliver a deeper cleanRotational cleaning great for gumsConsOnly has three pressure settingsOral-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. Our testers said that, in addition to the effective cleaning they get from this flosser, they like its slim design. They also noted the stand is nice and stable on the countertop. Also of note is the battery life,—one tester said they get approximately two weeks of use per charge. We also came away liking the very intuitive screen, which eliminates any kind of confusion as to pressure level and what kind of clean you're after. We also liked the different stream options, believing them to be actually quite different whereas some of that, at least with other models, seems to be more pseudoscience than fact.TypeCordlessPressure Settings3ADA Seal Of AcceptanceNoProsCan set up regular tip replacement Holds a charge for up to eight weeksComes in three attractive colorsConsOnly two pressure modesLike 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. Upon testing, a few other pros really stood out. We loved the easy-to-fill tank and the angle of the flosser, which seems ideal for the task. We also liked how it handles, offering a remarkable cleaning experience without being cumbersome or heavy. Complaints? Few and far between but the two pressure settings seem a little lacking compared to some other flossers out there.TypeCordlessPressure Settings2ADA Seal Of AcceptanceNoAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowPros3 intensity settingsEasy to both fill and emptyErgonomic shape handles like a charmConsWater tank is on the small sideComfort is perhaps not something you associate with flossing with water but that's the case with this option. The rechargeable battery is quite strong and the three different settings are both distinctive and useful. It's easy to see why a lot of reviewers online switched to this one after trying others that just didn't feel or function quite right.While it takes a little getting used to, especially when trying to reach faraway teeth in the back of your mouth, once you get the hang of things it's smooth sailing. The handle is maybe the best we tried, fitting easily into your hand and offering just the right amount of grip. About the only gripe we had during testing was with the water tank. It's a bit on the small side, meaning more filling. But that's also a bit of a plus, especially if you're looking to travel with something a little smaller and more portable. Features at a GlanceTypeCordlessPressure Settings3ADA Seal Of AcceptanceYesProsNew advanced techDual user memory5 specialized flossing tipsConsMost expensive recommendation Waterpik’s best-in-class Promax flosser dropped this spring and Saunders is on board. She credits the combination of high-tech capabilities, five tips for different flossing needs, and dual memory function to save settings of users with justifying the upfront investment actually worth the cost.For starters, the SmartAdvance tech removes the guesswork from selecting an intensity. It starts low and comfortable and gradually increases the pressure overtime when your gums become healthier.Saunders reaches for the classic Precision model most often for concentrating on the gumline around her molars. Each set includes two color-coded tips, making it easy to share with a partner. Promax also includes a Plaque Seeker tip with mini bristles that gently clean hard-to-reach spots around veneers, crowns, implants, or bridges.Saunders points to the unique Orthodontic tip as a major win for anyone sporting traditional braces. “It’s tapered brush head helps remove food debris around the brackets and wires of your braces. I wish this existed when I had braces in high school,” she says. There’s even an Implant Denture tip, making this device helpful for maintaining a healthier smile after oral procedures.