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We updated this article in April 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
There’s nothing like the gleam of bright, white, clean teeth after going to the dentist—though getting that same result daily can be hard to recreate. The good news is that you can boost your oral health and get super-clean feeling teeth at home by using the best water flossers and waterpiks.
A water flosser (a.k.a. oral irrigator) is a health appliance designed for dental care at home. It works by using a targeted stream of water to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria in a way that’s more comfortable and easier than traditional string floss. However, experts say it isn’t necessarily better to use one over the other. Instead, you should use both tools to properly remove particles from between your teeth and gums, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Meet the experts: Amanda Lewis D.D.S, a cosmetic dentist based in Dallas, Wesam Shafee D.M.D., aesthetic dentist and founder of Smile Care Dental Group in Paramus, NJ.
Water flossers have great benefits for the actual gum tissue, maybe less of a benefit in between the teeth,” says Amanda Lewis D.D.S, a cosmetic dentist based in Dallas. “I find that traditional floss can be used to clean in between the teeth and down at the gum underneath the level where most things can reach. The two together can be very effective around implants—implants have a different contour coming out of the gum tissue,” Dr. Lewis explains.
While you may already be groaning about the amount of dental gadgets your oral hygiene routine involves already, adding a water flosser to your collection of electric toothbrushes or whitening pens will certainly optimize your gum health.
Our top picks
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Best 2-in-1
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush
Read more
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TUREWELL Water Dental Oral Irrigator
Read more
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ToiletTree Products Poseidon Oral Irrigator and Sonic Toothbrush
Read more
Ready to shop? Ahead, find 10 top-rated dentist-approved water flossers and waterpiks, approved by experts and reviewers alike.
“This is powerful yet gentle on teeth and gums. It helps with deep cleaning,” says Wesam Shafee D.M.D., aesthetic dentist and founder of Smile Care Dental Group in Paramus, NJ. This pick is also a bestseller, with over 71,000 five-star global ratings on Amazon. It works to remove 99.9% of plaque from the teeth, (according to the brand) comes with several flossing tips, and a one-minute timer to help you thoroughly clean all areas inside your mouth.
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Best Value
TUREWELL Water Flossing Cordless Oral Irrigator
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Best Value
TUREWELL Water Flossing Cordless Oral Irrigator
Pros
- Expert-recommended
- Affordable
- Portable
Cons
- Some reviewers report having to refill water during single use
This cordless pick is designed with a lithium battery that can be charged with a power bank, computer, or car charger. Once it’s been fully charged for four hours, it can last for two weeks, according to the brand. Its features include three operating modes, ranging from normal to pulse. It also comes with five tips for particular uses like a tongue cleaner tip, plaque tip, orthodontic tip, and more. “It helps in plaque reduction and is easy to use,” says Dr. Shafee.
Dimensions | 3.15 x 2.76 x 7.87 inches |
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Pressure Settings | 3 |
Attachments Included | 5 tips |
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Best Travel-Friendly
Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced
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Best Travel-Friendly
Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced
Pros
- Expert-recommended
- Cordless & portable
Cons
- Some reviewers cited difficulty using on-demand buttons
This pick from Dr. Lewis is a must-have for those looking to clean their teeth frequently after eating. It has a unique oxyjet technology that uses water enriched with air microbubbles to help remove plaque bacteria for healthier gums. It also offers three intensity modes, allowing you to choose an intense, medium, or sensitive cleaning pressure.
Dimensions | 6.339 x 2.677 x 9.961 Inches |
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Pressure Settings | 3 |
Attachments Included | 2 nozzles |
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Pros
- Expert-recommended
- Compact
- Offers pulse setting
Cons
- Not ideal for traveling
Another pick from Dr. Lewis, this water flosser will give you an effortless, thorough clean between your teeth and help improve your gum health. Its quad stream technology helps to cover more area within your mouth with less effort, while its unique pulse wave technology works to guide you from tooth to tooth. You can also select between two different cleansing modes—go with the clean mode for a continuous flow of water, or select the deep clean mode to use targeted pulses of water.
Dimensions | 5.315 x 5.906 x 9.921 Inches |
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Pressure Settings | 2 flossing modes, 10 intensities |
Attachments Included | 2 nozzles |
Pros
- Expert-recommended
- Cordless
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers report having to refill water during single use
Perfect for pedestal sinks, travel, and use in the shower, this next pick from Dr. Lewis is great for people constantly on the go. It’s just as powerful as the countertop version but does not require the daily use of electrical outlets. This water flosser comes with five tips, has a high-volume covered reservoir, a hygienic tip storage compartment, and an advanced pressure control system with 10 settings.
Dimensions | 3.6 x 2.5 x 11.75 Inches |
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Pressure Settings | 2 |
Attachments Included | 2 tips |
Pros
- Collapsible-design easy for storage and travel
- Features water jets setting
Cons
- Runs on batteries
Unlike traditional dental floss, this portable oral irrigator creates rapid, targeted water jets to comfortably and thoroughly help remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth and gums. It’s crafted with a few unique features as well—a collapsible design allows it to fit into tight drawers or small cabinet spaces and in bags while traveling. It also has an easy-to-fill reservoir that holds 5.5 ounces of water, providing up to 40 seconds of water flossing action, according to the brand. One happy Amazon customer writes “...for cleaning my teeth at work after lunch, or for those times when I’m traveling, this Panasonic Oral Irrigator can’t be beat.”
Dimensions | 2 x 2.7 x 8.6 Inches |
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Pressure Settings | 2 |
Attachments Included | 1 tip |
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Hydrofloss and Quantum Labs New Generation Oral Irrigator
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Hydrofloss and Quantum Labs New Generation Oral Irrigator
Pros
- Features magnetic technology
- Comes with four color-coded tips
Cons
- Not ideal for traveling
Designed to clean under the gum line and between the teeth, this tool uses magnetics to change the water and remove bacteria living on the surface of the teeth. Its features include a water steam of 1,200 pulses per minute, a water stop button on the handle, and four color-coded tips. One satisfied reviewer writes “our gums are far better because of this machine… You’d be amazed at the gunk that comes out of your teeth while using this.”
Dimensions | 18.25 x 4.00 x 5.00 inches |
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Pressure Settings | 9 |
Attachments Included | 4 tips |
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Best 2-in-1
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush
8
Best 2-in-1
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Expert-recommended
- Combines flossing and brushing with one tool
Cons
- Pricey
Another pick from Dr. Lewis, this new and improved water flosser comes with a bristle tip speed that works twice as fast as the original. The best part? You don’t even have to switch between your toothbrush and flosser, this tool allows you to brush and water floss, saving you time and space. It comes with two patented water flossing brush heads and two brush head covers.
Dimensions | 6 x 5.25 x 10.9 Inches |
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Pressure Settings | 3 modes, 10 settings |
Attachments Included | 2 flossing brush heads |
Pros
- Comes with five special-use jet tips
- 10 adjustable pressure settings
Cons
- Not very portable
With over 4,700 five-star global ratings on Amazon, you can count on this water flosser to get the job done. It comes with three high-pressure tips and five special-use jet tips (orthodontic, tongue cleaner, periodontal, dental plaque, and a toothbrush tip). But what makes this oral irrigator so different from the rest is its 10 adjustable water pressure settings, making it easy to use for every household member. The brand notes that pressure one through four should be used for kids! One happy Amazon customer writes that this pick “works great to clean gums and between teeth. Mouth feels dentist clean after use.”
Dimensions | 8.74 x 6.22 x 5.08 inches |
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Pressure Settings | 10 |
Attachments Included | 3 ordinary high-pressure tips, 5 special-use jet tips |
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ToiletTree Products Poseidon Oral Irrigator and Sonic Toothbrush
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ToiletTree Products Poseidon Oral Irrigator and Sonic Toothbrush
Pros
- Pairs electric toothbrush and water flosser in one charging base
- Space saving
Cons
- Some users may have to refill water fill during singular use
Toilet Tree combined two of their best-selling items to create the ultimate dental care combo set. You can keep both your water flosser and sonic toothbrush fully charged up in just one base. The flosser has three mode settings, normal, soft, and pulse. Plus, it includes two color-coded and interchangeable tips for multiple members in your household. One happy Walmart customer writes “I love this toothbrush and irrigator. Everything you need for excellent oral healthcare is in one easy holder.”
Dimensions | 6.25 x 5.24 x 11.75 inches |
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Pressure Settings | 3 |
Attachments Included | 3 tips |
How to choose the best water flossers and waterpiks
When shopping for water flossers, there are a few things dentists recommend you keep in mind:
✔️ Pick the right tip. “Consider the tip type,” says Dr. Shafee. There are various tips for different dental needs, like orthodontic tips for braces, plaque tips for implants, denture tips, and more. In addition, the tips should also be replaced every three to six months, depending on what the brand advises.
✔️ Check out reviews. “Read reviews about ease of use, maintenance, and durability,” adds Dr. Shafee. This will help you determine the sizing, portability, and unique features certain water flossers offer.
✔️ Ask your dentist. The number one thing to do is ask your dentist for recommendations, says Dr. Shafee. Depending on your specific dental needs, your dentist will provide the best recommendations on what can work for you.
How we chose the best water flossers and waterpiks
We consulted dental hygiene experts like Amanda Lewis D.D.S, a cosmetic dentist based in Dallas, and Wesam Shafee D.M.D., aesthetic dentist and founder of Smile Care Dental Group in Paramus, NJ. We also pored through countless online reviews from verified customers to find the best water flossers and waterpiks available.
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Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Shauna Beni
Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.
Madeleine Haase
Madeleine, Prevention’s assistant editor, has a history with health writing from her experience as an editorial assistant at WebMD, and from her personal research at university. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience—and she helps strategize for success across Prevention’s social media platforms.