Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best water flosser for my needs?
We’re here to help! This really depends on your personal desires and needs, naturally. However, we believe that our system of reviewing things and giving you the best options available will make this much easier. Above, you can see the top oral irrigators we found that we would recommend to people. There are more out there, but as of right now, we stand behind just those you see listed above.
First, think about main categories of water flossers and decide what type of oral irrigator you would use most often (e.g. counter top, cordless, or sink & shower). Then, find the tables showing the highest reviewed water flossers in each category. The main criteria which we use to name the best water flossers are:
- Features vs. Price Range = Value,
- Customer experience based on Amazon ratings and reviews,
- And of course, our personal experience and your feedback.
Do not worry, though, as you will be well-served by any of the flossers listed here at Water Flosser HQ!
What is a Water Flosser or Oral Irrigator?
A water flosser is another name for an oral irrigator, which is a tool used to remove food stuck between your teeth. Like it says, its job is to floss, just like your standard string-style dental floss. Unlike dental floss, however, water flossers are easy to use, will not cut your gums, won’t cause bleeding, and are actually enjoyable to use.
They have been around since the 1960s, when a dentist and engineer invented one, so they have their roots in dentistry and oral hygiene. There are multiple styles:
- Counter Top with Water Reservoir – These have a hose that is attached to a water basin which you fill and use to rinse your teeth
- Cordless Portable – Typically battery operated units that hold small amounts of water
- Sink Faucet and Shower – These have hoses and are designed to fit on the end of a tap or shower. The water basically comes straight from the tap
Who invented the Oral Irrigator?
From Waterpik’s website:
Originally known as Aqua Tec Corp., the company that became Water Pik, Inc. was founded in Fort Collins, Colorado by hydraulic engineer John Mattingly and dentist Gerald Moyer. The two collaborated to create an oral irrigator for use in dentistry. On their 146th try, the inventors hollowed out a piston and developed a motorized oral irrigation device that did not leak. Waterpik Corporation
In 2004,
The first cordless Waterpik® Water Flosser was introduced. The rechargeable, battery operated units are compact and portable for those who need to water floss away from home. They are also ideal for people who prefer a cordless design. Waterpik Corporation
What are some common problems with water flossers?
Most people seem to be pleased with their purchase of a water flosser. However, others are not entirely satisfied. Some of the water flosser problems the report are no different than for any product, such as: incompatible electrical outlets, delivery issues, and problems caused by customers not reading the directions or product description.
By far most of the reviews are positive. Every once in a while, a defective unit is produced (as with any product). Rare defects that some report include: a dead unit out of the box, a motor that wears out too soon, or a handle that leaks or tube that breaks. Some complain about the noise of the unit.
Overall, sometimes you learn a lot from negative reviews. Reading negative reviews can give you an idea whether a lot of people say the same problem, which may indicate a defective design, or whether it’s just the occasional defect or dissatisfied customer. Since the vast majority of customers are satisfied with their oral irrigator and the rare negative reviews don’t show a clear pattern, you can be confident in you water flosser purchase decision.
Are water flossers really more effective?
Studies have shown that they can be just as useful, if not better, than regular old dental floss at cleaning your teeth and reducing bleeding and gingivitis. Studies have also shown that oral irrigators are:
Safe
- An effective alternative to subgingival antibiotics
- Twice as effective as string floss for implant care
- More effective than string floss at removing plaque
- Excellent for removing plaque in diabetes patients
- More effective than air flossers at removing plaque
- More effective than string floss at reducing gingivitis
It’s clear: water flossers are highly effective tools in promoting dental health!
What is it like to use a Water Flosser? (VIDEO)
You can read about how to use a water flosser here. But rather than try to describe how a water flosser works, it’s better to actually show someone using a water flosser.