The best water flossers, tried and tested for healthier teeth

How many of us can look our dentist in the eye and promise we’ve flossed daily? It’s always the first thing to drop from my morning routine, and the last thing on my mind before bed. Luckily, my tune has changed since testing some of the best water flossers.

Also known as oral irrigators, water flossers are completely different from the painful, harsh and environmentally unfriendly ways of traditional flossing tape, and they can get into spaces that a toothbrush might miss. “These devices use a steady high-pressure, or pulsating stream of water to target the areas between the teeth near the gum line,” Dr Khurrum Hussain, a dentist and clinical periodontist at Bupa Dental Care explains.

They are more effective than tape for hard-to-reach areas, so they are particularly useful for anyone with braces or dental work like bridges. Meanwhile, using a water flosser to dislodge plaque from the gum line and any food particles can also help to whiten your teeth.

The best water flossers: At a glance

How to use a water flosser

Use a water flosser before brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste, advises Dr Khurrum Hussain. “This allows debris to be removed from the spaces between the teeth, enabling better fluoride absorption from the toothpaste onto the enamel.”

Always fill the reservoir with water, not mouthwash. Dr Khurrum warns that using mouthwash instead of water can cause staining. He also advises, “If you have sensitive teeth, using lukewarm water can be less triggering.”

In terms of technique, position the end of the tip a few millimetres away from your teeth. “Direct the stream towards the gum, aiming for the spaces between the teeth to remove trapped debris. If you have gaps between your teeth, angle the nozzle towards each tooth,” Dr Khurrum says.

For practicality’s sake, he suggests closing your mouth around the nozzle to prevent splash back. “It typically takes two to four minutes to clean your entire mouth,” he adds.

How I test water flossers