The Best Oral Irrigator | 2023

Everyone knows that flossing is essential for good oral health. However, most of us don’t do it as often as we should. According to a survey published by Delta Dental, only four in 10 Americans floss at least once a day, and 20% never floss.

Some people may find flossing too difficult, due to dexterity issues, teeth that are too close together or braces. Others may find flossing painful and avoid it to keep their gums from bleeding.

One alternative to flossing is the oral irrigator. Oral irrigators, or water flossers, work by using a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and below the gum line. In 2017,  the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser earned the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The organization found that the products have shown efficacy for removing plaque along the gum line and between teeth and for aiding in preventing and reducing gingivitis.

Modern water flossers, such as the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser, feature up to 10 pressure settings. If you travel frequently, a portable model that has a cordless, collapsible design that makes it easy to fit into luggage is the way to go. Some models, like this one, are battery-operated, while others, like the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser, are countertop models that must be plugged into an outlet. Generally, countertop models offer a larger range of water pressure and hold more water than cordless models. However, cordless models are a lot more compact, making them ideal for small spaces.

Water flossers come with a range of tips so that different members in your household can use the flosser, according to their needs. For example, someone with braces may want to use one type of tip, while another tip is ideal for periodontal pockets.

• Make sure to lean over the sink when using your oral irrigator so you don’t splash water everywhere.
• Use lukewarm water instead of cold in your oral irrigator, especially if you have sensitive teeth.
• Start off with the lowest pressure setting. If you have sensitive gums and are not accustomed to flossing or using an oral irrigator regularly, it will take some time until you can build up to higher pressure settings.
• Oral irrigators can be particularly useful for those with braces. The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser was shown to be three times as effective as string floss for orthodontic patients.
• They’re also a good option for those with implants, crowns or any other dental work that may impede string flossing.
• Oral irrigators are also helpful for people with dexterity issues that may have trouble manipulating traditional floss.
• You should use your oral irrigator, or floss, at least once a day. Some people floss before they brush while some opt to floss first. The important thing is that you do it, not necessarily when you do it.
• Make sure to clean both sides of your teeth.
• Make sure you use your irrigator for the right length of time. The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser comes with a one-minute timer with a 30-second pacer to make sure that you thoroughly floss all areas of your mouth.
• Direct the tip of the water flosser down toward the gums, and use a scalloped motion to go along the gum line of each tooth. Do this on both the inside and outside of the tooth.
• You can clean the outside of your flosser with a cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner.
• Reservoirs can be hand-washed with warm, soapy water. They can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.
• You can clean internal parts in a solution of vinegar and water.
• The handle can also be cleaned with a vinegar-and-water-solution.
• Tips should also be cleaned in white vinegar or a water-and-hydrogen peroxide solution. They should be replaced every three to six months.