7 best water flossers to keep your gums in tip-top condition
The best water flossers can a total game-changer for your oral care routine. Forget the fiddly string floss and interdental brushes – these sleek gadgets effortlessly clean between teeth, keeping your smile bright and cutting down on extra trips to the hygienist.
Any dentist will tell you that flossing should be just as important as brushing your teeth. And just like other dental products such as electric toothbrushes, whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes, there are plenty of models of water flossers designed with extra features and water jet settings to suit everyone's individual needs. So regardless of whether you have sensitive teeth or sensitive gums, you can rest easy knowing that you can take care of your oral hygiene completely pain-free.
From notable brands like Waterpik, Philips, Oral-B and others, it's safe to say that there's enough competition in the market to appeal to everyone. For example, devices such as the Waterpik Cordless Plus Water Flosser and the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser have classic jet tips and water streams that are suitable for anyone who has braces, implants and veneers, while many other options can even be used to treat mild cases of gum disease. The best part is that all of them are incredibly easy to use and don't require much dexterity.
To help you decide, we've taken a look at all the bestsellers and top-reviewed products on the market and included them as part of our list. As careful testers, we've also made sure to answer all your FAQs and include products that we've personally tried ourselves. So sit back, scroll down and enjoy.
Meet the expert:
| Dr Thuha Jabbar | Dentist and founder of Alma’s Dentistry and Aesthetics. |
|---|
How we test water flossers
At GLAMOUR, we take our oral hygiene routine seriously. So, our team put the best water flossers on the market through their paces to see how they really perform. That means looking at everything from water pressure and ease of use to how well they reach those tricky spots between teeth. We’ve tested a handful so far, but we’re steadily working our way through the rest. For the ones we haven’t personally tried yet, you can trust that we’ve sifted through hundreds of reviews and reached out to dentists for their expert opinions to bring you only the very best options.
Looking for more dental content? Check out our edits of all the best electric toothbrushes and the best teeth whitening kits. Plus, you can also check out our guide on how to use tongue cleaners.
Scroll down to check out our full list of the best water flossers worth adding as part of your daily routine…
Waterpik Cordless Plus Water Flosser
Key specifications:
- Number of cleaning modes: 2.
- Number of attachments: 4.
- Water tank size: 207ml.
- Battery life: 14 days.
Why we love it: Looking to achieve cleaner teeth and stronger gums? Say no more. This cordless flosser is highly-rated for a reason: it's lightweight, has a 2-week battery life, suitable for use on braces and is even twice as effective as traditional flossing or interdental brushes.
Its ergonomic design with a non-slip grip makes it comfortable to use, while the easy-fill reservoir and dual pressure control let you switch between a softer setting for sensitive gums and a more powerful jet for thorough cleaning. Genius.
With a rechargeable, portable build, it’s ideal for small bathrooms or packing in your travel bag, and the 210ml reservoir provides over 45 seconds of continuous flossing. A range of specialist tips are also included – from a Jet Tip for deep cleaning to orthodontic and Pik-Pocket tips, plus a tongue cleaner to help combat bad breath.
Save when you shop for the best water flossers with our Amazon discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- Clinically proven to be more effective than floss and interdental brushes.
- Ergonomic design with non-slip grip, easy-fill reservoir, and dual pressure settings.
- Rechargeable and portable – ideal for travel or small bathrooms.
Cons- Requires charging (not battery-free).
Key specifications:
- Number of cleaning modes: 3.
- Number of attachments: 8.
- Water tank size: 300ml.
- Battery life: 14 days.
Why we love it: Oral health shouldn't break the bank. Luckily, for under £25, you can get your hands on this affordable cordless option that comes with a USB charger and offers 14 days of battery life after a single 4-hour charge.
With 1,600 pulses per minute and three cleaning modes, this water flosser is designed to deliver a thorough clean between teeth and along the gumline. The detachable 300ml reservoir provides generous flossing time, while the eight interchangeable nozzles make it a versatile option for families. An extra-quiet design also means you can use it morning or night without disturbing others.
On the flip side, its larger size may feel less portable than more compact models, and the four-hour charge time isn’t the fastest. Still, with its customisable settings and reliable performance, it’s a solid addition to your dental routine.
Pros & ConsPros- 1,600 pulses per minute for a deep clean below the gumline.
- Three cleaning modes (normal, soft, pulse) for customisable care.
- Large 300ml detachable water tank for longer cleaning sessions.
Cons- Larger size may feel bulky compared to more compact flossers.
Oral-B Aquacare 6 Water Flosser
Key specifications:
- Number of cleaning modes: 6.
- Number of attachments: 2.
- Water tank size: 145ml.
- Battery life: not specified.
Why we love it: Oral care has never been easier. This device uses unique Oxyjet technology, which enriches the water with microfine bubbles of air to improve your gum health and gently remove plaque build-up and trapped food particles. Comes with a rechargeable battery, 6 different cleaning modes and 2 interchangeable jet tip nozzles.
Its cordless design makes it incredibly easy to handle, giving you full freedom of movement without being tethered to a socket. Whether you’re navigating a small bathroom counter or packing for a weekend away, this flosser slips effortlessly into your routine.
The downside? A smaller design means a smaller water reservoir and fewer nozzle options, which may not suit multiple users. Cordless convenience also requires regular recharging, and the pressure range is more limited compared with larger, multi-mode models.
Pros & ConsPros- Cordless design makes it easy to handle and travel-friendly.
- On-demand pulse mode for targeted, precise cleaning.
- Three intensity levels to suit different needs, from sensitive to deep clean.
Cons- Smaller water reservoir likely compared to larger countertop models.
Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000
Key specifications:
- Number of cleaning modes: 2.
- Number of attachments: 2.
- Water tank size: 200ml.
- Battery life: 14 days.
Why we love it: If you're in the market for a premium solution to intensive water flossing, then this is it. The Sonicare Power Flosser features a ‘Clean’ and ‘Deep Clean’ flossing mode, which can be paired with the quad stream nozzle to create a high-pressure stream of water that can hit hard to reach areas to help prevent periodontal gum diseases such as gingivitis.
The 360° rotating nozzle ensures that even the trickiest angles and hidden corners of your mouth are fully reached, giving every tooth and gumline the attention it deserves. Its smooth rotation and precision control mean you can easily manoeuvre around molars, along the gumline, and between tight spaces, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and thoroughly cared for.
It's worth noting that the Quad Stream intensity may be too strong for sensitive gums. Nevertheless, with its precision cleaning, and travel-friendly accessories, it’s a standout premium choice for efficient daily oral care.
Pros & ConsPros- Quad Stream technology delivers four water jets for a faster, deeper clean.
- Two cleaning modes (clean and deep clean) with adjustable intensity.
- Comes with multiple nozzles, travel bag, USB-C cable, and wall adapter for convenience.
Cons- Only two cleaning modes may feel limited compared with some multi-mode flossers.
- Some users may find the Quad Stream intensity too strong for sensitive gums.
Oral-B SmartSeries Oxyjet Cleaning System with Pro 5000 Rechargeable Toothbrush
Key specifications:
- Number of cleaning modes: 4.
- Number of attachments: 4.
- Water tank size: 600ml.
- Battery life: N/A.
Why we love it: This home dentistry set comes with a quality electric toothbrush and a water flosser, the latter of which comes with four different tips that can be used by the whole family. Plus, it also features adjustable water pressure settings, which can be used to clean both your gum line and in between your teeth.
Its OxyJet system enriches water with micro-air bubbles, improving overall gum health, while the adjustable water pressure ensures a clean tailored to your needs – and is suitable for sensitive teeth!
For anyone seeking a tech-savvy, thorough approach to oral hygiene, this bundle offers an impressive blend of convenience, customisation, and professional-level cleaning, earning a solid 4.4-star rating from buyers.
Pros & ConsPros- OxyJet system enriches water with micro-air bubbles to support gum health.
- Comes with an electric toothbrush that removes up to 100% more plaque than a manual brush.
- The pressure control has 4 modes, with Bluetooth.
Cons- More complex setup due to Bluetooth and multiple functions.
Panasonic EW1311 Rechargeable Oral Irrigator
Key specifications:
- Number of cleaning modes: 3.
- Number of attachments: 4.
- Water tank size: 130ml.
- Battery life: not specified.
Why we love it: Dental care for the whole family. Not only is this device gentle enough for everyone to use, it comes with 4 differently-coloured orthodontic tips that every member of the family can use.
It effectively removes food debris, plaque, and bacteria from teeth, interdental areas, and periodontal pockets. With 5 adjustable pressure settings, and a compact 200 ml water tank, it’s versatile and travel-friendly for the entire family, making it easy to personalise your oral care routine.
The 200 ml tank does only provides about 60 seconds of use per fill, which may require multiple refills for a full-mouth clean. Some users may also need time to adjust to the different pressure levels and nozzle types.
Pros & ConsPros- Ultrasonic water jet removes bacteria effectively, including from hard-to-reach interdental areas and periodontal pockets.
- 5 water pressure settings allow you to adjust for gum sensitivity.
- Comes with 4 nozzles, including specialised ones for orthodontics, tongue care, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Cons- 200 ml tank provides only 60 seconds of continuous use, which may require frequent refills for full-mouth cleaning.
Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser
Key specifications:
- Number of cleaning modes: 3.
- Number of attachments: 4.
- Water tank size: 130ml.
- Battery life: not specified.
Why we love it: Safe, gentle and easy to use, this cordless water flosser from Waterpik is a smart choice for anyone who has braces, impants, crowns or periodontal pockets. Easily removes 99.9% of plaque build-up and is even 50% more effective than traditional flossing methods.
The device also massages and stimulates gums, promoting better circulation and overall gum health. Its compact design and USB charger make it ideal for travel or small bathrooms.
The water reservoir is on the smaller side, giving only about 45 seconds of flossing on high pressure, which may not be enough for a thorough clean. Plus, some reviewers say the magnetic charger is somewhat bulky, and the device lacks a built-in timer to ensure even cleaning.
Pros & ConsPros- Safe for individuals with braces, implants, crowns, bridges, or periodontal pockets.
- Massages and stimulates gums to improve circulation and keep them strong and healthy.
- Features a 360-degree rotating tip handle for easy access to all areas of the mouth.
Cons- Lacks a timer or pacer to help ensure an even clean across your mouth.
What do at-home water flossers do?
“At-home water flossers, also known as oral irrigators or water jets, are devices that use a steady stream of water or a combination of water and air to clean between teeth and along the gumline,” shares Dr Thuha Jabbar, dentist and founder of Alma’s Dentistry and Aesthetics. “They work by directing pressurised water or a pulsating stream into the oral cavity to remove plaque, debris, and food particles.
What are the benefits of using a water flosser?
There are many benefits to using water flossers. First of all, they are incredibly effective in removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. “The pulsating action of the water stream can reach areas that traditional flossing may miss, resulting in a more thorough clean,” shares Dr Thuha. They're also much gentler on your gums compared to traditional flossing methods. “They provide a massaging effect that can help stimulate gum health without causing irritation or bleeding, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive gums,” she adds.
However, it's worth noting that traditional flossing methods such as string floss and interdental picks are still effective methods when used correctly. After all, it's better to floss one way or another than not at all.
What should I keep in mind when choosing a water flosser?
According to Dr Thuha, there are several things you should keep in mind when selecting a water flosser, including adjustable pressure settings, water reservoir capacity and different nozzle options.
“Adjustable pressure settings allow you to customize the water pressure based on your personal comfort level and oral health needs. Some individuals may require a gentler pressure, while others may benefit from a stronger pressure for a thorough clean,” she shares.
At the same time, a larger water reservoir capacity can be a huge selling point too – after all, you wouldn't want to stop and refill your water flosser halfway through your morning routine more often than you need to. “However, bear in mind that a larger reservoir can also make the device bulkier and potentially less portable. It's essential to strike a balance between reservoir capacity and the portability of the water flosser,” says Dr. Thuha.
Dr Thuha notes that having different nozzle options to choose from is also worth taking into account. “For instance, orthodontic tips are designed to clean around braces or other dental appliances. Having a selection of nozzle options allows you to customize your flossing experience to cater to your unique oral care requirements,” she says.
