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When rounding out your essential beauty tools, you may want think about adding in one of the best water flossers. According to cosmetic dentist Daniel Rubinshtein, research shows that regular oral irrigation once or twice a day can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and gum disease.
"Using a water flosser can help reach those hard to get places, such as the back teeth. Unless you are an avid flosser with regular floss, it’s hard to reach the molars," he tells Bazaar. Plus, Rubinshtein adds that water flossers are particularly helpful for dental bridges, porcelain veneers, or braces, as they help clean off excess plaque that may cause gum inflammation.
Shop the Best Water Flossers
Dentist Kevin Sands notes that using a water flosser at least once a day at a 90-degree angle can be extremely beneficial for your oral hygiene routine, as it helps remove plaque, debris, and bacteria between teeth and along the gumline. "It helps dislodge particles and bacteria that may be more easily removed with the water flosser than with brushing alone," he says. "Water flossing before brushing helps loosen and remove particles from between teeth, making it easier for the toothbrush to clean the surfaces thoroughly."
Another bonus that comes with incorporating a water flosser into your routine? In addition to key features, like pulsating water and specialized tips you can't get with regular floss alone, these high-tech staples also use clean, continuous streams of water, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Professionals advise starting with a low-pressure setting, and gradually increasing once your mouth gets use to regular flosser use.
To help you find the best device for your needs, we've pulled together the best water flossers with a number of attachments and pressure settings worth shopping—with each under $100—that come highly-approved by shoppers and dentists alike.
Related: The Best Whitening Toothpastes That Dentists Love
Pros
ADA-accepted for safety and effectiveness- Highly customizable
Cons
- Not ideal for travel
Both Sands and Rubinshtein consider Waterpik's Aquarius Water Flosser as their primary in-office go-to—and it's easy to see why. In addition to 10 pressure settings, the device also includes seven different tips for ultimate customization. "I mainly use and recommend the Waterpik," Rubinshtein says.
One satisfied shopper writes: "I recently got a bridge and didnt like the idea of sticking a flosser brush under it daily. This lets me both floss my teeth painlessly and get anything that may be stuck under my bridge. I like that it came with a lot of different attachments and some different settings. The only thing i would change is for it to be a bit quieter. I don't mind the noise but it was definitely a surprise when I turned it on. Overall, highly recommend!" —Arianna T.
Pros
- Ergonomic
- Included battery is rechargable
Cons
Here's a cordless option from Waterpik that's battery-powered, and includes 360-degree tip rotation to leave your teeth and gums sparkling clean. "This flosser is ideal for those who want the convenience of a cordless option without compromising on performance," adds Sands. "It's easy to use and travel-friendly."
One satisfied shopper writes: "This works great and I really appreciate the adjustable settings. I actually enjoy using it daily." —Pamela E.
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Pros
- Whisper quiet
Cons
- Not ideal for travel
This water flosser uses four streams of water to quickly and efficiently clean between teeth and along the gum line. And according to our experts, it's also a great choice for anyone looking for a less messy alternative to traditional flossing.
One satisfied shopper writes: "I bought this air flosser to replace an older model that was wearing out. This new version is more sleek and compact, so it doesn’t take up much counter space. The water pressure is readily adjustable. And it comes with two different tips that are easy to change. This unit is very user-friendly." —JJ Hunt
Pros
- Great for braces
- Includes rechargeable battery
Cons
Here's another cordless and battery-powered tool that dentists recommend. It features three usage modes and four tip options, and even nicely massages gums as you use it. The flosser also happens to rotate a full 360 degrees.
One satisfied shopper writes: "Great water flosser, also my first water flosser! Easy operation, comfortable to hold with ergonomic handle. Once you become proficient at water flossing the water container will be adequate. During my learning faze I had more water around sink and mirror than on my gum line LOL. If you're looking for a simple efficient water flosser I would personally recommend." —Nancy D.
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Pros
- Easy to use
- Includes a built-in memory function to lock in your settings
Cons
Since this tool features a detachable water tank, it's easy to keep clean after rounds of flossing. It's also specially designed with three cleaning modes that are safe for those with periodontitis or braces.
One satisfied shopper writes: "I enjoy the benefits of using this in addition to floss. I have super tiny teeth, and tiny gaps that break floss. So this has been a game changer for my dental hygiene. After a bit of getting used to, it’s amazing." —Deborah S.
Pros
- Great for targeted cleaning
Cons
Experts note that this tool from Oral-B is known for its Oxyjet technology—water enriched with microbubbles of air—which helps provide a deeper level of cleaning than most flossers. It also aims to remove up to 99.99 percent of plaque from teeth and gums.
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Pros
- Whisper quiet
- Battery lasts up to 30 days per charge
Cons
"This water flosser offers a large water tank, multiple pressure settings, and various tips for different dental needs," Sands explains of this top-rated device. "Users often appreciate its quiet operation."
One satisfied shopper writes: "I absolutely love this product. I'm glad that it is cordless as I can travel with it where I go! The battery life is amazing! I'm absolutely addicted and use this everyday, it literally feels like I got my teeth cleaned professionally every single day. My teeth even feel smoother and look whiter." —Andrea P.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Kevin B. Sands, DDS, is a celebrity cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California.
- Dr. Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS, is a celebrity cosmetic dentist based in New York City.
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Can readers floss less often if they regularly use a water flosser?
While water flossers are helpful in keeping your teeth and gums cleaner and more healthy, Rubinshtein notes that these devices shouldn't replace regular manual flossing. "I actually recommend my patients to use a water flosser in conjunction with regular flossing," he explains. "A water flosser should not replace regular flossing or brushing, in my opinion. Regular flossing is still the best and most effective way to clean between your teeth. You should still continue to floss, but adding a water flosser is a great way to elevate your oral care regimen. If you are only using a water flosser than use it the same amount of times as regular flossing, which is twice a day."
What’s the best pressure setting for beginners new to using water flossers?
For those new to using water flossers, professionals advise starting with a lower pressure setting and gradually increasing it based on the user's individual comfort-level and oral health needs.
"Starting with a lower pressure allows your gums to get accustomed to the sensation, reducing the risk of discomfort or irritation. As your gums become accustomed to the water flosser, you may find that you can gradually increase the pressure over time," Sands adds. "Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific water flosser model."
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Tiffany Dodson
Associate Beauty Commerce Editor
Tiffany Dodson Davis is the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Don't ask her to choose a favorite fragrance—it's like picking a favorite child. As one of the brand's resident shopping experts, she specializes in trend forecasting, testing the latest beauty and wellness launches, and curating bookmark-worthy commerce guides. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in SELF Magazine, Bustle, and Teen Vogue. She's also been tapped as a commerce and beauty expert for The Business of Fashion, NPR’s Life Kit podcast, and more.
