At the very least you should write a very visible note that the study was paid by the company with all the caveats implied. We found the MySmile to be a uniquely user-friendly experience, thanks to its digital design and travel-friendly features. Throw in a free travel pouch, and you get a water flosser perfect for stashing in a bag or suitcase and taking it with you wherever you're going. And the brush itself is top-quality: “The toothbrush has a really good bristle tip speed, that provides extra plaque removal and promotes gum health,” says Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani, CEO and Director of Costello Family Dentistry in Ontario, Canada.

One of the toughest things about using a water flosser, if you have braces, is that it can be hard to manipulate, especially for kids who might have trouble managing a larger-size flosser. But we think the Aquarius's smaller handle would be perfect for kids (or those with smaller hands, in general). Many water flossers include a full set of nozzles that can be helpful for different users, including jet tips, orthodontic tips, tongue cleaners, and more. Dr. Bishop says the classic jet tip is the most used and recommended because it delivers a steady stream of water directly between the teeth to disrupt plaque, but that the new specialized tips are good when used appropriately.

When it comes to separating good water flossers from great water flossers, pressure settings and reservoir size are important factors. While it only has three settings (fewer than some of the more expensive options on our list), they are effective and get the job done. The pulse mode, in particular, was one of our favorites—it did an excellent job getting gunk out from in between our teeth.

Using a water flosser isn’t as straightforward as using an electric toothbrush and it can take a little getting used to. You start by filling the reservoir, before putting the tip of the flosser in your mouth with the nozzle pointing at your gum line. Only at this point should you switch it on and select the mode you want to use. Both periodontists pointed out the importance of looking for devices that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, which Dr. Cram (an ADA spokesperson) explained was “put in place to basically evaluate the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter dental products.” Dr. Pirih echoed that this was a good mark of knowing a device has been tested and is safe to use. However, at the time of publication, the only companies that have this seal are Waterpik and Philips Sonicare—though Quip has other products that have the seal, and told me it’s in the process of seeking the seal for its water flosser, the brand doesn’t have a timeline for getting it at time of publication. If you are short of countertop space, one option is to store the flosser elsewhere and get it out as and when you need it. Many people place it in a bathroom cabinet. This overcomes the space issue, but regular use can become more challenging as it takes more effort and time to get it setup, and there isn’t the visual reminder from it sitting in plain sight. As a general rule, dentists are big fans of flossing. But they’re well aware that not everyone shares their zeal. If you’re cringing at the thought and have assumed that it is unhygienic, don’t worry. This product comes with eight nozzle options. There are three high-pressure nozzles for daily flossing. Additionally, Turewell provides five specialized tips for dedicated purposes such as tongue cleaning, periodontal tooth, or orthodontal cleaning. So, in essence, your family would merely be sharing the water reservoir, and you can designate separate nozzles for every member.

A water flosser can also enhance the effectiveness of tooth-whitening treatments,” says Dr. Alag. The Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser claims to floss your teeth while also restoring them to their natural whiteness in four weeks. A whitening tablet inserted into the flosser’s flip-top handle infuses the water with a stain removal agent that also works on plaque and boosts gum health — without harsh bleaching chemicals. Pressure is measured in Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) or Bar. Typically the pressure ranges from 10 to 100 PSI, although some models reach as much as 160 PSI.Low pressure tends to be around 30-45 PSI and high 60-80 PSI, subject to model. You don’t have to worry quite so much about in hand comfort with the likes of the Waterpik Nano, Ultra or Ultra Plus. These are countertop units. They have slim handles, which the fingers and thumbs easily hold onto. No, waterpiks and water flossers cannot damage the teeth or the gums, per Dr. Bishop, since water alone can't damage the structure of your tooth. They can cause mild irritation at first, but that's often normal. There were several nice-to-have features I also considered. These included swiveling tips, which are handy if you want to angle the water stream a specific way based on how you hold the flosser. I also gave bonus points to flossers that came with extra tips (for family members, or for replacement down the line), though you can always buy those after the fact.