A water flosser — or oral irrigator — cleans between your teeth and along the gum line with a targeted jet of water, flushing out food and plaque that a toothbrush misses. For many people it is far easier and more pleasant than string floss, and it is a genuine boon for anyone with braces, implants, crowns or sensitive gums. An extensive test of water flossers sorted the best, and these are the top picks, checked against current UK prices.
What to Look For
Countertop or cordless. There are two types. Stationary countertop units plug into the mains and hold a large water tank, delivering the most power and the longest run before a refill — ideal for a permanent bathroom fixture. Cordless models run off a rechargeable battery and pack the water into the handle, so they are portable, travel-friendly and easy to use in the shower. Decide whether power or portability matters more to you.
Pressure settings and modes. Adjustability is key, especially at first. The best offer a useful range of pressure — from a gentle setting for tender gums up to a powerful jet — with anywhere from 3 pressure settings on a mainstream model to 10 pressure settings on a budget champion, plus 2 or more cleaning modes. Always start on the lowest pressure and work up as your gums get used to it.
Nozzles. The tips do different jobs. A standard jet nozzle suits most people, an orthodontic tip helps around braces, and Philips's Quad Stream nozzle fans the water into an X-shape to cover more of the gap in one pass. Check which nozzles are included and whether replacements are cheap and easy to find.
Tank, runtime and charging. Tank size decides how long you can floss before refilling — a cordless handle's fill typically lasts around 40 seconds of continuous use, enough for a full mouth if you are efficient, while a countertop tank runs far longer. For cordless models, check the battery: the best last a week or two between charges and top up in well under an hour.
Extras and a word of caution. Useful touches include a pulsing "guidance" mode that signals when to move to the next gap, full waterproofing for shower use, and a travel pouch. One important caution: a water flosser is not a replacement for brushing, and if your gums bleed heavily or the pressure hurts, ease off and build up gently — persistent bleeding is worth a word with your dentist.
The Winner: Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000
The Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 (around £62.99) is the best water flosser for most people. It delivers a pleasant, effective clean thanks to 3 pressure settings and 2 cleaning modes, and its Pulse-Wave technology gently pulses to guide you from one gap to the next. The included Quad Stream nozzle fans the water for more thorough coverage, and a cloth travel bag comes in the box. The only real niggle is that the water-level window is a little hard to read while filling. As a portable, well-judged all-rounder from a trusted name, it leads the field. Check the price on Amazon
