Is a water flosser worth it?

What the guidance says

The NHS advises cleaning between your teeth, and mentions floss and interdental brushes, noting that your dentist or hygienist can show you the best method. A water flosser is another way of cleaning between teeth. Whatever you use, it does not replace brushing twice a day for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

The most useful method is the one you will actually use every day. For some people that is a water flosser; for others it is floss or interdental brushes.

Note:If you have bleeding gums, pain or other concerns, see your dentist. A water flosser is a cleaning tool, not a treatment.

Who tends to choose a water flosser

People choose water flossers for practical reasons more than anything else.

• People who find string floss fiddly or hard to use
• Those with braces, bridges or implants, where floss is awkward; ask your dentist which tip to use
• People with limited hand dexterity
• Anyone who likes the feel and is more likely to clean between teeth daily
• Households where several people can share one base with their own tips

Running costs and upkeep

After buying the unit, the ongoing costs are tips and a small amount of electricity. Waterpik gives a recommended replacement interval for each tip type in its instructions. A countertop unit draws power only while running, for a minute or two a day, so electricity use is very small. In hard water areas you will also need to descale now and then, which our cleaning guide covers.

Compare that with floss or interdental brushes, which are cheap per use but are an ongoing purchase too.

Bathroom space, sockets and noise

A countertop flosser needs a spot by the basin and a socket. Many UK bathrooms only have a shaver socket, which is designed for low-power devices like shavers and toothbrushes; check the flosser's plug and the maker's instructions rather than using an adaptor. A cordless model avoids the socket question. Our shaver socket guide explains what these sockets are for.

Water flossers make a noticeable buzzing or pumping noise while running, louder than most electric toothbrushes. There is also a learning curve to avoid splashing: lean over the basin and keep your lips partly closed.

Combo units and alternatives

If space is tight, a combined brush and flosser such as the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 does both from one base. It is listed in our sonic toothbrush guide. The trade-off is that the brush and flosser are tied together, so if one part fails the whole unit may need attention. Our Sonic-Fusion problems article covers common issues.

For the head-to-head choices, see water flosser vs string floss and water flosser vs interdental brushes.

See sonic brushes, including a flosser combo →

How to decide

Ask your dentist or hygienist at your next check-up whether a water flosser would suit you, and which tip and pressure to use. If you already clean between your teeth daily with floss or brushes and are happy, there may be little reason to change. If you skip it because you find it awkward, a water flosser may be the thing that makes it a habit. Our explainer on how a water flosser works covers the basics, and our best electric toothbrush guide covers the brushing side.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Waterpik better than floss? Neither is best for everyone. The NHS says your dentist or hygienist can advise on the best method for you.

Can a water flosser replace brushing? No. Keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use the flosser to clean between teeth.

Are water flossers good for braces? Many people with braces use them, and Waterpik makes an orthodontic tip. Ask your orthodontist what they recommend.

Are water flossers messy? There is a learning curve. Lean over the basin, start at low pressure and keep your lips partly closed.