Any dentist will tell you that flossing is one of the most vital aspects of a good oral hygiene routine, however, while everyone understands it’s an important task, few people actually take the time to do it on a daily basis. Messy, time-consuming, and surprisingly difficult, traditional floss is simply inconvenient, and no one enjoys standing around after brushing, fingers shoved into their mouth, trying to tackle those hard-to-reach areas. But choosing not to floss can lead to some pretty serious consequences, and everything from tooth decay to gum disease can be traced back to poor flossing habits. Thankfully, there is a modern solution that can help you to take the appropriate steps to keep your mouth clean and healthy without any of the hassle, and if you’ve found yourself skipping this critical step in your care routine, then it may be time to invest in a high-powered water flosser. 

Benefits of a Water Flosser

Although string floss has long been the go-to tool for getting food out from between your teeth, this traditional method certainly has its flaws, and beyond just being inconvenient, it might also not be the most effective for all people. The best technique for flossing is one that you do consistently, and since traditional flossing is such an annoying process, few people actually follow through with it on a regular basis. This is where automatic water flossers can step up to fill that necessary gap in your dental hygiene routine, and as a significantly easier, more efficient, and less time-consuming alternative, these modern gadgets are revolutionizing how people approach flossing. 

Using a powerful stream of water to effectively remove food, plaque, and other build-up, water flossers can give you a deeper clean than what you’re able to achieve with just your toothbrush, and they accomplish this without the hassle associated with traditional string floss. On top of being easy to use, these impressive oral tools also provide users with a host of other benefits, and by switching to a water flosser you’ll be able to make your dentist proud, while also taking advantage of a device that is:

Jamming string floss between your teeth may help to clear out food that has become stuck, but it can also be a very harsh process that leaves your gums inflamed, angry, and even bleeding. Thankfully, water flossers rely on a completely different tactic to accomplish the same task, and instead of pulling something between each tooth, the precise stream of water will easily target food and plaque while remaining gentle on your gums, enamel, and sensitive teeth. Many water flossers also feature adjustable settings so you can customize the experience to meet your unique needs, and you can select the perfect pressure that gets the job done without causing you any unnecessary discomfort. 

Traditional floss may work fine for those visible, front teeth, but it isn’t always the greatest choice once you start to reach those hidden teeth that are tucked away in the back of your jaw. Situated at an awkward angle, and a challenge for even the most nimble of fingers, these back molars often become a neglected territory in the realm of oral hygiene - even amongst individuals who follow a daily flossing routine. Water flossers, however, do a fantastic job of leveling the playing field across all of your teeth, and this powerful solution can easily reach the darkest corners of your mouth, without a problem. Perfect for tightly spaced teeth, crooked teeth, and everything in between, water flossers allows you to tackle flossing with precision and ease, no matter where in your mouth those teeth are located.

If you currently have braces, or are planning on getting some, then a water flosser is truly a must-have gadget that will make keeping your teeth clean easier than ever before. Seamlessly navigating around your dental work, the right flosser will effectively remove those stuck-in leafy greens or other unwanted gunk, it can get right in between the metal wires in a way that traditional floss simply isn’t able to. Allowing you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic journey, water flossers ensure you don’t end up with cavities or decay as you strive towards straighter teeth, and it can help you keep your smile radiant and beautiful despite the challenges posed by braces.

String floss is intended to slip amongst your teeth in order to pull out whatever might be caught between them. The problem, however, is that you typically use the same piece of floss to target all areas of your mouth, and as you move from tooth to tooth, you’re taking any bacteria and particles contained between them along for the ride. This cross-contamination can potentially spread harmful microorganisms throughout your oral cavity, and this is a big concern that is easily addressed by switching to a water flosser. Since a water flosser relies solely on water, there is no cross-contamination that occurs throughout the process and any bacteria that does exist will simply be dislodged and then spit out. As a result, making the switch to a water flosser can be a proactive step towards promoting not just fresh breath, but to maintaining your overall oral health and well-being as well. 

Water Tank Capacity

Choosing to purchase a water flosser can be a fantastic way to upgrade your everyday oral health routine, but before you run out and purchase the first model you come across, there are a few things you want to consider and be aware of. With so many different options available, you’ll want to narrow down your search to the perfect water flosser for your precise needs, and one of the first things you should always check is the tank capacity of the version you’re interested in. How much water your flosser holds will be what determines how long you can use it for before it needs to be refilled, and for most people, a larger tank is almost always going to be a better choice. Constantly having to pause and add more water will only serve to make the process significantly more annoying and time-consuming, and it can negate some of the benefits of using a water flosser in the first place. 

With that said, water flossers tend to come in two unique options, and you’ll have the choice between either one that has a stand-alone tank, or one that has the tank built-in to the handle of the flosser. Stand-alone models are going to always offer you the greatest capacity overall, however, they are also the bulkiest of all models and will require counter space and/or storage space in your bathroom. Less convenient for travel, and not at all suitable for on-the-go flossing, these larger versions will guarantee you don’t have to refill during a session, but will also limit you when it comes to when and where you’re able to use them. 

Portable water flossers, on the other hand, may not have the same large-sized capacity that stand-alone tanks offer but what they lack in space, they more than make up for in convenience and versatility. Allowing you to floss at restaurants, while you travel, or even at a friend’s house, these handheld devices can be a preferred choice among individuals who are often on-the-go, as well as among those who have braces or other orthodontic work. Portable flossers also don’t require much space within your bathroom, and you won’t need to dedicate any of your precious counter space to the reservoir and stand. The main downside, however, is that these versions do require more frequent refilling, even during a single session, so you’ll really want to take into account your preferences and lifestyle to find which option best suits you personally. 

Battery Life

Similar to the water tank capacity, the overall battery life of each water flosser is going to be an important consideration that you’ll want to take into account, and as you browse through each option you should take the time to look at how long it can be used for before you will need to charge it. Some models boast an impressive battery life that can last you for months on a single charge, while others may need to be charged on a weekly, or even daily, basis. Which one is right for you will mainly come down to your preferences and lifestyle, as some people don’t mind having to remember to plug their device in, and others will continuously forget which will lead to owning a flosser that is rarely functional. 

If you tend to fall into the latter category and aren’t confident that you’ll stay on top of charging your flosser, you may want to consider opting for a version that you plug into an outlet whenever you use it. While these versions tend to be a bit less portable and flexible they do ensure that you can always floss at home when you want to, and you won’t ever have to worry about a dead battery that could prevent you from maintaining your oral health. Whichever you choose, the most important thing to remember is to pick the device that integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle, as this will ensure you’re able to utilize it on a regular basis and can include it as a critical step into your daily hygiene routine. 

Pressure & Settings

A water flosser’s job is to send out a precise, targeted stream of water so that you can thoroughly clean between teeth and underneath the gum line, but modern devices need to go beyond basics in order to truly be effective, and instead of simply producing a stream, they should also equip you with full control over the pressure and cleaning style that they offer. Far from a one-size-fits-all solution, a proper water flosser should be able to adapt to your unique needs and sensitivities, and you want to ensure you’re purchasing a version that gives you at least some level of control so that you aren’t always blasting your mouth with a full-powered jet stream that leaves your gums angry and inflamed. Instead, keep your eyes open for water flossers that allow you to move from gentle to more intense as you become more comfortable, and you may also want to explore ones that can massage your gums as well to promote better blood flow and circulation. Whether you have sensitive gums, specific dental conditions, or you simply prefer a more tailored oral care routine, the ability to customize the water flosser's pressure and cleaning style ensures a comfortable and personalized experience, and will go a long way in helping you keep up with your oral hygiene as you’ll be more inclined to use it on a regular basis.