Brushing is essential for daily dental care, but it is not enough to effectively clean every area of the mouth. Food debris and plaque accumulate between the teeth and along the gumline, in areas that toothbrush bristles have difficulty reaching.

Water & Air Flossers offer an easy way to clean these hard-to-reach areas and can be part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

What are Water and Air Flossers?

• Water Flossers

Water Flossers, also known as oral irrigators, use a continuous or pulsating stream of pressurized water to remove debris and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline.

Depending on the model, you can adjust the water pressure for a gentler or more powerful clean. Some devices also offer different modes, such as daily cleaning or a pulsating mode for a more thorough clean.

• Air Flossers

Air Flossers use a combination of air and tiny water droplets directed between the teeth. Unlike Water Flossers, they do not rely on the same continuous flow of water.

This technology can offer a quick and “drier” way to clean between the teeth.

Why is a Water or Air Flosser useful?

Cleaning between your teeth is an important part of oral hygiene, as a toothbrush alone cannot effectively clean very tight interdental spaces. Electric interdental cleaning devices, such as Water Flossers, can provide an additional benefit in removing plaque when used alongside your usual brushing routine.

A Water or Air Flosser can be especially practical for:

• Removing food debris from between your teeth
• Cleaning along the gumline
• People who find it difficult to use traditional dental floss
• Cleaning around braces
• Cleaning around bridges and implants

PLEASE NOTE: Cleaning devices such as Water and Air Flossers do not replace cleaning your teeth with manual toothbrushes or electric toothbrushes. They are an additional cleaning tool that forms part of your overall oral hygiene routine.

Which technical features are worth considering?

Not all Water Flossers are designed the same way. Before choosing one, consider how much space you have in your bathroom, how often you’ll use it, and whether you want to take it with you.

Countertop or portable?

• Countertop models usually have a larger water reservoir and plug into a power outlet. They’re a good choice if the device will stay in your bathroom and you want to use it for longer without refilling the reservoir. Models range in capacity from a few hundred ml to around 1 litre, while larger models can provide 90 seconds or more of use per fill, depending on the pressure setting and model.
• Portable/rechargeable models have a built-in reservoir and battery. They’re smaller and easier to carry, making them better suited to small bathrooms or frequent travellers. However, the smaller reservoir may mean you need to refill it while using the device.

Reservoir capacity

Capacity is measured in ml and determines how long you can use the device before it needs refilling. 

• Up to 200 ml: small and easy to carry, suitable if portability is your priority
• 201–500 ml: a good balance between size and usage time
• 501 ml and above: suitable if you want longer usage time or if several people will use the device  

Battery life

For rechargeable models, battery life indicates how long the device can operate on a full charge.

If you only use it at home, a shorter battery life may be sufficient. However, if you travel frequently or don’t want to charge the device every few days, look for longer battery life.

PLEASE NOTE: Actual battery life may vary depending on the intensity and manner of use.

Pressure settings & modes

Adjustable pressure is especially useful, as not everyone needs the same intensity.

A low setting may be preferable for sensitive gums or for someone just starting to use a Water Flosser, while more levels allow for greater customisation.

Some models also feature different programmes, such as daily cleaning or a pulsating mode. 

Waterproofing

Whether a Flosser is waterproof can make a big difference to everyday use. 

Depending on their rating and the manufacturer’s instructions, waterproof models can be easier to clean under running water, and some can even be used in the shower.

Use with Mouthwash

Some Water Flossers can be used with mouthwash along with water for a dual-action clean, providing deeper antibacterial protection and a fresh feeling.

What should you look for before buying?

Before you decide, ask yourself these questions:

• Will I use it only at home? → A countertop model with a larger reservoir may be more practical.
• Do I want to take it with me? → Choose a compact rechargeable model with long battery life.
• Do I wear braces? → Look for an orthodontic nozzle and confirmation that it is suitable for braces.
• Do I have implants or bridges? → Check which models are designed for these uses and which nozzles are suitable.
• Do I have sensitive gums? → Prioritize adjustable pressure and low intensity settings.
• Do I want to use mouthwash? → Check that the specific model supports this, as stated in the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do I want to use it in the shower? → Check that it is truly waterproof and that the manufacturer allows it to be used in the shower.
• Will more than one person use it? → Choose a larger reservoir and enough separate nozzles, or the option to buy replacements.
• Is comfort my main priority? → More pressure settings, an ergonomic handle and a rotating nozzle can make it easier to use.

Choosing between a Water Flosser and an Air Flosser starts with your needs, not with the number of features the device has.

For a wider range of options and a more thorough clean, Water Flossers are the most popular choice. For portability, focus on the size, battery life and travel case. If you have braces, implants or bridges, look for suitable nozzles. If you have sensitive gums, choose adjustable pressure and start at a low setting.

Finally, features such as waterproofing, compatibility with mouthwash, reservoir capacity and the number of nozzles may seem secondary, but they can make a significant difference in everyday use.