Waterpik Flosser Reviews

What are Waterpik Water Flossers?

A water flosser is an oral health device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Similar to traditional dental floss, the water removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque between your teeth.

Waterpik® is the most well-known and respected water flosser brand. Nine out of 10 dental professionals recommend the Waterpik Water Flosser over other brands.

They sell over 20 different types of water flossers, including:

• Countertop water flossers for deep cleaning
• Compact countertop water flossers for small spaces and travel
• Handheld, battery-operated water flossers
• Travel-size water flossers
• Toothbrush and water flosser combos
• Complete oral care kits
• Whitening water flossers

Waterpik also sells many different types of flossing tips and accessories. These tips have different cleaning features and can be swapped out at any time. 

For example, if you have gum disease, you’ll benefit from using the Pik Pocket™ Tip with your Waterpik Water Flosser. The Pik Pocket has a soft rubber tip that is designed for low-pressure delivery of therapeutic rinses. It is easy to use and accesses up to 90% of the depth of 6mm gum pockets.

Waterpik also has specific tips for cleaning between braces, crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, and other dental restorations. Kids and people with sensitive gums can also benefit from Waterpik Water Flossers. 

There are a few different Waterpik tips to choose from depending on your oral health needs:

• The Classic Jet Tip for everyday use
• The Plaque Seeker® Tip for dental restorations and implants
• The Tongue Cleaner for fresher breath
• The Toothbrush Tip for general use
• The Pik Pocket™ Tip for gum disease and periodontal pockets
• The Implant Denture Tip for fixed dentures and implants
• The Orthodontic Tip for braces and orthodontic devices

Note: not all tips are compatible with all Waterpik Water Flossers.

Based on our research, the 7 best Waterpiks available include:

How Do Waterpiks Work?

Directions for how to use a Waterpik Water Flosser:

1. Fill the flosser’s water reservoir with warm water. Then place it firmly on the base.
2. Select the flossing tip of your choice. Click it into the handle.
3. Start the device out on the lowest pressure setting. Lean over the sink and place the flosser tip in your mouth. 
4. Turn the water flosser on and close your mouth to prevent leakage. 
5. Aim the flosser tip at your gums and move it along your gum line.
6. Let the water run from your mouth and into the sink. Don’t swallow the water.
7. When finished, turn the device off and remove the tip using the eject button.

How Effective are Waterpiks?

To determine Waterpik’s effectiveness, we compiled a list of clinical research studies. We also compared Waterpik to traditional string floss and other water flosser competitors:

Waterpik Clinical Research and Statistics

Waterpik’s website has 26 research articles that review the effectiveness of the brand’s water flossers. 

In one study, the Waterpik® Water Flosser was found to be more effective than string floss in adolescent patients with braces. The device was over 3X more effective than floss and over 5X more effective in removing plaque than brushing alone. The researchers also found that Waterpik was 26% more effective in reducing gingival bleeding in orthodontic patients (using the Orthodontic Tip). 

Another study found that the Waterpik® Sonic–Fusion® and traditional flossing/brushing significantly reduced plaque. However, the Sonic–Fusion was more than twice as effective in reducing plaque, gum bleeding, and gum inflammation. 

In addition to plaque removal and improved gum health, Waterpik is also effective at stain removal. A study found that the Waterpik® Whitening Water Flosser improved stain reduction by 25% over brushing alone (after two weeks).  

Waterpik has also been proven to be safe in clinical studies for over five decades. 

Waterpik vs. Other Competitors 

Waterpik is the most trusted and well-known brand of water flossers. Waterpik Water Flossers also have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This means these devices are proven to be effective in preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions. 

“The ADA Seal of Acceptance provides consumers with the assurance that the advertising claims about a product are scientifically sound and valid. The Seal is a symbol of safety and efficacy for over-the-counter dental products. The program began in 1931, and in 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave the ADA a certificate of commendation for the outstanding self-regulatory efforts of its Seal Program.” - Waterpik

More than 200 products carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. However, the Waterpik® Water Flosser is the first powered interdental product to earn this Seal.

Philips Sonicare Airfloss Water Flosser also has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This device is a great alternative to Waterpik. 

Waterpik vs. String Floss

String floss is still the #1 recommended way to floss by most dentists. However, as water flossers become more popular, some dentists are now starting to recommend these devices over traditional floss. Waterpik is the most trusted brand (because it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance). 

What are the benefits of Waterpik Water Flossers over traditional floss? 

1. Waterpik is up to 2X more effective in removing plaque than regular brushing/flossing.
2. Waterpik is 2X more effective in improving gum health around dental implants than floss.
3. Waterpik is up to 3X more effective in removing plaque around braces than string floss.
4. Waterpik is up to 50% more effective in improving gum health than string floss.

What are the downsides of Waterpik Water Flossers over traditional floss?

• If you are looking for a very reliable flosser, stick to string floss. Water flossers are excellent, but they can leak and lose strength over time. Make sure the device has a warranty and buy protection if it’s available. 
• Water flossers are messier than string floss. 
• Water flossers can be difficult to upkeep. Make sure you change the water in your device to prevent mold and bacteria growth. 
• If you buy a battery-operated device, you have to make sure it is always charged. String floss is more convenient. 
• A water flosser is much more expensive than traditional floss.

The Research: How Were These Water Flossers Chosen?

Our team has put together a list of the best Waterpik Water Flossers available. We took into account the: 

• Power source and battery-life
• Amount of space the devices take up
• Quality of features
• Tanks sizes and compatible flosser tips
• Reviews from multiple sites 
• Age of the company
• The trustworthiness/reputability of the brand (ADA approval, research, studies, etc.)
• Accuracy of product descriptions
• Pressure mode settings and other features
• Overall value for the money

Waterpik Water Flossers have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This means these devices are proven to be effective in preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions. We chose the best flossers with this seal of acceptance, which you can read more about below. 

Review: The 7 Best Waterpik Water Flossers

All of the following Waterpik Water Flossers are ADA accepted for effectiveness, safety, and accuracy:

Best Overall (Editor’s Pick)

Waterpik Aquarius

The best overall water flosser is the Waterpik WP-660 Aquarius Water Flosser. The Aquarius oral irrigator is best for at-home use. When used daily, the device can remove up to 99.9% of plaque between teeth. The Waterpik Aquarius is also 50% more effective than traditional string floss. 

The built-in timer/pacer briefly pauses at 30 seconds and 1 minute to help track the flossing time. The device also delivers 1400 water pulses per minute for a deep clean. 

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Features:

• Up to 90 seconds of flossing time
• Two modes: hydro-pulse massage mode for gum stimulation and regular floss mode
• Seven flossing tips
• Ten floss settings 
• Available in five different colors 
• Large water reservoir that holds 22 ounces of water
• On/off water control on handle
• Three-year warranty
• Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work

Waterpik Sidekick®

Runner-Up 

The Waterpik Sidekick® is a newer model. The Sidekick delivers full-size water flosser performance in an ultra-compact, ultra-quiet, collapsible design. This makes it ideal for small spaces (and even travel). 

The portable, travel-size water flosser comes with an easy-to-hold flossing stylus, a premium water-resistant case, and five different pressure settings.

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Features:

• Up to 60 seconds of flossing time
• Compact design and easy-to-use swivel handle
• Reservoir inverts for transport and storage
• Convenient storage case
• Five water pressure settings
• Available in three different colors
• Three-year warranty
• Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work

Waterpik Traveler™

If you travel often and want to bring a water flosser, the Waterpik Traveler is a great option. This device delivers full-size water flosser performance in a compact, portable design. It is also quieter than other Waterpik models. 

The travel-size water flosser comes with four flossing tips, three different pressure settings, a reservoir that inverts for compact storage, and a premium soft case. 

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Features:

• 60+ seconds of flossing time
• Pressure control with three settings
• Smaller and quieter design
• Compact design for easy storage and travel
• Premium travel case included
• Two-year warranty
• Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work

Waterpik Cordless Advanced

The Waterpik Cordless Advanced is compact and does not have a large water reservoir. This model comes with four different flossing tips, three pressure settings, and 360-degree tip rotation. 

It also features a magnetic 4-hour rapid charging system, a waterproof design, and an ultra-quiet operation. It's perfect for small spaces, travel, and can even be used in the shower.

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Features:

• 45 seconds of flossing time
• 4-hour rapid charge
• Four water flossing tips included
• Three different pressure settings (360-degree tip rotation)
• Tip storage case 
• Portable and lightweight
• Waterproof and extra quiet
• Available in six different colors
• Two-year warranty
• Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work

Waterpik ION

The ION Cordless Water Flosser provides maximum performance with cordless convenience. It is 30% smaller in size than traditional plug-in Waterpik models, so the ION is incredibly compact. The rechargeable cordless design also eliminates clutter, making it ideal for small bathroom counters. 

ION’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to four weeks per charge. It also features a convenient magnetic handle cradle and an on/off water control on the handle.

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Features:

• 90 seconds of flossing time
• Four weeks of use per charge
• Ten pressure settings (gentle to maximum clean)
• Six water flossing tips included
• Magnetic handle cradle and swivel base (to clean back teeth)
• 1-minute timer with 30-second pacer to track flossing time
• Ideal for small counters and bathrooms
• No cord or outlet needed
• Three-year warranty
• Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work

Waterpik Sonic-Fusion®

Best Toothbrush Combo

This Waterpik Water Flosser kit allows you to brush and floss your teeth without switching products. The kit includes one patented water flossing brush head, a premium toothbrush case, and global voltage. It is clinically proven to be twice as effective as traditional brushing and flossing in improving gum health and removing plaque.

It features three different cleaning modes (brush, floss, and brush + floss) and a two-minute brushing timer with a 30-second pacer.

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Features:

• 60+ seconds of water capacity
• Ten water pressure control settings
• Three cleaning modes (brush, floss, and brush + floss)
• Available in two different colors
• A premium toothbrush case
• Can be used with mouthwash 
• Three-year warranty
• Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work

Waterpik Whitening

Best for Teeth Whitening

The Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser uses Whitening Infuser Technology. This technology expertly mixes water with a gentle stain removal agent. Together, these ingredients safely restore the natural whiteness of your teeth, remove plaque, and improve gum health. 

This Waterpik device removes up to 25% more stains than brushing alone.

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Features:

• 90+ seconds of flossing time
• A 30-day supply of fresh mint whitening tablets
• On/off water control on handle
• Ten pressure control settings 
• Four whitening tips 
• Three-year warranty 
• Safe to use on implants, crowns, and veneers (keep in mind: dental restorations will not whiten)

Waterpik Water Flossers: Common Questions and Answers