Best Oral Irrigators (2024)

Buying guide for best oral irrigators

Best Oral Irrigators (1)

Written by Talia Ergas

Updated August 2024

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If you’re looking to improve your dental hygiene, an oral irrigator can take your daily cleaning routine to a new level. Also known as water flossers, these devices use powerful and direct streams of water to clean in between your teeth and along your gum line. They’re also especially useful for people with braces or other orthodontic appliances that can make traditional flossing difficult to accomplish.

When choosing the best oral irrigator, the most important decision is between a countertop model that offers more water and pressure control and a portable irrigator that’s space-saving and handy for travel. Other important features that set these devices apart are reservoir size, adjustable pressure and flow controls, battery life (on portable models) and the variety of tips and nozzles available.

After thoroughly reviewing more than a dozen models, we think the best oral irrigator is the Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser, which combines the power and variety of a countertop model with a more compact structure and a battery-powered cordless option. Our list also includes models that will appeal to those looking for travel-friendly, kid-safe and cost-effective options.

Which oral irrigator is best?

Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser

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From a dentist-recommended brand, the Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser features 10 pressure settings and seven different tips, so you can truly customize your cleaning session.

Best of the Best

Product specificationsWater Pressure (PSI): 10 to 100 | Pulsation Rate (per minute): 1,400 | Water Reservoir Capacity (ml or oz): 20 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 10 | Size: 6.19” W x 6.13” D x 7.56” H | Weight: 1.3 lb

If you want to effectively deep clean teeth at a mid-range price point, it’s tough to beat this best rated water flosser. This countertop model takes up less space than many of its counterparts, and you have the option to operate it through corded electric or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that has a charge lasting up to four weeks.

With 10 pressure settings (including a pulsing massage setting) and seven water-flossing tips (including an orthodontic tip), you’re guaranteed to find a combination that’s perfect for your dental needs. An ergonomic slim swivel handle and 360-degree tip rotation allow you to reach all areas of your mouth comfortably. Still, it’s easy to use and a great choice for anyone new to these devices. The water reservoir is removable for easy filling and cleaning, and it’s top-rack dishwasher-safe (air-drying is recommended).

A 20-ounce water tank allows you multiple floss sessions until your next refill, and a convenient one-minute timer with 30-second pacer pauses makes it easy to achieve the most effective flossing time. Plus, it features a retractable cord to help keep clutter on your countertop to a minimum.

Overall, this product, which is backed by a three-year warranty, is our top choice for its versatility in power and settings, reasonable price point and intuitive design.

Turewell Water Flossing Oral Irrigator

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The Turewell Water Flossing Oral Irrigator is an affordable and powerful option that comes with a two-year warranty.

Best Bang for the Buck

Product specificationsWater Pressure (PSI): 30 to 125 | Pulsation Rate (per minute): 1,250 to 1,700 | Water Reservoir Capacity (ml or oz): 20 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 10 | Size: 5.7” W x 4.9” D x 8.07” H | Weight: 2.16 lb

For a water flosser with an unbeatable price point that has all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, look no further than this device by Turewell. At under $40, this countertop model has a 20-ounce water tank and offers 10 water pressure settings and pulsation rates between 1,250 and 1,700 pulses per minute. It comes with eight nozzles, including an orthodontic tip and a tongue cleaner, all stored in a compartment at the top of the water tank. The corded flosser has an ergonomic anti-slip handle and an intuitive on-off switch on the handle.

That said, it’s bulkier and heavier than our top-choice model, and it doesn’t have the option to operate on battery power. Still, the device, which comes with a two-year warranty, is easy to use and beginner-friendly, and it’s hard to find comparable power and features at this price point.

Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser

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The Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser can run for four weeks on a single charge.

Best Cordless Water Flosser

Product specificationsWater Pressure (PSI): 45-75 | Pulsation Rate (per minute): 1,250 | Water Reservoir Capacity (ml or oz): 7 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 3 | Size and Weight: 4” W x 2.8”

D x 11.6” H | Weight: 12.8 oz

If you prefer to use your water flosser in the shower or while you travel,we recommend this small but mighty cordless model. It’s easy to carry around and safe for use in the shower. It weighs less than a pound and will easily fit in small spaces, such as a shower niche, for storage. Providing up to 1,250 pulses per minute, it offers plenty of power for an effective clean, and it’s simple to change the three pressure settings via a button on the handle.

For those looking to travel outside the home with this oral irrigator, it comes with a tip storage case, a microfiber travel bag and a travel plug, which is inserted into the tip to prevent leakage while you’re on the go. A single charge of the lithium-ion battery yields up to four weeks of use, so you may not even have to pack the magnetic charger for your trip. Once the battery is emptied, an indicator light on the handle will let you know it’s time for a full recharge, which takes about four hours to complete. Should anything go wrong, the device is backed by a two-year limited warranty.

YaFex Water Dental Flosser

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The YaFex Water Dental Flosser comes with a zip-up travel case to keep everything together.

Best Portable Water Flosser

Product specificationsWater Pressure (PSI): 40 to 120 | Pulsation Rate (per minute): 1,600 | Water Reservoir Capacity (ml or oz): 8 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 4 | Size: 2” W x 2” D x 6” H | Weight: 0.44 lb

The most compact model on our list, the YaFex water flosser is ideal for traveling. When collapsed and stored in travel mode, it only measures 2 by 6 inches and it weighs less than half a pound, easily fitting into a small toiletry bag. When you arrive at your destination, it’s easy to screw on the 8-ounce water tank and eject the jet tip to start flossing.

The cordless device operates on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last between 20 and 30 days on a single four-hour charge via a USB cable (wall adapter not included). It comes with five different flossing tips that operate within four pressure modes to help you find the perfect balance for your dental needs. Also included in the kit is a zip-up travel case that stows the flosser, charging cord and attachments.

Whether you want to take your oral irrigator to the gym, the office or on a multiweek vacation, this compact model would be great to have in addition to a regular countertop model. And with 1,600 pulses per minute, it’s plenty powerful despite its small size.

Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids

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If your child has braces, the Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids is designed to help them clean hard-to-reach areas.

Best for Kids

Product specificationsWater Pressure (PSI): 10 to 80 | Pulsation Rate (per minute): 1,400 | Water Reservoir Capacity (ml or oz): 15 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 3 | Size: 5.4” W x 4.4” D x 6.8” H | Weight: 15.84 oz

While the more powerful and complex water flosser models are ideal for adults, kids (ages six and older) can also enjoy a dental deep cleanse with this child-friendly device. Thanks to its powerful design, it excels at blasting away food particles around braces, yet it isn’t so harsh that it’s painful to use or intimidating for kids. It only has three pressure settings to simplify the process for youngsters.

The countertop model features a compact design in a fun color kids will love. Plus, the kit comes with 20 cling decals in fun shapes (like a flower or a baseball) that they can affix to the 15-ounce water tank to customize the look of their device. It comes with two tips: a jet tip for general use and an orthodontic tip for kids with braces. The corded electric device is cleaned by simply detaching the water reservoir, which is dishwasher-safe.

Whether your child has braces or simply doesn’t like to floss the old-fashioned way, we recommend this easy-to-use model to help them keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy.

How we analyzed the best oral irrigators

To find the best oral irrigators for various needs, we analyzed more than 15 models and compared their tank size, variety of tips, power, portability and ease of use. We also considered their special features, number of settings and how much countertop space they required. We read through countless user reviews to understand how each model performed in real-life settings and looked at the type of warranty each one offered.

What is an oral irrigator?

An oral irrigator, or water flosser, is a device that directs a forceful stream of water through a specialized tip and into the mouth.

The force of the water dislodges and washes away plaque, bits of food and bacteria from the gums and teeth.

All water flossers have a reservoir to hold the water and an electric motor to power the pump.

Types of oral irrigators

Countertop models

Countertop models are the most common and typically offer the widest range of settings, including adjustable water pressure, multiple nozzle tips and substantial water reservoirs. They're ideal for family use but require dedicated space near a bathroom sink. Though most countertop models are powered by corded electricity, some are able to run on rechargeable batteries.

Cordless models

These battery-operated and more compact models are ideal for small bathrooms or travel. They usually have smaller reservoirs and fewer pressure settings but offer greater portability and convenience. Although you can switch tips to share a portable water flosser with other family members, these are generally best for just one or two people.

Faucet-powered models

These attach directly to a faucet, eliminating the need for a reservoir and recharging. They provide continuous use with no need to refill but require a compatible faucet and are less portable.

Key features to consider

Pressure settings

Adjustable pressure settings allow you to customize the water force to your comfort level, which is especially important for those with sensitive gums or specific dental work such as braces. While some models offer as many as 10 water pressure settings, more compact devices can have as few as three.

Our top picks: Pressure settings

  • The Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser and the Turewell Water Flossing Oral Irrigator each operate on 10 different water pressure settings, so it’s easy to find the level that’s right for you.
  • The travel-friendly YaFex Water Dental Flosser has four pressure settings, which is impressive for such a compact model.
  • There are three pressure settings to choose from in both the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser and the Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids, which is the perfect number for those who want to keep it simple.

Water capacity

The size of the water reservoir will determine how long you can use the irrigator in one session. Larger tanks provide longer flossing time but make the unit bulkier.

Our top picks: Water capacity

  • The Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser and the Turewell Water Flossing Oral Irrigator each have a 20-ounce-capacity water reservoir, so you can easily clean your whole mouth and spend more time on tough-to-clean areas without needing to stop and refill it.
  • The Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids has a 15-ounce water tank, which should last them an entire session.
  • Perfect for travel, the YaFex Water Dental Flosser has an 8-ounce water tank, which is still enough for a full flossing session if you’re quick about it.
  • The portable Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser has the smallest reservoir of the bunch, with a 7-ounce capacity.

Pulse modulation

Some advanced models offer a pulse mode to enhance gum stimulation and improve circulation, which can be beneficial for gum health.

Our top picks: Pulse modulation

  • The Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser and the YaFex Water Dental Flosser are equipped with massaging pulse settings to soothe irritated gums.
  • The TUREWELL Water Flossing Oral Irrigator, the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser and the Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids do not offer pulse modes.

Tip varieties

Look for models that include multiple tip types, such as standard nozzles, plaque-seeker tips, orthodontic tips and periodontal tips. This makes the device versatile for different users and dental needs.

Ease of use and maintenance

Consider how easy the unit is to fill, clean and operate. Water flossers should be straightforward to assemble and disassemble for regular cleaning to prevent mold and mineral buildup. On some models, you can detach the water reservoir and run it through the dishwasher for a deeper clean.

Our top picks: Ease of use and maintenance

  • The Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser is turned on via a switch on the handle, and you can adjust the pressure settings by toggling a switch on the side of the base. The water reservoir is removable for easy filling and cleaning, and it’s top-rack dishwasher-safe (air-drying is recommended).
  • Similarly, the Turewell Water Flossing Oral Irrigator has an on-off switch on the handle as well as a knob on the base for selecting your preferred pressure setting. The water tank is removable for easy filling and cleaning.
  • Since the water tank is attached to the handle on the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser, it’s not detachable, and some users may find it harder to fill and rinse than other models. All controls,including the on-off switch and the mode button,are located on the front of the handle.
  • You can unscrew the water reservoir from the YaFex Water Dental Flosser, which makes it simple to clean and refill. Still, there may be a bit of a learning curve when assembling and disassembling this model, which has all of its buttons on the front of the handle.
  • The power and pressure knobs on the Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids are located on the base. The detachable water reservoir is dishwasher-safe, and it can be inverted when not in use to protect the device from debris and dust.

Noise level

Some water flossers can be quite loud, especially the powerful countertop models. Meanwhile, lightweight and travel-friendly models tend to be more quiet. If noise is a concern, look for models known for quieter operation.

Our top picks: Noise level

  • Users report that the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser and the YaFex Water Dental Flosser are quieter than their countertop counterparts.
  • Customers find the Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser, the TUREWELL Water Flossing Oral Irrigator and the Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids to be among the noisier models on our list.

Types of tips

All water flossers come with a standard tip, and some include a few specialized tips as well. While you can swap out your device’s tips with others from the same brand, you generally cannot fit a tip from a different brand onto a water flosser.

There are quite a few different types of water flosser tips, each suited for a slightly different purpose. Some of the most common are:

  • Standard: The basic tip that comes with just about every water flosser.
  • Orthodontic: Designed to clean around braces and other orthodontic work, this tip has a very small brush at the end of it to help dislodge food and other particles.
  • Plaque tip: A small brush on the end of the tip gets into otherwise hard-to-reach areas to remove plaque and food particles.
  • Deep pocket: These tips have a slightly pointed end and are used to flush out gum pockets to help relieve periodontal disease.
  • Toothbrush tip: This lets you brush and water floss at the same time.
  • Tongue cleaner: Buildup of bacteria on the tongue is a common cause of bad breath. A tongue-cleaner tip helps remove that buildup for fresher breath.

Additional considerations

Battery life (for cordless models)

If you’re opting for a cordless model, check the battery life to ensure it fits your daily usage without frequent recharges. Ideally, you’ll be able to use your oral irrigator device multiple times between each charge.

Design and aesthetics

Since the device will likely be stored in your bathroom, consider its design and how it fits into your space aesthetically. Many devices come in multiple colors, including white, black and green. Cordless devices tend to be more compact, so they’re better suited for smaller bathrooms. Or look for a countertop model with a retractable cord, so you can hide the cord when it’s not needed.

Brand reputation

Opt for brands with a good reputation in dental care technology for reliability and quality assurance. Lesser-known brands are often more affordable but can be a gamble; read through user reviews to get a better picture of how customers feel about the device’s performance. You’ll also want to make sure there’s a warranty on the product in case of any malfunctions.

Tips for using a water flosser

While using your oral irrigator isn’t difficult, it does have a bit of a learning curve and can be somewhat messy in the beginning. Here are some tips to help get you started.

1. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water. You can add a small amount of mouthwash if you like, but don’t go beyond a 1:1 mixture.

2. Put the tip inside your mouth first, then turn on your water flosser.

3. Start with the pressure on the lowest setting. You can slowly increase the pressure, but test carefully to ensure you don’t irritate your gums.

4. Lean forward slightly if using your oral irrigator over the sink so water from your mouth hits the drain, not your pants.

5. Close your lips around the flosser’s tip, leaving them just parted enough for the water to drain out of your mouth. This will prevent water from spraying onto your bathroom counters or mirror. You might need to practice a bit to get the hang of it, but this is key to not making a mess while you floss.

6. Start with your back teeth and work your way forward, first working on the bottom and then the upper teeth.

7. Aim the water flow between your teeth, focusing on the gum line.

8. Total flossing time should be one minute with half spent on the bottom teeth and half on top.

Best Oral Irrigators (2024)
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