Water Flossers and Irrigators
Water Irrigation 101
There are times when traditional interdental cleaning methods (i.e., string floss, picks, proxy cleaners, dental tape) just do not get the job done. For those who have wide embrasure spaces (space between adjacent teeth), implants, bridges, partial dentures, missing teeth and orthodontics, incorporating an irrigator can be helpful.
This next section will go into the most common water flossers on the market and statistics for each product.
Waterpik™
The "OG" (Original) Water flosser
When it comes to water flossers it doesn't get any better than a Waterpik. The first commercially recognized water irrigator designed for oral use. In 2023, Waterpik had an annual revenue of $82M. That's a lot of moolah! Here's some stats on Waterpik:
- Available in corded or cordless
- Waterpik Ion is leading model sold (retail $89.99)
- Waterpik stands by its products and continually performs meta-analysis of results and shares findings openly: https://www.waterpik.com/pro/clinical-research/
- Studies show Waterpik reduces plaque formation by 29% in interproximal (between) spaces and 33% marginally (along gum line)*
One of the most common questions, "Does this replace regular flossing?" My answer is no, but according to research conducted by Waterpik it may be more effective than standard flossing alone. My opinion, don't ditch your floss entirely, instead use this as an adjunctive to your routine.
Pro tip -- add Listerine or hydrogen peroxide (a capful or two should do) to your water bath for increased effectiveness.
Burst®
The Newcomer
Burst is a relatively newcomer to the dental field. One thing I like about Burst and their products is that they are developed by dentists and hygienists. They have taken the time to develop products that are affordable and incorporate feedback from dental professionals. The Burst water flosser has a 360-degree tip so you don't have to bend your hand so much! This unit is cordless and can be used in the shower to save time. Another bonus, you can have replacement tips sent automatically to make sure you always have a new and fresh tip delivered straight to your home.
- Retail price: 69.99 (https://brst.sale/3k8sbhe8)
- Auto-renew replacement heads $6.00/3 months
Use code KATHYRDH at checkout for savings
Oral-B® Water Flosser
Simplistic Ease
The office I work for is an Oral-B provider. I carry this water flosser in my practice and it works wonderfully. This Oral-B Water flosser is a cordless system with interchangeable tips. It has different settings depending on your needs. I like that it is very lightweight and easy to use.
- Retail price: $89.99 (goes on sale regularly on their website)
- https://oralb.com/en-us/products/more-products/water-flosser/oral-b-water-flosser-advanced-portable-oral-irrigator-handle-3-nozzles/
- Ask your dental office, many carry this product lower than retail price
Phillips Sonicare® Power Flosser
Sleek and Innovative
I have to admit, I really want to try this water flosser. Fact, anything made by Phillips Sonicare is going to be an excellent quality product. In 2022, Phillips launched their new product the 'Sonicare Power Flosser series'. Here's some information:
- Launched in 2022
- Patented QuadStream technology (power of X)
- Introduced patented "burst" technology to remove 99.9% plaque*
- Cleans teeth in 60 to 90 seconds
- 35 mL reservoir designed for one full mouth treatment with water or diluted mouth rinse
- Retail price: $79.96 to $89.96
- https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/power-flosser/latest#availability=all
Just from writing this review, I put this in my Amazon cart.