Best flossing tools for a healthy smile
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Without fail, during every dreaded trip to the dentist, many of us are told that we need to floss more. The tedious task requires nimble fingers and a steady supply of distinctly minty string. But what if there was a better way?
We spoke to dentist Hajra Sarwar from Sonic Dental for some expert advice on flossing tools, from water flossers and manual options to air flossers. Keep scrolling for Sarwar’s answers to all our burning questions.
What are water flossing tools and how do they work?
“Water flossing tools, also known as water flossers or oral irrigators, are devices that use a stream of pressurised water to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between your teeth and below the gum line. The device consists of a reservoir to hold water, a motor to pump the water, and a handheld nozzle to direct the water stream.”
How to use water flossing tools
“The first step is to fill the reservoir with lukewarm water. Some water flossers also allow you to add mouthwash to the reservoir for an extra clean feeling. Most water flossers have adjustable pressure settings to suit different comfort levels and cleaning needs. Place the nozzle in your mouth, close your lips enough to prevent splashing, and then turn the unit on. Guide the nozzle along your gumline and between your teeth, pausing briefly between each tooth. After use, remove the nozzle and clean it thoroughly with water to remove any debris.”
What is the difference between water flossing and manual flossing?
- Water Flossing: “The tool uses a stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gumline and is considered to be less abrasive and gentler on the gums. They are often recommended for people with braces or other dental work as they can be easier than standard flossing.
- Manual Flossing: Requires a thin piece of floss to manually clean between teeth. However, you need to have a proper technique to avoid injuring the gums. Manual floss is a cheaper and more portable option which is convenient for travel.”
Are water flossers effective?
“Yes, water flossers can be very effective at removing plaque and debris from between teeth and below the gumline. They are particularly useful for people who have trouble using traditional floss due to dexterity issues, braces, or other dental work. Several studies have shown that water flossers can be as effective, if not more effective, than traditional flossing for reducing gingivitis and improving gum health.”
How often should individuals use water flossers?
“I recommend using a water flosser once a day, just like traditional flossing. However, some people may benefit from using it more frequently, especially if they have braces, periodontal pockets, or other dental issues.”
Are there any other electronic flossing tools which don't use water?
- Air Flossers: “These devices use bursts of air and micro-droplets of water or mouthwash to clean between teeth. They are generally smaller and more portable than water flossers.
- Electric Flossers: These are like traditional floss, but the floss is moved by an electric motor. Some electric toothbrushes also come with a flossing attachment.”
10 tips for using water flossers
- “Practice Proper Technique: Guide the nozzle along the gumline and between each tooth, pausing briefly to allow the water to remove debris.
- Use the Right Tip: Many water flossers come with different types of tips, such as standard, orthodontic, and plaque seeker tips. Choose the tip that best suits your needs.
- Start on a Low Setting: Begin with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable.
- Consider Using a Mirror: Using a mirror can help you see where you're aiming the nozzle and ensure you're cleaning all areas thoroughly.
- Use Warm Water: Lukewarm water is often more comfortable and can help loosen food particles and plaque.
- Replace Tips Regularly: Over time, the tips of your water flosser can wear out and become less effective. Check the manufacturer's recommendations and replace the tips as needed.
- Lean Over the Sink: To minimise mess, lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open when using the water flosser.
- Avoid Sharing Tips: For hygienic reasons, it's best not to share tips with others, even family members.
- Follow Up with Brushing: After using the water flosser, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly to remove any loosened debris.
- Clean the Nozzle Regularly: To prevent bacterial growth and maintain hygiene, clean the nozzle after each use and replace it as recommended by the manufacturer.”
Keep scrolling for the best flossing tools on the market. You’ll have perfectly peachy gums and pearly whites in no time.
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Coslus Water Dental Flosser
With over 10,000 positive ratings, it’s safe to say that the Coslus Water Dental Flosser is a tried and true favourite. Cordless, rechargeable and waterproof, the flosser is suitable for sensitive teeth thanks to the 0.3mm ultra-fine dual-thread water column and multiple intensity settings. These include ‘normal’, ‘massage’ and ‘soft’ – the latter of which is recommended for those with hyper-sensitive teeth and gums.
The detachable 300ml water tank makes refilling a breeze, while the five different cleaning tips included in your purchase ensure you’ll be able to achieve a deep, hygienist-approved clean. The nozzle itself rotates at 360 degrees for maximum reach and the battery lasts up to 30 days when fully charged. For under £30, it’s a veritable bargain.
Ordo Hydro Sonic+ Water Flosser - Pearl Violet
Perhaps the most attractive dental care tool we’ve ever come across, the Ordo Hydro Sonic+ Water Flosser doesn’t just look the part. Designed and approved by dentists for a deep and effective clean, this lovely piece of kit employs hydro-kinetic tech to keep your gumline spick and span. What on earth is that we hear you ask? It’s simply a powerful stream of water emitted from the device with up to 2,000 water pulsations per minute while being gentle on your gums.
Available in a range of stylish colours, the flosser has a 260ml tank capacity and offers 55 seconds of continuous cleaning to prevent overkill. It’s also complete with three pressure settings and a travel lock to prevent any spillages.
Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser
One of the most popular manufacturers of water flossers on the market, Waterpik has an array of models to choose from. A simple option without too many bells and whistles is ideal for newbies to the world of water flossing and – despite its name – the Cordless Advanced option from Waterpik provides just that. Safe and gentle, this flosser is brilliant for anyone with braces, implants, crowns, bridges or painful periodontal pockets.
What’s more, the stream of water combines pressure and pulsations to massage and stimulate gums to improve circulation and general oral health. The flosser has three pressure settings, a dental plaque removal tool and comes with a USB charger. The size of the refill reservoir further ensures 45 seconds of continuous cleaning before more water is needed.
Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser WF-06
For a professional-grade yet affordable water flosser, look no further than the WF-06 from none other than Waterpik. Designed to improve the natural whiteness of your teeth in as little as four weeks, the set comes with 30 whitening tablets which you simply pop into the water reservoir and let dissolve before embarking on a deep clean.
The largest continual-use capacity reservoir we’ve come across, the WF-06 allows for up to 90 seconds of continual cleaning. With a whopping 10 settings and four interchangeable tips included, this brilliant machine delivers all the clinical benefits of water flossing and more.
Slate Electric Flosser
Save plastic floss picks from landfills with this innovative electric flosser by Slate. The three-in-one device doesn’t require any water and makes use of extra-strong, vibrating multi-use floss heads complete with gum-sweeping bristles. The third and final brilliant part of these multi-use floss heads is the three-blade tongue scraper to banish odour and bacteria. A starter kit includes five floss heads and two AA batteries.
Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaner
Designed to help remove staining, plaque and tartar, the Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaner uses vibrational technology to deliver a deep clean. Available in a variety of chic colourways, the portable and durable device vibrates up to 12,000 times per minute to provide a dentist-level clean through the power of high frequency.
Cocofloss
Dentist-designed and frankly delicious, Cocofloss offers textured floss that is woven with 500+ grime-fighting fibres for an unbeatable clean. Naturally scented with either coconut, strawberry, orange or mint, this selection box includes all four options in an adorable miniature size for brilliant portability. The floss is eco-friendly, cruelty-free and makes use of safe, natural ingredients including cleansing coconut oil. Each flavour contains aromatic fruit oils and a light coating of vegan wax.
Friendly Floss
Brilliantly ecological and aesthetically pleasing, Friendly Floss is a sustainable manual flossing system that is designed to be used with your favourite floss. Thanks to the four different ways with which the floss can be woven through the food-grade and dishwasher-safe stainless steel pick, you’ll be using far less floss than is usually required to achieve a taut clean.