What is a Waterpik?
Waterpik is a well-known and respected water flosser brand. A water flosser is an oral health device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Like traditional dental floss, the water removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque between teeth.
Many studies show that water flossers are more effective than string floss at removing plaque.3, 6, 11, 12 The Waterpik water flosser is the first in its class to earn the American Dental Association seal of acceptance for removing plaque and reducing the risk of gingivitis.7
Waterpik sells many 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
The brand also sells a wide variety of flossing tips and accessories. These tips have different cleaning features; you can swap them out anytime.
Everything We Recommend
Best Overall — Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
Best Cordless/Travel — Waterpik Cordless Advanced
Best Cordless Countertop — Waterpik ION Professional Cordless
Best Toothbrush/Flosser Combo — Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0
Best Whitening — Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser
Best Budget — Waterpik Cordless Express
Best for Children — Waterpik Water Flosser for Children
Transform your smile with the best toothbrushes of 2024. Find your perfect brush here.
7 Best Waterpik Water Flossers
With the exception of the Water Flosser for Kids, the following Waterpik Water Flossers are ADA accepted for effectiveness, safety, and accuracy:
Waterpik Aquarius
Best Overall
The best overall water flosser is the Waterpik WP-660 Aquarius Water Flosser. The Aquarius oral irrigator is best for at-home use. The device can remove up to 99.9% of plaque when used daily.13
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.
Features:
- Up to 90 seconds of flossing time
- Two modes: floss and hydro-pulse massage
- Seven flossing tips
- Ten pressure settings
- Available in four different colors
- Large water reservoir that holds 22 ounces of water
- On/off water control on the handle
- Three-year warranty
- Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work
Waterpik Cordless Advanced
Best Cordless
The Waterpik Cordless Advanced doesn’t have a large water reservoir, making it great for travel and small spaces. It can even be used in the shower.
Features:
- 45 seconds of flossing time
- 4-hour rapid charge
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Four water flossing tips included
- Three different pressure settings)
- 360º tip rotation
- Tip storage case included
- Portable and lightweight
- Waterproof design
- Available in five different colors
- Two-year warranty
- Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work
Waterpik ION
Best Compact Choice
The ION Cordless Water Flosser provides maximum performance with cordless convenience. It’s 30% smaller than traditional plug-in Waterpik models, making it ideal for small bathroom counters.
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
- Convenient swivel handle
- 1-minute timer with a 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 Cordless Express
Best on a Budget
The Waterpik Cordless Express is portable, economical, and waterproof. It’s great for small spaces, travel, or use in the shower. It comes with three tips and two pressure settings. It runs on three AA batteries, so no charging is required.
Features:
- 30 seconds of flossing time
- Waterproof (can be used in the shower)
- Two pressure settings
- Two water flossing tips included
- Lightweight and portable
- Ideal for small counters and bathrooms
- No cord or outlet needed
- One-year warranty
- Safe to use on implants, crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0®
Best Toothbrush Combo
The Waterpik Sonic-Fusion is an electric toothbrush and water flosser in one convenient device. It’s clinically proven to be twice as effective as traditional brushing and flossing in improving gum health and removing plaque.12
Features:
- 60+ seconds of water capacity
- Ten water pressure control settings
- Three cleaning modes (brush, floss, and brush + floss)
- Two-minute brushing timer with a 30-second pacer
- Available in two black or white
- Premium toothbrush case
- High and low toothbrush settings
- Can be used with mouthwash
- Three-year warranty
- Global voltage
- Great for people with implants, crowns, veneers, and bridges
Waterpik Whitening
Best for Teeth Whitening
The Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser cleans and whitens your teeth simultaneously. It mixes water with a gentle stain remover to restore your teeth’s natural whiteness.
This whitening water flosser removes up to 25% more stains than brushing alone.8
Features:
- 90+ seconds of flossing time
- A 30-day supply of fresh mint whitening tablets
- On/off water control on the handle
- 10 advanced pressure control settings
- Four whitening tips
- In-lid tip storage
- Three-year warranty
- Safe to use on implants, crowns, and veneers (dental restorations will not whiten)
Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids
Best Water Flosser for Children
Caring for oral hygiene early is essential for long-term cavity and gum disease prevention. The Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids features a small, safe, and simple design for children ages 6 and older.
Features:
- Safe, child-proof electrical design
- 20 removable cling decorations included
- Two flosser tips
- Three pressure settings
- 60-seconds of flossing time
- Smaller and quieter than other models
- Invertible water reservoir for easy, hygienic storage
- Global voltage compatibility
- Two-year warranty
How Effective are Waterpiks?
We compiled a list of clinical research studies to determine Waterpik’s effectiveness. We also compared Waterpik to traditional string floss and other water flosser competitors. Below are the results:
Clinical Research and Statistics
Waterpik’s website has an abundance of clinical research articles that review the effectiveness of the brand’s water flossers. Their products have been proven to be safe in clinical studies for over five decades.10
More Effective Than Traditional Brushing and Flossing
In one study, the Waterpik Water Flosser was over 3X more effective than floss and over 5X more effective in removing plaque than brushing alone.6
Another study found that the Sonic–Fusion was more than twice as effective in reducing plaque, gum bleeding, and gum inflammation.12
Better Whitening
In addition to plaque removal and improved gum health, Waterpik offers effective stain removal. A study found that the Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser improved stain reduction by 25% over brushing alone.8
Waterpik vs. Competitors
Waterpik is the most trusted and well-known brand of water flossers. Their devices have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, which means it’s proven effective in preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions.
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.7
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 now recommend these devices over traditional floss.
Experience the next level of flossing with 2024's cutting-edge water flossers. See our expert recommendations here.
How to Use a Waterpik
For best results, follow these steps:
- Fill the flosser’s water reservoir with warm water. Then place it firmly on the base.
- Select the flossing tip of your choice. Click it on the handle.
- Start the device out on the lowest pressure setting. Lean over the sink and place the flosser tip in your mouth.
- Turn the water flosser on and close your mouth to prevent leakage.
- Aim the flosser tip at your gums and move it along your gum line.
- Let the water run from your mouth and into the sink. Don’t swallow the water.
- When finished, turn the device off and remove the tip using the eject button.
How We Rate and Review Products
Our team has compiled a list of the best cordless water flossers available. We took into account the:
- Battery life
- Quality of features
- Reviews from multiple sites
- The trustworthiness of the brand
- Portability
- Pressure modes
- Overall value for the money
Smile brighter, fight cavities, freshen breath – 2024's best toothpastes deliver. See our expert picks here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should not use a water flosser?
Do not use a water flosser while wearing any oral jewelry, or if you have an open wound in your mouth.
If your doctor has advised you to take antibiotic premedication before dental procedures, or if you wear a pacemaker or other implanted device containing magnets or electronics, consult your medical professional before using the Water Flosser.
People with very sensitive gums may find it difficult to use water flossers. Children can also use water flossers. However, they might not be good candidates since most kids don’t have established oral health routines.
Should you floss before or after you brush your teeth?
For best results and plaque removal, brush your teeth before you floss.
When should I replace my water flosser tip?
Waterpik recommends changing your flosser tip every three to six months.
Can multiple people use a water flosser with different tips?
Yes. A ring at the base of each tip is color-coded for easy identification.
How do I clean the flosser tips?
Remove the tip using the eject button, soak it in hydrogen peroxide for 5 to 7 minutes, and then rinse it under warm water.
In this article
Fresher breath, healthier gums, stronger teeth – find it all in 2024's best mouthwashes. Explore the top picks here.
