What is the best electric water flosser? Is an oral irrigator useful at all?
Good that you're wondering about this — be careful.
There have been worrying stories going around about the health risks of electric flossers.
The following 2 risks of (random) oral irrigators are seriously underestimated.
Electric water flossers with too high water pressure can cause permanent damage to gums, also known as tissue necrosis. At the same time, the collagen network and your blood and lymph vessels can be damaged. Source
Another problem is that once the gums are damaged, you inject bacteria and toxins even deeper into the tissue (which can then enter your bloodstream).
In this photo, you can see the result of a water jet that was too powerful, causing the gums to bleed.
Below, you can see that the gums at the lower teeth have receded.
So is water flossing a good idea?
Yes, absolutely.
A well-adjusted electric water flosser is a must-have in your bathroom.
Harmful debris, bacteria and tartar, as shown in this picture, settle on the gum line.
A toothbrush just won't reach.
If you do not clean the gum line sufficiently this area of your mouth can start to have an odour (within 24 hours).
Bad breath that other people can smell up to a distance of 2 metres.
This same debris not only stinks, but is also the biggest cause of gum inflammation.
So the question is not whether to use an oral irrigator, but rather which water flosser is both effective and safe for your gums.
The 5 biggest mistakes of electric oral irrigators
First, read about these 5 biggest mistakes. That way you immediately know how to distinguish the good flossers from the not-so-good ones.
A water jet that is too powerful can leave you with permanently receding gums. In some cases, you may have to visit a dental surgeon for a gum correction. Opt for a gentle, pulsating jet that you can set to several strengths (a PSI of at least 40 and no more than 110, such as this one from Oral Icon®).
Mould growth in the water reservoir occurs when cheap raw materials have been used. The next day, you spray the mould into your mouth. Choose a water reservoir made of a mould-resistant ABS+PC polymer.
Not waterproof & breaks down quickly is the result since the battery is mounted in the same chamber as the water pump. Water and batteries do not mix. Get a water pump with a sealed chamber separate from the battery.
Water reservoir too big. You need approximately 300 ml of water to completely clean your teeth in one go. Water reservoirs with a capacity of more than 400 ml are too large and result in overuse. Gums are exposed to the powerful jet for too long. A reservoir of 300 to 350 ml is perfect.
Weak battery. While not a danger, it can be a disadvantage because the charge does not deliver the quality you expect. The battery drains too quickly because the inefficient battery cannot properly supply the required power. Choose the most powerful 2500mAh battery, which will allow you to floss every day for 4 to 5 weeks.
The Top 5 Best Proven Water Flossers
Fortunately, I was also able to find manufacturers who do get it.
Below you will find 5 safe water flossers with proven performance, of which I consider the Oral Icon™ manufacturer the most positive.
Number 1 = Oral Icon™ Water Flosser. BEST CHOICE.
Water flossing with Oral Icon™ is by far the best and most sensible technique for cleaning your teeth and gums.
Without the risk of stressing your gums.
The oral irrigator of Oral Icon™ stands out from other flossers because of its unique Gumgentle+™ technology.
A modern flossing technique with a pulsating jet, at repetitive (short) intervals.
4 benefits of this technique
A pulsating action stimulates the gums without exerting constant pressure.
A pulsating jet with intervals produces a massaging effect that not only promotes blood circulation, but at the same time causes repair cells to be sent towards the gums.
The alternation of pressure waves can loosen food debris more efficiently than a constant jet and also feels much less intense for people with sensitive gums.
You can adjust the water jet to 5 different (safe) strengths, starting from 40 PSI.
Below you can see how delicately the Gumgentle+ technology cleans behind the gum line.
90% of users report seeing significant improvement in breath odour and gum health within 4 weeks.
The before and after pictures below of a satisfied patient was taken at 6 weeks apart.
Without question, Oral Icon™ has the most powerful battery, is waterproof and its materials and 5 different attachments are mould-resistant.
Although Oral Icon™ does what they promise, the manufacturer offers a 100% money-back guarantee of up to THREE years, if you're still not satisfied.
2. HALI-Q™ Water Flosser
Even though this Hali-Q water flosser doesn't have a pulsating jet, you can still use it to properly remove plaque and food debris.
The large 300 ml water reservoir is sufficient to clean all your teeth in one go.
The water flosser has an adjustable water pressure with 5 different settings, ranging from 2.75 to 9.65 Bar. This allows you to adjust the power of the jet exactly to your needs and sensitivity.
The HALI-Q™ Water Flosser comes with 5 attachments for various cleaning functions.
The nozzle of the HALI-Q™ Water Flosser can be rotated 360 degrees.
Thanks to its patented gravity ball, water in the HALI-Q™ Water Flosser always enters the nozzle. This allows you to use the HALI-Q™ Water Flosser in any position, even upside down.
The HALI-Q™ Water Flosser is cordless, has overheating protection and is waterproof.
3. XinusActiv™ Oral Irrigator
Another proper electric water flosser is the XinusActiv™ Oral Irrigator. The water jet perfectly cleans those tricky areas between the teeth and under the gum line.
The water pressure of the XinusActiv™ Oral Irrigator varies from 2.75 to 9.65 Bar and is adjustable in 5 settings.
Thanks to the innovative Gravity Ball, you can use the XinusActiv™ Oral Irrigator in any position, even upside down.
Also suitable for sensitive gums and cleaning braces and dentures
The 5 different water pressure settings of the XinusActiv™ Oral Irrigator make it possible to use this oral irrigator for more cleaning tasks than just plaque removal.
On the lowest setting, you can even clean your gums properly if they are sensitive. With the maximum water pressure, you can use the XinusActiv™ Oral Irrigator to clean braces and dentures.
It comes with 5 different attachments for different cleaning needs.
4. LuminiteRx™ Electric Oral Irrigator
The LuminiteRx™ Electric Water Flosser has a stylish black design. A good choice if you want something different from all those white oral care devices.
The 5 adjustable water pressure settings, ranging from 2.75 to 9.65 Bar, give you a good range for different cleaning needs.
The innovative gravity ball ensures that the water from the LuminiteRx™ Electric Water Flosser always enters the nozzle, even if you hold it upside down.
The LuminiteRx™ Electric Water Flosser is cordless and waterproof.
After charging, simply place the protective cap on the charging port.
This allows you to safely use the LuminiteRx™ Electric Water Flosser in the shower when you don’t have much time.
Comes with 5 different attachments.
5. JuliBrite® Water Flosser
The JuliBrite Water Flosser is a basic manually operated oral irrigator, so it has no battery.
The benefits are that you never need to charge the JuliBrite Water Flosser and you can very precisely control the power of the water jet.
You can also use the JuliBrite Water Flosser for those hard-to-reach places in your throat, such as the tonsils and the tonsillar crypts.
Since you don't need to charge the JuliBrite Water Flosser, you can use it anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a water flosser like the Oral Icon is effective at removing food debris and bacteria from between teeth and below the gum line. Thanks to its powerful but gentle water pressure, it cleans areas that are difficult to reach with traditional string flossing.
Yes, the Oral Icon water flosser effectively reduces gum inflammation through its gentle pulsations that remove plaque and bacteria around the gum line. It promotes better oral health.
Yes, a water flosser removes plaque in hard-to-reach areas thanks to its precision water jet, resulting in cleaner teeth and improved oral health.
There are 4 causes of bad breath. Your tonsils, your tongue, a blocked nose and bacteria under your gums. By flossing the gums thoroughly with water, you are addressing one of these causes. You can tackle the other areas with the Tonsilclin Tonsil Stone Removal Tool, Xinusactiv Fresh Breath Nasal Drops and Bergenfeld Tongue Clean Serum.
Very easy. The Oral Icon Oral Irrigator has an intuitive design with several modes, making it easy for anyone to operate the device, even when used daily.
With the Oral Icon water flosser it only takes 1-2 minutes to fully clean your mouth, which fits perfectly into a busy routine.
You can make a big mess using a standard water flosser. It is important, therefore, to keep your mouth closed while flossing. An Oral Icon water flosser can be used in the shower and is designed to minimise splashing and has a controlled water jet, making it clean and efficient to use.
Most water flossers are not safe for gums because the jet is too powerful and constant, putting unwanted pressure on sensitive tissue. With the Oral Icon water flosser you can start gently with a pressure of 40PSI without causing irritation.
Most water flossers on the market cause pain because the jet is constant and too powerful. The Oral Icon water flosser is designed with adjustable pressure settings, so you'll always have a comfortable experience, no matter your sensitivity.
Choose a water flosser with a water pressure option of 40 PSI. Start with a low pressure and gradually increase it until you find a comfortable and effective setting.
No, regular tap water will do. Better still, you can add mouthwash to the water reservoir. Mouthwash contains additional caring properties that you apply behind the gums. A safe, alcohol-free mouthwash is Ryttpro or Julibrite.
A water flosser like the Oral Icon water flosser has a long lifespan of 5 to 10 years, making it a durable and reliable choice.
A good water flosser with a mould-resistant water reservoir, such as this one from Oral Icon requires minimal maintenance. Rinse the device after each use and clean the water reservoir every month for optimal performance.
A jet from a water flosser can be powerful and cause damage to eyes. It is better, therefore, to properly supervise a child when they use an electric water flosser.
One is not better than the other. While water flossing focuses mainly on the areas under and between the gums, string floss is more effective between tooth surfaces.
It is a good idea to keep using string floss. This is because the string floss inserts itself between the teeth where the teeth touch.
Yes, the Oral Icon is eco-friendly as it does not require disposable string floss and is durable, has a long lifespan and produces minimal waste.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any doubts about your health or need health advice, please contact your doctor or healthcare professional. In addition, please contact your GP immediately if your tonsils are large, red or uneven, if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, if your tonsils are bleeding or if there is pus discharge from your tonsils, or if you have an earache or other pain.