Flossing can be challenging at the best of times, but when you’re wearing a brace, it’s even more difficult because there are so many places for plaque and food particles to hide. Without the proper tools keeping braces clean can seem like a real chore. Water flossers offer a solution and are easy to use for adults and kids alike. This article will delve into the nitty gritty of water flossers. What they are, how they work, their benefits, and ultimately, the best water flossers for braces in 2022.
One of the most popular oral hygiene tools for a person with braces is a water flosser, often referred to as an oral irrigator, a water jet, and even a Waterpik (which incidentally is a brand name). Continue reading to learn more about this nifty gadget to help you choose the best water flosser for your needs.
About water flossers
A water flosser is an electronic device that uses a stream of water to clean between the teeth and beneath the gum line. Essentially, it does the same job as conventional string floss but is more effective and hassle-free. The best water flosser has a variety of high-strength power settings, a convenient design, and other innovative features. Anyone would benefit from including water flossing in their oral hygiene routine, particularly those with braces.
Why is water flossing great for braces?
Pressurised water is one of the easiest ways to get food out of your braces without the hassle of weaving string floss in and out of the teeth trying to avoid wires and brackets.
Water flossing provides the best solution for a thorough interdental clean for those with braces because it helps prevent decalcification or weakening of the tooth enamel. Decalcification results from plaque and acid getting stuck on the tooth enamel and typically occurs when an individual has trouble cleaning certain areas of their teeth behind braces. Water flossing can access those hard-to-reach areas that a toothbrush and string floss cannot.
So, getting back to the best water flossers for braces
With so many out there, it can be hard to choose. Ultimately, the right water flosser depends on the best features that meet your needs and budget. We’ve done our research based on customer reviews found on reputable sites like Amazon. So let’s dive in and get started.
Best water flossers for braces – Our Top 5
Best water flosser overall: Panasonic Ultrasonic Water Flosser
The Panasonic Ultrasonic Water Flosser is portable and rechargeable so it can be used at home or for travel.
If you’re really serious about water flossing, it’s hard to overlook this powerful oral irrigator. Boasting an impressive 1600 ultrasonic water pulses per 60 seconds, it effortlessly removes trapped food particles and washes away harmful bacteria and plaque. Furthermore, this machine tackles 5 types of dental care, including interdental, periodontal pocket and teeth surface cleaning, gums and orthodontic appliance care. Its ergonomically contoured profile fits easily into the hand for ease of use and total control.
Smart touch buttons control 5 different water pressure settings, and a blue LED light flashes when the battery power gets low. The water tank is easy to wash clean under warm running water, while the stylish charger sits neatly on most bathroom vanity tops.
Pros
- Compact for convenient storage
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Ultrasonic technology works like a dream
- Cordless for portable use
Cons
- No separate reservoir
- Other Panasonic models have a stronger spurt
Price: $169.70
Best budget water flosser: Kusker Portable Oral Irrigator
If you’re just dipping your toes into water flossing, this budget oral irrigator from Kusker could be right for you. The irrigator adopts the latest pulse technology and has a 360-degree rotating nozzle to clean every corner of the mouth. Boasting 4 personalised modes: normal for deep cleaning, soft for braces or sensitive gums, pulse for a gum massage and rinse, and DIY that lets you choose your preferred cleaning pressure, every dental need is covered.
The Kusker portable oral irrigator also has a large detachable 300ml water tank and a powerful battery that is USB charged. The irrigator is also waterproof for those that prefer to floss while taking a shower.
Pros
- Open tank and detachable design for easy cleaning
- Safe to use in the shower
- Powerful battery allows for 30 days of continuous use
Cons
- Some customers found it uncomfortable to hold
- Reports of water flossers leaking water after use
Price: $60.06
Best water flosser for people with braces: Hangsun Water Flosser
According to Amazon.com.Au, this is one of the best water flossers for braces having 4,195 ratings with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 69% providing a 5-star rating and comments such as ‘awesome flosser’ and ‘highly recommended.’
The Hangsun water flosser delivers 1600 pulses per minute and cleans between the teeth and beneath the gums, where conventional string floss struggles to reach. Water flossing is simplified with 3 modes: Normal for powerful removal of food debris, Soft to gently clean sensitive teeth, and Pulse for massaging the gums and rinsing.
Thanks to a built-in lithium battery with a USB cable, the water flosser can be used continually for 2 weeks once fully charged. The Hangsun water flosser is also extremely quiet, so you can use it in the morning and at night without disturbing others. Ideal if a baby is sleeping or you live in shared accommodation.
Pros
- Powerful lithium battery
- Extra-quiet design
- 4 interchangeable jet tips for the entire family
Cons
- Some customers stated that the pressure was not strong enough and best suited to braces or sensitive teeth
- Others stated the unit was too bulky and uncomfortable to hold
Price: $87.93
Best wireless water flosser: Panasonic Cordless All-in-one Jet Washer and Air Flosser
We’re back to Panasonic with the fourth of our best water flossers for braces. This is a wireless water flosser with 3 power options to choose from, although it offers a soothing massage that, according to reviewers, feels great on the mouth and gums.
This powerful all-in-one water and air flosser target debris in those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and gums, resulting in a dentist-style clean at home. Meanwhile, the cleansing water pulses gently remove tiny food particles that often get trapped between the teeth, stimulating and massaging the gums.
Customers like that the whole device can be washed, and the removable tank can also be placed in the dishwasher. The charging stand can sit on the counter or be wall-mounted.
Pros
- Wireless and waterproof, so it can be used in the shower
- Massage feels amazing on the mouth and gums
- Easy to operate
- Easy refilling design
Cons
- Those with small hands will find it uncomfortable to hold
- A bit bulky for travelling
Price: $99.0
Best cordless water flosser: Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser
We couldn’t talk about water flossing without including Waterpik, a household name that celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2012. This bad boy is worthy of a top spot for those who prefer cordless water flossers.
Waterpik claim this is the most advanced cordless water flosser. The rechargeable unit has a NiMH battery which is fully charged in 4 hours thanks to its rapid magnetic system, and the portable design is ideal for taking on your travels. 3 water pressure settings give the user a choice of low, medium or high, and because it’s waterproof, it can accompany you into the shower. Best of all, you can even add your favourite mouthwash.
The Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser has a reservoir holding 207ml of water for 45 seconds of flossing time. Choose from a selection of jet tips, including an orthodontic tip for cleaning around braces and a plaque seeker tip designed for those with dental implants. The device is said to remove 99% of plaque from treated areas and be 50% more effective than dental floss for improving gum health.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Supplied with a travel bag and travel water plug to prevent leakage
- Extra quiet water flossing
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
- Customers say the battery life is not as good as they had hoped
Price: $212.62
So now you know the best water flossers for braces; how do use one, exactly?
How to use a water flosser with braces on?
Once you get the hang of water flossers, you’ll be surprised at how easy they are to use.
Turn on the unit and select the preferred pressure setting. We recommend starting on low. Then lean over the basin and place the tip in your mouth.
To prevent splashing bring your lips fairly close together and let the water flow from your mouth into the basin.
Starting with the back teeth, aim the tip towards the gum line. Pause between each tooth to clean it. Turn the flosser’s tip to spray around the brackets, removing any debris that is stuck to them. To clean the gums, use the flosser along the edges of the gumline to flush out plaque.
Water flossing really is that simple and should take no more than a minute a day.
Take your dental hygiene to the next level
Water flossers are an excellent way to improve your oral health and maintain a healthy smile while wearing braces. If you’re considering dental braces or need more information about water flossers, why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Dental 266. Talk to us on 02 9051 0600 or use our online booking service.
References
Very Well Health: Why Do I Have White Spots On My teeth?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/white-spots-on-teeth-5217730
Business Wire: Waterpik Inc Celebrates 50 Years Of Innovation For Healthy Families
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120118005483/en/Water-Pik-Inc.-Celebrates-50-Years-of-Innovation-for-Healthy-Families