Flossing isn’t optional. Even the best sonic toothbrushes can only clean between the teeth so effectively. It takes flossing to remove the food debris, bacteria, and plaque that accumulate where toothbrushes can’t reach. This is crucial for gum health.
Water flossers are the most advanced option on the market. They use a stream of water to floss between the teeth. But are they effective? And how do they compare to string floss or floss picks?
The latest dental water flosser advice indicates that water flossers are a clinically proven alternative. Let’s take a closer look at the data.
Why Gum Health Matters
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. If you have bleeding gums (gingivitis) or gum recession, it can lead to a bacterial infection. This causes cavities and decay in the adjacent tooth.
In the worst cases, the bacterial infection progresses to periodontitis, threatening the tooth and jawbone.
Nor is this a rare problem. Here are the facts:
· Around 45% of UK adults have some form of gum disease and periodontitis, with ~10% in advanced stages; the 2021 Adult Oral Health Survey found 27% report bleeding gums and nearly 1 in 5 say they’ve been told they have gum disease.
· The 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS-6) shows gum disease is widespread — 95% of younger adults and 85% of older adults have some form of periodontitis.
· In Germany, severe periodontitis affects 17.5% of younger adults and over 50% of seniors; in the UK, global estimates suggest about 7–10% of adults have severe disease.
Oclean takes these facts seriously. The need for interdental cleaning has never been greater — prompting us to design ever more powerful, effective, and affordable water flossers tailored to sensitive gums.
What are Water Flossers?
A water flosser (or oral irrigator) is an oral health device that uses a steady or pulsating water jet to clean between the teeth and along the gumline. Different varieties include the powerful (but cumbersome) countertop models and the cordless, battery-operated, or rechargeable handheld models.
Oclean exclusively offers the handheld option. Take the AirPump A10, for example. This palm-sized, portable device includes the pioneering Airpump™ technology to spray pressurised air and water. The jet consists of up to 98% air content to reduce discomfort to sensitive gums while still cleaning away any plaque, bacteria, or food debris.
This avoids the stinging sensation common to other devices. Plus, it works effectively for people with braces or clear aligners, where conventional floss or picks simply aren’t an option.
Clinical Evidence: Do They Work?
In short, yes.
A 2023 systematic review — the highest form of evidence — looked at seven studies. The review concluded that most studies favoured water flossers over dental floss in plaque removal. It also found that water flossers were more effective in removing plaque from those hard-to-reach areas.
This confirms Oclean’s findings. As Dr. Steven J. Mondre recommends:
“[The] Oclean W1 uses water and air mixing to achieve effective cleaning between teeth more efficiently and effectively, remove adjacent dental plaque, and create a clean and healthy environment between teeth and all dental restorations.”
And there’s no risk to your gum health or safety. Over 50 years of data “continues to support their safety and efficacy” and confirms that there are no damaging effects to gums or teeth.
Water Flosser vs String Floss vs Floss Picks
Many people swear by string floss or floss picks. There’s no doubt that string floss continues to be the most affordable and widely used option. But it’s also extremely uncomfortable, cumbersome, and time-consuming. It can add a few minutes every day to your oral health routine, turning brushing and flossing into a full 10-minute ordeal.
That’s 20 minutes per day — or 5.1 days over the entire year!
Little wonder people end up skipping it entirely.
Plus, people with braces or other orthodontic devices simply cannot use string floss or floss picks. It ends up getting stuck in their mouth, causing all kinds of issues. The solution is obvious: water flossers.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
|
Method |
Pros |
Cons |
Best For |
|
Water Flosser |
· Easy to use, especially for braces, implants, or limited dexterity · Adjustable pressure settings (e.g., Oclean soft/gum-care modes) · Gentle on sensitive gums · Reaches around orthodontics and deep pockets |
· More expensive upfront · Needs charging/refilling · Less portable than floss picks |
Braces/implants, sensitive gums, users who find floss awkward |
|
String Floss |
· Highly effective when used correctly · Inexpensive and widely available · No batteries or charging needed |
· Technique-dependent, tricky with braces or bridges · Can cause gum trauma if misused · Low adoption in the UK/Germany |
Tight contacts, cost-conscious users, and those with good dexterity |
|
Floss Picks |
· Convenient and portable · Easier than string floss for some |
· Limited reach, especially molars · Generates more plastic waste · Less thorough than string or water flossers |
Travellers, quick fixes, occasional users |
The Verdict
Water flossers are a simple, effective, and affordable option for superior interdental cleaning. Dentists in the UK and Germany widely agree that they’re equal to or better than traditional floss. Plus, they do not damage hard or soft tissue when used properly.
They’re especially beneficial for people with implants, braces, or sensitive gums, where floss or picks can cause bleeding and discomfort. But only if you choose the right model.
Oclean doesn’t just squirt a high-pressure jet stream — which can cause stinging. It combines the water with air to deliver exceptional cleaning without the discomfort.
If you’re considering making the switch, here are Oclean’s best options for European users:
· W1 Portable Dental Water Flosser is Oclean’s most advanced model. The aerodynamic technology penetrates deep into the teeth and has 7 levels of intensity.
· AirPump A10 Water Flosser is slightly more affordable. Its Airpump technology makes the water go further, combining it with 98% air. It works well with mouthwash.
Browse the full selection of Oclean water flossers to find the option that’s right for you.
