We all know about Dental floss, the waxed white string that is used to clean up the space between the teeth after a chicken dinner. But only few may know about Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, which have revolutionized daily oral hygiene recently. These devices use a pressurized stream of pulsating water to clean between teeth and near the gum line, effectively removing food particles and plaque. They are particularly useful for individuals with braces, crowns, dental implants, or sensitive gums and have become a valuable adjunct to brushing in maintaining overall oral health.
The idea of using water for dental cleaning dates back to the 1950s, when Dr. C.D. Matteson, a dentist, created the first prototype called the Hydraulic Dental Syringe. This device connected to a faucet and used water pressure to rinse food debris after meals.
In 1962, Dr. Gerald Moyer, a dentist, and John Mattingly, an engineer, took this concept further by designing a motorized oral irrigator with a built-in water reservoir and rhythmic pulses.1 They presented the device at the Dallas Dental Convention, marking the beginning of Water Pik, Inc., which commercialized the world’s first electric water flosser in the mid-1960s. Now they are one of the leading manufacturers of oral irrigators, offering a wide range of products including countertop and cordless models, as well as combination models that integrate a sonic toothbrush along with various specialized tips designed for different oral care needs and hard-to-reach areas, such as for orthodontic and periodontal purposes.
Over the years, many design improvements have been made to make it more user-friendly.
Water flossers function through a pulsating jet of water directed at the spaces between teeth and along the gum line. This stream dislodges trapped food particles, plaque, and bacteria.
The mechanism works in three key steps:
Water Pressurization: The device draws water from its reservoir and uses a small electric motor or pump to build up pressure.
Pulsation: The pressurized water is released in rapid bursts rather than a continuous flow, creating a dynamic cleaning effect.
Most models allow pressure adjustments between 10–100 PSI (Pound per square inch), catering to different oral sensitivities.
A discussion about this innovative oral hygiene product have been going on MedBound Hub, started by Dr. Triveni, BDS, MDS (pediatrics and preventive dentistry). Dr. Triveni has an experience spanning 6 years in Pediatric dental care.
Another MedBoundHub user, Dr Shruti Sandesh Morankar also pointed out the benefits of the water flosser and said that it would be "a very wise addition to any regular dental regimen!"
Water flossers offer several benefits over traditional flossing, particularly for individuals with special dental needs.
Enhanced Cleaning: They effectively remove plaque and food debris, especially for those with misaligned teeth.
Ideal for Orthodontic Patients: Perfect for cleaning around braces, also for those with bridges, crowns, and dental implants.
Gentle on Gums: The pulsating water is less abrasive compared to string floss, reducing the chances of bleeding and irritation.
Ease of Use: Simple to operate, making them ideal for elderly users or those with arthritis or dexterity issues.
Studies, including those published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry and PubMed Central (PMC10906797), show that water flossers can remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and reduce gum bleeding more effectively than string floss in certain populations.
While beneficial, water flossers have certain drawbacks:
Cost: They are more expensive than traditional floss.
Maintenance: Require regular cleaning of the reservoir and nozzle to prevent bacterial buildup.
Electric or Battery Dependence: Some models are less portable and require charging.
Messiness: Can splash water, therefore should be used properly over a sink.
Not a Complete Substitute: Dentists recommend combining them with regular brushing and occasional string flossing.
Are water flossers suitable for children?
Yes, children can use water flossers under adult supervision. Pediatric dentists recommend using the lowest pressure setting for younger users.
Are water flossers better than traditional dental floss?
Not entirely. They are effective for removing debris and bacteria but should complement regular flossing and brushing.
How often should I use a water flosser?
Daily use, preferably before brushing, is recommended to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Is using a water flosser safe for sensitive gums?
Yes. The water pressure can be adjusted, and the pulsating action is gentle, reducing irritation compared to string floss.
Do water flossers require special maintenance?
Regular cleaning of the water tank and nozzle is necessary to prevent bacterial buildup. Tips should be replaced every 3–6 months for best results.
Can mouthwash be added to a water flosser?
Yes, non-alcoholic mouthwash or antiseptic solutions can be diluted with water to enhance antibacterial effectiveness.
References
Ciancio, Sebastian G. “The Dental Water Jet: A Product Ahead of Its Time.” Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry Spec No 1 (March 2009): 7–13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19385350/.
“Water Pik Technologies, Inc.” International Directory of Company Histories. Encyclopedia.com. Accessed October 13, 2025. https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/water-pik-technologies-inc.
Mohapatra, S., et al. “Comparing the Effectiveness of Water Flosser and Dental Floss: A Systematic Review.” Journal / Source Name (2024). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10906797/.