Add dentist to your CV with the GHI's winning water flosser (2024)

Our panel blind tested a range of market-leading water flossers over a two-week period. They assessed how easy the flosser was to use, as well as commenting on its design and overall performance.

At the GHI, our experts used the VISIA image analysis machine to assess how effective the water flossers were at removing plaque and food deposits on the buccal surfaces of the teeth.

Images were analysed by dental health professional Farah Karim who visually graded the difference in the appearance of our panellists' teeth before and after using the water flosser. In the lab, our experts also checked noise level, weight, size and run-time (i.e. how long the water tank lasted without needing to be refilled).

Score 83/100

This is another stellar gadget loved by our testers. With a smaller tank than the Spotlight flosser, the panel found this one was easy to fill up and use. They also liked that it has six different settings, allowing them to select the perfect pressure for them.

Panellists also said it was easy to angle around their mouths to get to those hard-to-reach areas and dislodge any leftover debris post-brushing.

Key specifications

Score 83/100

This super-powerful brush gave what our testers described as a “dentist quality” clean. It features a hydro gravity ball, allowing it to continuously spray water, whatever angle you hold it at. The flosser's speedy charging and unique UV sterilisation mode, which removes potentially harmful bacteria from the water, also won points with the panel.

This flosser has the largest water tank of all the models on test, and it's also bigger than Spotlight’s previous model. This means you won't have to refill halfway through flossing — bonus — although some testers found it made it a little harder to hold.

Key specifications

Score 77/100

Holding enough water for a full minute of flossing, this was a big tick for our testers, who all said their teeth felt cleaner after using it. And despite its low price tag, it still comes with a “gravity ball” at the end of the tube, which ensures water comes out of the flosser no matter which direction it's pointed in — so you can reach all the nooks and crannies easily.

Some testers found the buttons a little awkwardly placed, but it's a minor quibble for the price.

Key specifications

Score 77/100

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, don't assume water flossing isn't for you. The Binefia has been especially designed for sensitive teeth with a ‘soft’ setting that it claims it's so gentle even children can use it.

Aside from its sensitivity claims, the panel found the machine easy to grip and control and it lasted “long enough to do the whole mouth without refilling.” It also comes with a handy travel bag to keep all the attachments together.

Key specifications

Score: 74/100

Water flossers can be pretty chunky devices, often prioritising function over style. But this model from Panasonic breaks the mould, considering looks as well as performance.

And our panel approved. “I liked the sleek black design as some of the other water flossers I’ve seen are super bulky,” said one tester. It’s not style over substance though. “After just one session, I feel like all the debris in my mouth has been removed, and it also seems to help get rid of plaque because of the intense pressure,” said another panellist. Others said it felt powerful and like it was really making a difference.

It also uses USB-C charging, which meant many were able to use their phone cable. One tester said they had to refill it during a two-minute flossing session, but everyone who tried it said the tank was easy to fill.

Key specifications

Score: 73/100

Available in four something-for-everyone colourways, including lilac and rose gold, this option could make a nice, albeit practical, gift. “Although it’s bulky, the colour and design make it at least look attractive on my bathroom sink,” said one tester.

It’s cordless and waterproof (you’d hope so) and the brand claims it helps to prevent bacteria build-up by over 99%. On test, our panellists praised the power of the stream and the clean feeling it gave. The travel bag and option to store the tips inside the body of the flosser are a nice touch. Our panel also liked the rubber base, which makes it easier to grip, and said it was easy to fill up, too.

The best bit? Every single person who tried it told us that the battery life was good, which is pretty unheard of with a rechargeable, daily-use device. Many didn’t need to charge it at all during the two-week trial period. Talk about low maintenance.

Key specifications

Score 72/100

For anyone who has braces or fixed retainers that sit behind the teeth, you'll know that flossing isn't easy, or always successful. But the Waterpik Cordless Plus won praise for both from our panel and in the lab, where it was the most effective at removing plaque and food deposits on the buccal surfaces of the teeth.

The panel also liked the fact it's cordless and has a compact design but said this meant they had to refill it halfway through flossing, which lost it some points.

Key specifications

You can use a water flosser before or after brushing. Used before, it can help to loosen leftover food, making it easier to remove when you brush or use manual floss. When used afterwards, it can help wash away debris stuck in those hard to reach spots.

Follow the instructions for your particular model, but as a general guide:

• Fill the water tank with lukewarm water from the tap.
• Leaning over the sink and starting on the lowest pressure, place the tip of the flosser in your mouth at a 90-degree angle to your teeth. Hold it slightly away from your teeth and gums rather than directly against them.
• Close your lips slightly to prevent spray and then turn the flosser on, allowing the water to drain out into the sink as you go.
• If you feel you need more pressure, adjust the settings according to preference.
• Working from tooth to tooth, aim the tip at the gum line and target the areas between the teeth. The whole process should take around two minutes.
• After every use, make sure you empty and rinse the water tank.

Our joint winner, the Spotlight Water Flosser will give you a professional dentist-level clean at home, thanks to its powerful brush and generous water tank.

But if you’re looking for something more affordable, the H2ofloss water flosser costs less than £30 and delivered a deep clean on test.

If you have braces or wear a fixed retainer, this Waterpik model is a great option for removing plaque from those hard-to-reach spots.

We’ve been testing products for over 100 years at the Good Housekeeping Institute – from mattresses and shampoos to hair dryers and treadmills – so we know what we’re looking for when it comes to analysing performance.

For our water flosser tests, we used a specialist VISIA image analyser to assess how effectively each model removed plaque. As well as relying on detailed feedback from our home testers, we also worked with dental health professional Farah Karim, to analyse the difference in panellists’ teeth in their before and after images.

Our team are also experts in their fields. Nora Merik, the lead tester for water flossers, has a master’s degree in cosmetic science and has tested hundreds of dental hygiene products in the lab. Senior Beauty Writer Florence Reeves-White has years of experience in the industry, writing about skincare, haircare and beauty tools.