Cleaning between your teeth with a water flosser
Most people brush their teeth every morning and every night.
A toothbrush reaches most of each tooth. The gaps between teeth are harder to reach, and that is where a water flosser can help.
These notes draw on the NHS, the Oral Health Foundation and the evidence used by UK dental teams.
How a water flosser works
A water flosser sprays a thin stream of water between the teeth and along the gumline. It loosens bits of food and washes away plaque from places a toothbrush cannot reach.
Some models let you add mouthwash to the water. If yours does, follow the maker's instructions.
Who finds one easier
Some people find a water flosser easier to use than string floss. This is often true for people with braces, bridges or implants. It can also help people who have limited movement in their hands.
Many come with different tips for different needs, such as braces or sensitive gums.
What the research says
A Cochrane review looked at 35 studies of home cleaning between the teeth, with 3,929 adults taking part. Brushing plus a water flosser may reduce gum inflammation in the short term. The review found no evidence of this over three to six months, and no difference in plaque.
The same review found no serious side effects from any of the devices. Its authors rated the evidence as low to very low certainty.
The guidance UK dental teams use says interdental brushes may work better than floss. It describes the evidence for water flossers as limited and inconsistent.
Fitting it into your day
The NHS advises brushing twice a day for about two minutes, with a fluoride toothpaste. One of those times should be last thing at night. Adults should use a toothpaste with at least 1,350 parts per million of fluoride.
Clean between your teeth before you brush. That way the fluoride in the toothpaste can reach the gaps. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse.
The Oral Health Foundation describes a water flosser as a useful extra. It does not replace brushing. Interdental brushes or floss physically scrape plaque off the tooth, which water alone cannot always do. Many people use a mix.
Help from your dental team
Your dentist or hygienist can show you what suits your mouth. They can also tell you the right size of interdental brush for each gap.
Some bleeding is common when you first start cleaning between your teeth. It usually gets better with regular cleaning. If it carries on, talk to your dental team.
The NHS says gums that bleed when you brush, or that are red, sore and swollen, can be signs of gum disease. See a dentist if you notice them. Your dentist will suggest when your next check-up should be, anywhere from 3 months to 2 years away.