Our oral hygiene is something we should all take pride in. After all, our smile is at the forefront of our image, and often the first thing someone notices about us. But taking care of our teeth isn’t only important for aesthetic reasons.

We’ve heard it all before from our dentists: brushing our teeth regularly helps keep bacteria under control, and flossing (not the viral internet dance) has been drilled into us as an important way to prevent cavities, reaching places in our teeth that a toothbrush could never dream of.

Related: Best electric toothbrushes

But flossing is a dental tip that is often overlooked, because it comes with a few downsides. Whether its bleeding gums, fraying string, or difficulty reaching some teeth – we’ve all struggled when it comes to traditional flossing. So, is there a better alternative?

Introducing, water flossing. Water flossers have been around for some time and are hardly a new phenomenon. Unlike traditional flossing, water flossers - sometimes called water picks - use an oral irrigator to spray water into the mouth and gums. The pressure and pulsation of the water massages the gums, cleaning away any plaque and food debris.

The effectiveness of water flossers over traditional flossers is still a point of contention, although studies have shown that water flossers are significantly more effective than traditional flossing in terms of removing plaque. Water flossers are also regarded as a better choice for those with braces or similar dental work. Plus, they are far more environmentally friendly given that they produce zero waste.

However, water flossers are a much more expensive product compared to traditional floss, and as a result, require far more thought prior to purchase. To make things easier on you, we have outlined the top seven water flossers on the market today.

Our selection at a glance

• Oral-B Aquacare 6 Pro-Expert Water Flosser

• H2ofloss Water Flosser Professional

• PECHAM Portable Water Flosser

• Waterpik WP-660UK Ultra Professional Water Flosser

• Liberex FC2660S Cordless Water Flosser

• Laluztop Cordless Water Flosser

• Fairywill Water Flosser

The Best Water Flossers

Related: Best Bamboo Toothbrushes

How do water flossers work?

Water flossers allow you to directly apply a thin, pressurised jet of water to the areas between your teeth and up to your gum line. The pressure and pulsations provided by the water flosser can help clean away plaque and food debris. If you’re new to water flossing, it might take you a few goes to get used to the water pressure and technique.

The water is held in a small refillable tank, typically with a 300ml capacity on portable devices. The motor and pulsations are powered by either a rechargeable battery or a mains power outlet

Do dentists recommend water flossers?

While studies have suggested that water flossers are equally, if not more, effective than traditional flossers in the removal of plaque, dentists still appear sceptical about their effectiveness compared to string flossing. A combination of water and string flossing is the most widely recommended approach for optimal oral hygiene. Just remember to always consult your dentist to determine best practice.

Are water flossers as good as traditional flossers?

While traditional flossers are sometimes regarded as more effective in the removal of harmful plaque, water irrigators are often the better choice for example in the case of sensitives gums, and orthodontic work. Before replacing string flossing altogether, speak to your dentist and determine which flossing technique is best suited to you.

Marina Avraam is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Mother&Baby. She has a passion for psychology, reading and fashion writing.