Best Oral Irrigator Reviews -We Compare the Top 7 Hottest Choices

Around 60 percent of Americans brush their teeth twice a day. However, despite careful oral hygiene, tooth decay and gingivitis are common. Classic cleaning with a toothbrush is not enough to remove stubborn bacterial plaque and food residues.

Many areas in the mouth are difficult to access with a toothbrush, which makes effective cleaning difficult. A good addition to the removal of these harmful bacteria and plaque is the oral irrigator because it even more effectively reaches hard-to-reach areas and flushes harmful bacteria out of them. An oral irrigator is recommended to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean in the long term. This cleans the interdental spaces thoroughly.

So if you are a person who takes care of your dental health, you will be interested to know which dental irrigators are more suitable for achieving complete oral hygiene and this guide that we have prepared for you will help you. We took a closer look at 7 models. We will show you in the following comparison whether the irrigators keep what the brands promise.

In addition, you will learn a lot of interesting facts about oral irrigators in the guide.

Top 7 Oral Irrigator Comparison Chart

Model	Pressure Settings	Tips	Flossing Capacity	Price
Waterpik Aquarius	10	7	90 sec	Check Price
Nicefeel Oral Irrigator	3	4	50 sec	Check Price
VAVA oral Irrigator	3	3	30 sec	Check Price
Habor Oral Irrigator	10	8	90 sec	Check Price
Panasonic Portable Irrigator	2	1	40 sec	Check Price
MOSPRO Oral Irrigator	3	4	40 sec	Check Price
Waterpik Irrigator WF-05	10	4	90 sec	Check Price

Top 7 Recommended Oral Irrigator Reviews

We see the user ratings and the price of the models we test them and put our recommendations based on our analysis and experience to decide which is the best oral irrigator of this year 2020.

Although your final choice will also depend on other factors such as whether it will be used by one or more people or if you value its size more to take it on a trip.

Waterpik Aquarius Professional WP-660

Special care should be taken when cleaning implants. The WP-660EU Ultra Professional Oral Irrigator from Waterpik is designed not only to precisely clean the interdental spaces, but also the gumline.

The manufacturer states that gum health is up to twice as good when using oral irrigator compared to using dental floss. With the various attachments, all places in the mouth can be easily reached.

With this oral hygiene device, Waterpik has added another highlight to its range of oral irrigators. This irrigator promises easy and efficient cleaning. The device should remove up to 99% of the plaque and be up to 50% more effective than dental floss. The unique combination of water pressure and pulsations thoroughly cleans the interdental spaces and the edge under the gums.

The attractive design ensures optimal ergonomics. The device promises maximum ease of use and a safe and, above all, problem-free and individual application. You can choose between two pulse modes. Cleaning or hydro-pulse massage, which massages the gums and thus provides improved gum stimulation.

The settings are indicated by an LED display. The oral irrigator is used silently. The gland can be rotated 360 ° and there is a storage compartment for the various gland attachments. The filling quantity of 600 ml is sufficient for a cleaning time of 90 seconds. The device is also suitable for mouthwash additives and antibacterial solutions. After use, however, you should rinse again with clear water. The device has 10 different water pressure settings.

The large and handy knob with which the water pressure is regulated is individually adjustable from 0 to 10. The frequency is 1,200 pulsations per minute. The water jet on the nozzle holder can be regulated with an on / off slide switch. The nozzle hose and holder can be easily replaced if necessary. The device also comes with 7 nozzle attachments. A wall bracket is not included.

Our Impression

This irrigator does what it says on the tin! High quality, easy to clean, and with a diverse selection of different nozzles, it is by far our test winner. The cleaning result is convincing from the first application. The tooth area immediately feels fresh and clean. The nozzles can be replaced or supplemented at any time if necessary. With this oral irrigator, the most diverse needs and desires in terms of oral hygiene can be optimally met for a long time.

Important concern

You can’t go wrong with the purchase of the Waterpik Ultra. You will be amazed by the cleaning effect, the massage function and the simple cleaning of the water tank. Especially if space is not a problem in the bathroom, there is currently no better choice on the market.

Pros

Cons

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Panasonic Portable Irrigator

The Panasonic Denta Care Travel oral irrigator works easily and is also small and space-saving. The product promises thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces and the two-stage water jet intensity ensures individual tooth cleaning. The performance of the device is very strong, there are up to 1,400 pulses per minute.

The water tank is integrated in the handle and can be easily removed and filled under the tap. This also makes cleaning a lot easier. The tank can easily be rinsed out with warm water and a detergent. The water jet can easily be regulated with a slide switch.

When you travel, this Panasonic model is perfect. The irrigator can be reduced to a size of 14 centimeters and there is space for the nozzle in the back of the device. The device can also be used by several people without any problems, because separately you can always buy replacement nozzles in a pack of 2. It also has a massage function that massages the gums, making them better supplied with blood and strengthened. It is also possible to add mouthwash.

Many oral irrigators give off a weak jet and therefore do not reliably remove the food residue between the teeth. However, the Panasonic device has two strength levels. It should be noted that the device should be placed in an airy place so that everything dries well, otherwise bacteria could form. A big advantage is that you can quickly downsize this irrigator and find it in every travel bag.

Our Impression

If you are looking for a reliable, compact, easy-to-transport travel oral irrigator that reliably and particularly intensively rinses germs and deposits from the smallest spaces, this Panasonic travel oral irrigator is a good choice. Although it seems fairly clear, it shines with unexpectedly good results. It even has more pressure than some other devices.

Therefore, please choose the softer mode to get used to it. A really very good and recommendable model, for everyone who travels a lot professionally or privately. It is particularly nice that, due to its size and light weight, it can easily be carried in hand luggage.

Pros

Cons

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What are Oral Irrigators?

An oral irrigator is a device that is used to remove food debris and bacterial plaque that remains in the interdental spaces, under the gum line, and other spaces that are not easily accessible even when brushing has been carried out correctly and the floss.

It is a technique that does not replace brushing, but complements it. The combination allows a better oral cleaning and thus reduce the appearance of cavities and other problems such as halitosis (bad breath). It also improves the health of the gums, and reduces bleeding and inflammation.

Oral irrigation is indicated for those seeking particularly careful hygiene. It is especially indicated for people with dental implants and orthodontics. Since it makes it easier to remove accumulated remains in areas where it is not more difficult to access. We also recommend it in diabetic patients, since this disease is related to periodontitis and, therefore, they have to be very careful regarding their oral hygiene.

In this way, you do not give caries and the like and you can look forward to a radiantly healthy smile.

What to Consider When Buying an Oral Irrigator?

You can find many different oral irrigators on the market today, which differ from each other in many ways. When choosing a model that is tailored to your personal needs, you should consider the following purchase points:

Corded or Cordless

This is perhaps the first difference to consider. Cordless dental irrigators are specially made to travel in your suitcase since they are much smaller than corded models.

Corded irrigators, that is, conventional ones, will provide you with a greater variety of tips to use, different water pressures to choose from, and water tanks with a greater capacity. These are the best option to use on a daily basis. They take up some space in your bathroom but take it as a visual reminder to take care of your mouth.

Design and materials

A oral irrigator must be light, compact and strong. It must be made of molded plastic and have an ergonomic handle and user-friendly controls.

Water pressure & performance

The irrigator generates the water pressure either by an electric motor itself, or it depends on the water pressure of your home pipes for the models with a tap connection. Basically, it must be high enough to achieve a good cleaning effect and to wash the teeth.

But if it is too intense, it can be painful. With many devices, the desired pressure can therefore be adjusted. The cleaning performance also depends in part on the type of nozzle.

Pressure settings

The number of pressure levels stands for the versatility of an oral irrigator. Depending on the jet intensity, the device can be used for a gentle massage of the gums, a thorough cleaning, the removal of plaque, or the removal of food residues.

Before buying, think about which functions you will need in the future. To enable the targeted removal of plaque and almond stones, the water jet should be bundled as much as possible. A certain amount of pressure is also required to ensure thorough cleaning.

Water capacity

This is relevant because a smaller water tank means that water needs to be refilled more frequently when cleaning. You can also use the water tank to see how often water needs to be added when cleaning your mouth.

When cleaning, for example, braces, a longer operating time, i.e. a larger water tank, is pleasant, since this takes a little longer when thoroughly cleaned.

The larger this is, the longer the device can be used. However, some water tanks have a tank that could be much larger or smaller. A quantity of 200 to 400 milliliters is normally sufficient.

Although smaller water containers have to be refilled more often, according to reviews, this is relatively easy to do with some oral irrigators.

On the other hand, in the case of larger water containers, it is often forgotten to replace the water, which makes it easier for bacteria to settle, which can then get into the oral cavity and, particularly if used incorrectly, can have serious health consequences.

Removable water tank

After some time using an oral irrigator, it is necessary to clean the water tank. If there has been water in it for a long period of time, it should be cleaned thoroughly. To simplify this, some models have a removable water tank, which can be cleaned quickly and easily.

Power source

There are two solutions available when choosing the right power source for your device: There are oral irrigators with batteries as well as those that need to be connected to a power supply. The models dependent on the power grid are usually somewhat heavier and less portable.

A battery-operated irrigator has the advantage that it takes up little space and you can use it flexibly and anywhere. The disadvantage, however, is that the battery usually only lasts up to 30 minutes and therefore has to be charged regularly.

Battery life

In the case where you are looking for a portable model, it is quite important that you take into account the duration of the battery that comes with it. While some models may be running 20 hours in a row with just 4 hours of charge, others will need to be charged after a few uses.

Modes of action

The nature of the nozzle is particularly relevant for the precision of the oral irrigator. Some models are better suited for the targeted cleaning of the interdental spaces, others are more suitable for the extensive removal of plaque or the massage of the gums. A jet that is as pleasant as possible is advantageous for daily use. In some cases, the devices offer several selectable cleaning modes.

Timer

A sound, pause or vibration is the method that many models have to warn you that it is time to change zones. Normally after 30 seconds they warn you to change the side of the mouth, and the minute the warning is to remind you to clean the other area (upper or lower).

Processing and handling

Smaller defects can often be found in the somewhat cheaper devices. The inferior materials used in the manufacture do not promise a long lifespan. Under certain circumstances, this can also lead to technical problems.

The price is not the most important criterion when choosing an oral irrigator, but you should pay attention to the processing and high-quality materials. When operating, it is important that the irrigator sits well in the hand.

For example, some models have a stop button integrated in the handpiece or are equipped with a nozzle that can be swiveled through 360 degrees.

Number of users

There are oral irrigation sets that can be used by several people. There are two or more mouth showers, extra containers, and water tanks as well as devices for mouth rinsing. If several people use the irrigator, such a set is advantageous. On the other hand, you can simply buy the appropriate number of attachments from an oral irrigator to ensure maximum hygiene in this way.

How to use oral irrigator – Step by step guideline

Using a dental irrigator is like you’ve probably been done at the dentist after a treatment: Put water between your teeth where you would normally floss.

The first thing to keep in mind is that the use depends on the model you use. In general we have found two types of operation that deal mainly with the way in which the water leaves the machine. May be, it comes out continuously – That means your mouth fills up very quickly with water and requires you to be on top of your sink.

The other way that is used especially among Philips’s dental irrigators is that you also blow air but only for a short time. That allows you to take a look at where you want to clean again or where you want. Although you should find yourself above the sink in that shape, too, that wouldn’t force you to spit out that much.

But the steps are generally the following:

Step 1:

First of all, when using an oral irrigator you must know what liquid to use. Usually, it is usually running water, although some people prepare specific infusions although the truth is that it is not necessary.

Step 2:

Of course, if you want to make sure that the water is purified you can boil it and once it has cooled, you apply it to the teeth using the irrigator.

Step 3:

Fill the irrigator with water through the opening for this, and in the first minutes of the irrigator’s work, it is necessary to choose an operating mode. So that the liquid is applied under light pressure and, after a time, the force at which the jet comes out of the water. This will allow the teeth to get used to the pressure created by the water jet.

Step 4:

When you use an oral irrigator to clean your teeth, you must treat all available tooth and gum areas . The procedure must be carried out slowly, and taking into account each and every one of the teeth.

Step 5:

It is advisable to start the treatment from areas that can be easily reached. That is, introduce the irrigator in the front of the mouth, close it and let the water flow. If you leave your mouth open, you will see how the pressure of the water against the teeth and gums will come out and you will fill your face with water.

Step 6:

Once you have passed the tip of the irrigator through each and every one of the front teeth (and from top to bottom), turn the irrigator a little so that you can then clean the molars and the rest of the teeth of the mouth.

Step 7:

We remind you that it is also necessary to hold the device in such a way that the water jet is always directed up and down.

Step 8:

Once you have finished applying the entire mouth with the jet of the irrigator , it will be a good idea to rinse your mouth well, gargling with a little more water or with the mouthwash.

How to clean and disinfect an oral irrigator– Step by step guideline

Of course, an oral irrigator must also be kept clean and germ-free. Because limescale deposits and germs also occur in and on the devices, which must be removed regularly. This is mainly necessary to prevent bacteria and germs from getting into your mouth.

If you do not clean the device regularly, you could soon be faced with a black mold layer inside the oral irrigator. Oral irrigators therefore regularly belong in an antibacterial disinfection bath.

A sensible cleaning in three steps is essential as a preventive measure against germ and lime formation.

Step 1:

Rinse well with hot, clear water after each use and then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Step 2:

Put the mouthpiece in mouthwash solution for about two hours every two to three days. Due to the formation of limescale, cleaning of an existing water tank is also recommended.

Step 3:

Disinfect at regular intervals. You can rub a damp cloth with a disinfectant solution and use it to disinfect the outer areas of bacteria that would otherwise come into contact with the oral mucosa. For the inside, a disinfectant powder is recommended, which is dissolved in the water container.

Oral irrigator or Dental floss – Which is better?

In addition to thorough brushing, dentists recommend cleaning the interdental spaces, since bacteria can collect there. Cleaning works most effectively with dental floss or interdental brushes, as these scrape directly on the deposits on teeth or gums. 

However, some users find it particularly difficult to floss. Braces hinder the sensible use and sometimes the bit is sensitive. The water jet from the irrigator can be directed at hard-to-reach places and adjusted to gentle water pressure.

The water jet of the oral irrigator does not achieve the same cleaning effect of dental floss, especially where the teeth meet, pure water pressure cannot get through. If there are no good reasons, you should continue to prefer dental floss or an interdental brush. 

However, if the alternative is that the interdental spaces are not cleaned at all, the oral irrigator is definitely worth it. The teeth will always be cleaner than just with a toothbrush.

Oral irrigator vs. Airfloss – which is better?

Before you can start with the oral irrigator comparison, you should first look at the functions of both methods. As already explained in detail, oral irrigators for interdental cleaning work with a narrow water jet, whereby only air mist is used with Airfloss systems.

Basically, both techniques offer gentle cleaning and have their own advantages and disadvantages, which is why the area of ​​application primarily decides which oral irrigator should be preferred.

The Airfloss system is characterized by ensuring fault-tolerant and easy use. Airfloss is suitable for narrow spaces but is not recommended for larger spaces between teeth. In addition, no water flows out of the mouth through the use of spray mist, as can be the case with showers for the mouth. The Airfloss method is currently only available from one manufacturer, namely Philips Sonicare.

The oral irrigator in turn scores with its larger area of ​​application, as it is more suitable than Airfloss for implants, dentures, and brackets. Not to forget the massage function for the gums, which, when used regularly, ensures healthier gums.

History of oral irrigator

The first oral irrigator was created in 1962 and was made by the Americans John Mattingly and Gerald Moyer. They sold the first devices through their own company, which was taken over by Teledyne in 1967. In 1975, Teledyne became Waterpik, which is still a well-known manufacturer of oral irrigators. We have presented you with a Waterpik irrigator in our comparison.

What does the perfect dental care routine look like?

Even if the daily dental care follows a recurring pattern for most of us, you should check if everything is still correct. The following list shows what you should do to ensure proper dental and oral hygiene.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day

After each meal, you should brush your teeth thoroughly and persistently, especially in the evening. The bacteria otherwise form destructive acids in the plaque all night. Cleaning three minutes is the least, always in the same order, so no part is forgotten.

Use dental floss

Bacteria accumulate very easily, especially in the hard-to-reach interdental spaces. These areas, which are difficult to access, must be cleaned daily with dental floss or a tooth space brush.

Right cleaning technique

The correct brushing technique is important for effective and successful brushing. The so-called red and white technique, i.e. cleaning from the gums to the tooth, is extremely effective.

In terms of healthy teeth, one should also not forget that fruit, yogurt and juices contain acids that can damage the teeth. Therefore, after eating, the mouth should be rinsed out with water or a fluoride solution. Such fluoride improves the tooth surface’s resistance to caries.

Extensive chewing

Many foods as a snack, such as apples or nuts, stimulate the flow of saliva. This cleans and hardens the teeth. A high-fiber diet such as fresh fruit, cereal products or raw vegetables have a positive effect on dental health.

The chewing gum

Those who are constantly on the move naturally have little time to brush their teeth. It is easiest to chew sugar-free gum after eating. This stimulates saliva production and protects against tooth decay.

To the dentist twice a year

It is also very important for dental health to have your teeth checked regularly by the dentist and have them professionally cleaned.

Final Thoughts

The dental irrigator is the technological device that provides the best results for the health of the mouth. All dentist associations recommend the combined use of brushing with pressurized water irrigators to reduce dental ailments by 90%.

If you look at it from an economic point of view it is one of the devices that in the short and medium allows you to save a lot of money because with them you avoid expensive visits to the dentist (a simple filling costs between 70 and 90 USD or implant a false denture for not having been foresight in the daily cleaning of the mouth can cost you between 12,000 and 15,000 USD)

It is certainly not easy to find the best product because oral Irrigators are sold by many brands. But if you pay attention to the investigated tests or also to the Stiftung Warentest test reports, you will make a good choice.