If you’re new to the world of water flossers, knowing where to start when it comes to choosing one can be tricky. In fact, even if you’re familiar with water flossers and are simply out to replace or upgrade your current device, it can still be difficult to know what to look for. The reason being that as is the case with most dental products across the board, the market for water flossers has expanded dramatically over recent years. What’s more, what represents the very best water flosser on the market right now is something that can only be determined by the individual needs, expectations and budget of the buyer.
Which is why it is a good idea to first take into account exactly what it is you need and expect, before going ahead with the selection process. The good news being that the more specific you are in terms of what you want and need, the easier it is to then go ahead and select a device. Whatever your needs and budget, there is a perfect water flosser out there to suit. It’s simply a case of being sure to consider the following, after which you should find the selection process considerably easier:
Corded or Cordless?
First of all, one of the most important things to take into account is whether you would prefer a corded or cordless water flosser. Which of the two is better is entirely a matter of personal opinion, given the way in which both have the potential to get the job done properly. Nevertheless, the two have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
In the case of a cordless water flosser, the primary advantages are portability and convenience. The device will feature a built-in reservoir and have a much smaller base unit/station than a corded alternative. However, the reservoir may need to be refilled before or perhaps even during every use. With corded water flossers, such devices are not particularly portable, though are connected to a much larger reservoir which some find to be more convenient. In addition, some corded water flossers can be somewhat more powerful than their cordless counterparts.
Nevertheless, this all comes down to the specific model you choose.
Battery Life
If you are looking for a portable device, it is a good idea to factor battery life into the decision you make. Just as there are certain examples of water flossers that will continue running for up to a week’s use from a single charge, others need to be recharged after no longer than a couple of days.
On top of this, you may also have the option of picking up any number of high quality rechargeable water flossers, along with alternative battery powered water flossers. Generally speaking, rechargeable devices are more cost effective long-term. But at the same time, those powered by batteries allow for on-going use in instances where it may not be possible to charge a rechargeable unit.
Features and Settings
With today’s water flossers, features and settings vary from the sublime to the ridiculous. In some instances, all you get is a single setting and a single power mode, which is generally suitable for most users. In other instances, there may be all manner of additional features, changeable settings, power levels and so on.
In the case of the latter, the benefit is the way in which one single device can be used to carry out a multitude of different tasks for different mouths. But at the same time, more features generally mean a higher price tag. As such, those looking to keep costs to minimums may prefer to consider the simpler devices on the market, which in many instances can still get the job done brilliantly.
Changeable Heads
There are a few things to consider when it comes to changeable heads. First of all, if you come across a water flosser that does not support changeable heads, it is essentially a disposable device. Secondly, it is also a good idea to take into account the cost of replacement heads, in accordance with the device you are considering. The reason being that while some replacement heads are comprehensively affordable, others are prohibitively expensive.
Also worth considering is the variety of replacement heads available, which may include a variety of specially designed heads for specific purposes – gum care, sensitive teeth, suitability for children and so on. One of the biggest benefits of investing in a device that supports changeable heads is the way in which one unit can be shared between multiple users, adding up to maximum value for money.
Approved Brands
When it comes to selecting which manufacturer to buy from, there will always be certain examples of oral healthcare brands that outshine others. Realistically, you only need to look at those that have won the support and approval of dentists on a global basis, in order to ensure you take home the highest quality product. There may be thousands of water flossers available from hundreds of major and minor brands all over the world, but the vast majority of dentists generally recommend sticking with a select handful of brands that have proven themselves to be the best in the business.
For example, brands like Waterpik, Oral-B, Philips and other household names have consistently delivered outstanding water flossers to suit all purposes and all budgets. Whichever water flosser takes your fancy, just be sure to check out what both the experts and everyday users have to say about it, before making your final decision.
Price
Last but not least, the best thing to do is to assign yourself a budget before getting started with the selection process, rather than making things up as you go along. Right now, it’s perfectly possible to spend as little as £20 on a water flosser or upwards of £200. It all comes down to the features you need, the additional extras you’d prefer and the kind of long-term value for money you expect.
Just be sure to bear in mind the fact that while low prices do not necessarily indicate an incapable water flosser, paying over the odds doesn’t always guarantee the most outstanding device on the market!
