It is recommended that when applicable, you replace tips every 3-6 months. (Consult the instruction manual for specific replacement information for each tip.) With the unit in the OFF position, allow gravity to drain the vinegar solution through the Water Flosser. We asked Dr Praveen Sharma, a scientific advisor to the British Dental Association and specialist in restorative dentistry if dentists advise using a water flosser for teeth. He says: 'As a dentist, the preference would be for mechanical cleaning in between teeth with interdental brushes, where the anatomy allows. Eat well, live better and stay healthy. Sign up for our free monthly Food & Health newsletter, it's free monthly Use a water flosser before brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste, advises Dr Khurrum Hussain. “This allows debris to be removed from the spaces between the teeth, enabling better fluoride absorption from the toothpaste onto the enamel.”

Cleaning time We fill up the water reservoir on each flosser and time how long it takes for the tank to drain.We choose bestselling water flossers available at UK retailers and enlist a panel of testers to try them out. Each person tests all of the water flossers and we buy all those that we test. Waterpik advice says to do this by filling the water reservoir with one to two tablespoons of white vinegar mixed with warm water and running this through the water flosser. Yet the important thing is that the Cordless Plus still delivers an excellent clean. The lower intensity isn’t too weedy, making it ideal for starters or users with sensitive teeth, while the higher intensity does a great job of cleaning around the gum line and between your teeth without going overboard and making things uncomfortable. In terms of technique, position the end of the tip a few millimetres away from your teeth. Dr Khurrum says, “Direct the stream towards the gum, aiming for the spaces between the teeth to remove trapped debris. If you have gaps between your teeth, angle the nozzle towards each tooth.” As water flossers dispense a continuous jet of water, you need to keep your mouth partially closed while running the cleaning nozzle along your gum line. This allows the water to drain out but avoids it spraying everywhere.

Finally, the controls are really important. Using a water flosser can be a messy business, particularly if you’ve never used one before. Having easy-to-find and intuitive controls can help you avoid a nasty squirt in the face or across the bathroom mirror. How to use a water flosserSpotlight’s water flosser has the biggest water capacity of any I tried thanks to the 400ml reservoir. It was the only one I didn’t have to refill part-way through my clean. The modes include gentle, clean and pulse, plus a UV setting to sterilise any bacteria inside the water tank. The best water flossers you can buy in 2023 1. Panasonic EW1511: Best water flosser for most people The third type of head is an orthodontic tip, with a tapered tip to remove bacteria and food debris from around the teeth and under the gums. It’s especially effective for anyone with braces. Once it’s on, you need to run the nozzle slowly across the gum line, making sure you get between the teeth, starting with the lower teeth then moving to the upper teeth. Keep your mouth closed as much as possible, but let the excess water run out of your mouth into the sink as the jet won’t do anything in a mouth full of water. Battery life We fully charge each water flosser and run it on its highest setting until the battery drains. We time how long it takes for the battery to drain.