Waterpik Review: Cordless Professional Water Flosser

Product Review: Waterpik Cordless Professional Water Flosser from Dr. Stephanie Sfiroudis, Leading Nassau County Periodontist

People have been told about the benefits of flossing regularly for many years now. With the added benefits of current technology, more and more people are switching to using Waterpik Flossers for that professional 'just left the dentist' kind of clean. This is the very same type of tool that your dentist would use to remove any foreign particles from between the teeth. So how does it stack up when compared to traditional flossing?

First of all, the Waterpik or 'oral irrigator' has little competition when it comes to its effectiveness. With the different settings to choose from, it's definitely the most versatile when it comes to cleaning properly. Since it is using pressurized water to clean it is much more effective than dental floss could ever be. This is obviously the main draw to the product.

For the many people out there who have to wear braces, this is a dream come true type of product. The new model is also packaged with the Nano Sonic Toothbrush for the most effective clean available to the general public without a trip to the dentist. The toothbrush is easily portable as well for trips away from home.

As the name states, the product is cordless for ease of use and function. Both the brush and the Waterpik have rechargeable batteries, so there's no running out to fetch them from the store when your product runs out of battery life. This, of course, will save time and money in the long run. It's important to note that you must keep it in your mouth while using the Waterpik or it will become more like a squirt gun than a dental tool.

Another benefit of having one of these products is the fact that it will clean like you're at the dentist, removing many professional cleaning visits to your dentist, thus saving you more money. Another thing to note is that you will need to charge the product for a full 24 hours before using it the first time. So don't expect to be using it right out of the box. Once you have it charged, you fill the tank with lukewarm water, and you're ready to get cleaning.

The Waterpik will clean for roughly 40-45 seconds before you'll need to fill it again. You can even add your favorite mouthwash to the water tank for that fresh, clean feeling. It's important to note that the included toothbrush only vibrates. It doesn't rotate like many of the electric toothbrushes on the market. This reduces the effectiveness of the brush itself since you don't get as many revolutions in the same amount of brushing time. This is a small gripe if you consider the fact that most people already have a favorite electric brush that they currently use.

Another complaint you may run into with the cordless model is the power and water being less than the traditional plug-in models have. It's really a space versus quantity thing here. Some people simply don't have the extra counter space in their bathroom for a full-sized plug-in version of the Waterpik. The cordless model is a great choice for those with limited space issues. It is also ideal for those folks who have to travel frequently.

The water being limited may not bother most people since the 40-45 seconds is usually all it takes to get a thorough clean from the Waterpik. The charge adapter is compatible with 120VAC/60HZ outlets and isn't a bulky plug either. There are two pressure controls for sensitive teeth and gums and for those who like a bit more pressure to their cleaning experience. One drawback of the adapter is that they only manufactured the one type, so if you don't live in the US, you're out of luck.

This can be a rather significant drawback for those living in other parts of the world who'd like to own the product. Most (not all) of the tips can be interchanged with other Waterpik models, giving the user more options for cleaning. One other thing that may be confusing is the fact that there is no light indicating a charge or lack thereof. You just have to check to see if it sounds charged or not. For the most part, it's an effective dental tool and one of the best there is on the market.

Pros:

• Compact for space saving
• Easy to travel with
• Rechargeable
• Bonus toothbrush included
• Professional cleaning job
• Great for people with braces
• Effectively cleans pockets in the gum line

Cons:

• Less water in the tank
• Adapter plug only works in the US
• Less powerful than corded model
• Nano toothbrush doesn't rotate

Please contact Dr. Stephanie Sfiroudis for a free consultation regarding any questions or concerns about your periodontal health.