A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, is an effetive device for teeth routine cleaning at home. It employs the pressure of the water to massage the gums and push the food away from the teeth.

Water reaches into otherwise, inaccessible areas by conventional string floss. It removes loosely attached food particles from the teeth and aids in reducing bleeding from gums as it reduces some bacteria from below the gumline as well. It, however, cannot be accepted as substitute for tooth brushing and conventional flossing as it does not effectively eliminate all bacterial colonies entrapped in the plaque sticking firmly on the teeth. Toothbrush, on the contrary, is an effective plaque remover. It dislodges most of the bacteria from the mouth if used within 12 hours after initial brushing every day. Twice a day brushing and once a day flossing is considered sufficient for maintaining good oral and dental health.