When discussing their oral hygiene routine, what do you recommend to your patients? Toothbrushing twice daily is a given, though you may advise looking into an electronic solution over a manual.
Similarly, clinicians will want to encourage effective and regular interdental cleaning – this is now a more common habit in the UK, with a 2017 report showing that 62% of adults regularly clean interdentally, as compared to just 19% in 2007.[i] The solutions that patients use for this, however, can have a big impact on its success.
A 2025 survey found that almost four in five (79.9%) of UK dental professionals recommend water flossing as an interdental cleaning solution to their patients – and Waterpik™ was crowned the #1 water flosser brand recommended by dental professionals.[ii]
A natural power
Understanding what makes water flossing and solutions from Waterpik™ so popular is key, with more choice for oral hygiene adjuncts than ever before.
Dental professionals primarily recommend water flossing due to improved oral hygiene, with improved suitability for individuals lacking dexterity, undergoing orthodontic treatment, or those with restorations such as implants, crowns, bridges and veneers also being prominent factors.ii The 80+ clinical research papers informing dental professionals of the Waterpik™ solutions’ capabilities agree; each water flosser from the brand removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas in as little as three seconds.[iii] This is especially important when targeting deep below the gingival margin or in interproximal spaces that regular toothbrushing cannot reach alone.
Patients also benefit from Waterpik™ water flossers being up to 50% more effective for improving gum health when compared to traditional dental floss.[iv] This can lead to reduced bleeding and inflammation, improved aesthetics, and greater longevity of the natural dentition.
What makes a Waterpik™ solution, like the all-new Cordless Pulse water flosser, stand out amongst the array of choice in an ever-developing market? Not only does it use unique Waterpik™ PRECISIONPULSE™ technology to deliver an effective combination of water pressure and pulsations, whilst maintaining a compact, easy-to-store design, but it comes from the only water flosser brand to be approved by the Oral Health Foundation (OHF). This gives clinicians additional confidence in its safety and effectiveness.
With many alternatives online not featuring the same research or backing from renowned institutions, it just makes sense to recommend by name – because not all water flossers are equal.
Supporting more patients
Waterpik™ solutions can be recommended based on a patient’s unique needs, for an individualised experience. For example, cable-free solutions like the Cordless Pulse or the Cordless Plus, which feature a 360-degree rotating tip, can help patients access more areas of the dentition, including teeth in the posterior. This increased access means patients can have greater control over their routine, which can help if traditional floss or interdental brushes are tough to manoeuvre.
Unique flossing tips also aid those with specific needs. The Ultra Professional water flosser is an advanced solution that comes with 5 tips, including the Orthodontic Tip which makes the Waterpik™ solution up to 3x as effective as traditional dental floss for cleaning around braces.[v]
The Plaque Seeker™ Tip, available with solutions such as the Cordless Advanced water flosser, is designed to support patients with implants. It’s use ensures the water flosser is up to 2x as effective as traditional dental floss for improving gum health around implants,[vi] with potential benefits for aesthetics and longevity.
Why hesitate?
We know that almost 80% of dental professionals recommend water flossingii – but why is this not 100%? The primary reason given is simply a lack of familiarity with available solutions.ii With a greater understanding of the abilities of Waterpik™ oral hygiene adjuncts, patients can be better supported with water flossers that suit their needs.
Find out more about the #1 water flosser brand recommended by dental professionals by contacting the Waterpik™ team today.
For more information on WaterpikTM water flosser products visit www.waterpik.co.uk. WaterpikTM products are available from Amazon, Costco UK, Argos, Boots and Tesco online and in stores across the UK and Ireland.
[i] Oral Health Foundation, (2017). Interdental brushes overtake traditional floss as nation’s favourite way to clean in-between teeth. (Online) Available at: https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/interdental-brushes-overtake-traditional-floss-as-nations-favourite-way-to-clean-in-between-teeth [Accessed July 2025]
[ii] Based on 2025 independent survey of Dental Professionals; among those who recommended branded water flossers.
[iii] Gorur, A., Lyle, D. M., Schaudinn, C., & Costerton, J. W. (2009). Biofilm removal with a dental water jet. Compendium of continuing education in dentistry (Jamesburg, NJ: 1995), 30, 1-6.
[iv] Rosema, N. A., Hennequin-Hoenderdos, N. L., Berchier, C. E., Slot, D. E., Lyle, D. M., & van der Weijden, G. A. (2011). The effect of different interdental cleaning devices on gingival bleeding. J Int Acad Periodontol, 13(1), 2-10.
[v] Sharma, N. C., Lyle, D. M., Qaqish, J. G., Galustians, J., & Schuller, R. (2008). Effect of a dental water jet with orthodontic tip on plaque and bleeding in adolescent patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 133(4), 565-571.
[vi] Magnuson, B., Harsono, M., Stark, P. C., Lyle, D., Kugel, G., & Perry, R. (2013). Comparison of the effect of two interdental cleaning devices around implants on the reduction of bleeding: a 30-day randomized clinical trial. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry (15488578).
