Dentists Spent Three Months Researching & Testing the 24 Best Water Flossers for Grandparents and Their Family

These are the top 5 devices for removing hard plaque quickly and protecting aging gums

Written by Sydney Thompson
Orthodontist, Senior Editor & Grandparent

*We only recommend products we personally researched, tested & loved.

If you’re 55 or older, let’s face it…. flossing has never been a favorite activity. It’s often a source of discomfort, frustration, and wasted time. In fact, less than 1 out of 3 and grandparents floss regularly—so it’s no surprise that many people simply avoid it altogether.


Just one problem, though. Cavities, bad breath, and sensitive gums become even more common as we get older. New studies even show that up to half of all adults & parents have gum disease at some level!


So it’s no wonder why water flossers are exploding in popularity. But how do you find one that’s effective, safe, and painless enough to protect your gum health? That’s what we set out to discover.


We tested the 24 best-selling at-home Water Flosser devices, including models from Phillips, Waterpik, Panasonic, and Puur Smile™. Our dentists voted on the products based on research and results, then ranked the top five according to these criteria:

Results


We tested the speed of the water pressure, the size of the water tank, and how effectively each device removed stubborn plaque. The top-performing devices work extremely well in all areas, delivering rapid plaque removal and leaving teeth feeling silky smooth. Perfect for older adults facing gum pain, bad breath, bleeding gums, and sensitive teeth.

Cost


If you were to go the in-office route, it would end up costing up to $200 dollars per session to eliminate plaque & tartar.

We were able to get great results with devices that ended up costing less than $200 with the best results from a handset costing just around $99*.

Safe for At-Home Use


New York-based periodontist Josh Beischel, MD, emphasizes that at-home water flossers are a key solution for preventing gum disease, bad breath, and sensitive teeth—issues that commonly affect older adults.

"Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup due to lack of flossing, and nearly half of adults end up getting it," Dr. Beischel explains. "Treatment can cost thousands, but gum disease can simply be prevented with the daily use of a water flosser in your routine.


We listed the top water flossers based on customer reviews and dentist recommendations.

Oral care product set featuring a water flosser, floss drops, and accessories with promotional discounts.

Why Dentists Chose Puur Smile

as the Best Overall Choice for Adults

Why Dentists Chose Puur Smile

as the Best Overall Choice for Adults

$99*

By far, Thousands of people had the best results with the Puur Smile and Save thousands of dollars.


A fan favorite since their company began, it features adjustable intensity levels and 7 different attachment heads to choose from.


For all of us, it took just one minute of using it to instantly remove hardened plaque, bad breath, and sensitive teeth. After 2 full days of using it, all hardened plaque and tartar was completely gone. It was the only product on our list offering a special 50% off discount code Valentine Day Sale + 3 FREE gifts, which made it one of the most affordable products on the market and the best deal.

Instantly whiten teeth by removing yellow stains

Gently removes hardened plaque from home

Stops bleeding gums

Prevents cavities by up to 99%

Never use string floss again

Dentist quality cleaning power & strength

7 different attachment heads to choose from

Massive 300ML Portable Water Tank

Costs ​$199 at standard price.

50% OFF for Valentine Day Sale

3 FREE gifts worth $120

Instantly whiten teeth by removing yellow stains

Gently removes hardened plaque from home

Stops bleeding gums

Prevents cavities by up to 99%

Never use string floss again

Dentist quality cleaning power & strength

7 different attachment heads to choose from

Massive 300ML Portable Water Tank

Costs ​$199 at standard price.

50% OFF for Valentine Day Sale

3 FREE gifts worth $120

Visit Their Site

*50% OFF + 3 FREE Gifts During Valentine's Day Sale

Waterpik Cordless Flosser

$279*

Waterpik is a great solution to blast excess food particles. Unfortunately, WaterPik doesn’t have enough power to remove plaque from the teeth as effectively as competitors due to the low pressure - 75 PSI (pressure per square inch)

Like Puur Smile, It takes only 1 Minute to achieve Effective results

Runs out of water in 45 seconds

Only 75 PSI (Nearly half the power as Puur Smile)

Like Puur Smile, It takes only 1 Minute to achieve Effective results

Runs out of water in 45 seconds

More Expensive Than Puur Smile

Only 75 PSI (Nearly half the power as Puur Smile)

Panasonic DJ10-A Portable Water Flosser

$199*

The Panasonic DJ10-A Portable Water Flosser quickly stimulates and massages the gums while removing microscopic food particles that get caught in the periodontal spaces with up to 1,500 pulses per minute!

1,500 pulses per minute

Longer charging time (15 hours)

Tank Size is Only 130 ml - (Half the capacity as Puur Smile)

1,500 pulses per minute

Longer charging time (15 hours)

Tank Size is Only 130 ml - (Nearly half the capacity as Puur Smile)

Spotlight Oral Care

$249*

Spotlight Oral Care is cordless & easy to carry but, there are some customer reports of this specific flosser leaving a mess, due to a less precise nozzle.

Higher price compared to the other products

24 Hours to full charge

Sprays water in multiple directions & tends to leave a mess due to the less precise nozz

Higher price compared to the other products

Small Tank & low battery life

Sprays water in multiple directions & tends to leave a mess due to a less precise nozzle

264,235 Comments
Sort by
avatar
avatar
  • avatar

    Maureen Ryz

    I've tried Puur Smile, it works.

    · Reply · 5 · 10:32
  • avatar

    Tina Madrame

    How does this work? I've tried waterpik and the water pressure was really low, I heard That product Puur Smile has higher water pressure, is it true?

    · Reply · 1 · 9:22
  • avatar

    Valerie DiPetrio

    Yes, Puur Smile is extremely powerful, it will sure get those food crumbs out of your teeth!

    · Reply · 2 · 8:12
  • avatar

    Maria Marissa

    I've tried 3 of these devices. Plaque finally stopped coming back in on my teeth& haven't had to go to the dentist in months.

    · Reply · 10 · 4:59
  • avatar

    Eleanor Mouthy

    Did anyone try Waterpik?

    · Reply · 3 · 3:30
  • avatar

    Petra Jaime

    It's clear, Puur Smile seems to be the best one here. The others are way to expensive

    · Reply · 5 · 10:32
  • avatar

    Kristin Byrd

    Price?

    · Reply · 1 · 9:22
  • avatar

    Joyce Adams

    My sister just got the Puur Smile one.

    · Reply · 2 · 8:12
  • avatar

    Jenna Ellis

    Is Puur Smile still $99

    · Reply · 10 · 4:59
  • avatar

    Sarah Boston

    Yes @Jenna Ellis! Their 50% OFF Sale is still live when I bought. I got mine with this link https://puursmile.com.

    · Reply · 3 · 3:30

*We only recommend products we personally tested & loved.

Top 5 Dental - Best Water Flosser Options