How Often Should You Use a Water Flosser?
Short answer
Once a day. The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth daily and lists water flossers among the tools for it. In a 2023 clinical trial, people who used the Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced once a day saw significant improvements in gum bleeding, gum inflammation and plaque within four weeks.
What did the 2023 trial find?
The trial, published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene, followed 105 adults for four weeks. One group used the Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced once a day, in the evening after brushing. By the end, that group had significantly less gum bleeding, less gum inflammation and less plaque than at the start.
Should you use a water flosser before or after brushing?
Either works. Oral-B and WebMD both say you can use a water flosser before or after brushing. In the 2023 trial, people used it after brushing in the evening. Pick the time you will stick to.
How do you use a water flosser?
- Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water.
- Start on the lowest pressure setting. The Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced has Sensitive, Medium and Intense modes.
- Lean over the sink and close your lips around the tip.
- Aim the stream at the gumline and pause for about 2 seconds between each pair of teeth.
- Work around the whole mouth, top and bottom. It takes about 2 minutes.
Can you use a water flosser more than once a day?
Once a day is the recommendation for cleaning between the teeth. Some people also use it after meals to clear food, which is fine on a comfortable setting.
Who benefits most from a water flosser?
WebMD notes that water flossers suit people who struggle with string floss, and people with arthritis, braces or implants. Mayo Clinic lists a water flosser alongside floss as a way to clean between the teeth every day.
Sources and evidence
- Mancinelli-Lyle and colleagues, Journal of Dental Hygiene (2023): 105 adults, four weeks, daily use.
- American Dental Association, "Dental Floss/Interdental Cleaners": once a day, water flossers as interdental cleaners.
- Mayo Clinic, "Oral health: A window to your overall health" (2024): daily cleaning between teeth.
- WebMD, water flossers (reviewed 2026): who benefits, before or after brushing.
- Oral-B, "How to Use Water Flossers": pressure, water temperature, technique, timing.
Related questions
Is a water flosser better than string floss?
In a clinical study it removed more plaque. See the full answer.
Can you use a water flosser with braces?
Yes. See the full answer.
How long should you brush with an electric toothbrush?
Two minutes, twice a day. See the full answer.
Relevant products
General information only, not dental advice.