All my life, I've waited for the opportunity to humbly brag about the fact that I'm 45 years old and have never had a cavity - it's true. I'm sure it's mainly due to my mother's insistence that I will be raised sugar-free, but it's also a by-product of my love for brushing and flossing. I spend about 10 minutes on my oral hygiene every day.
Until recently, I relied on floss or toothpicks to get the job done. So I decided to upgrade my routine and try Waterpik Aquarius Floss to see how a water-based version would perform compared to my more traditional methods.
What is Waterpik Aquarius Floss?
The Waterpik Aquarius flosser shoots a customized stream of water between every crevice of your teeth and gumline, designed to remove up to 99.9% of plaque in just one minute of use per day. The Waterpik brand claims that this method is up to 50% more effective at improving gum health than flossing.
How are dental professionals responding to all this? According to Cassidy O'Donnell, RDH, BSDH, a registered dental hygienist at Spence Dental in DuBois, Pennsylvania, the supposed removal of nearly 100% of plaque "would only be possible if someone used it exactly right every time."
Yet, O'Donnell's colleague Mindy Roof, RDH, says, "my impression is that people who take the initiative to use the Waterpik have cleaner mouths in general." So, is incorporating flossing into your routine worth it? Based on her professional experience, Ms. Roof told us, "I think so."
Why did we choose Waterpik Aquarius Floss?
Why did we choose Waterpik? It is arguably the most well-known brand of dental floss on the market, launched in 1962. The manufacturer specializes in wellness products "that deliver the wellness benefits of water," according to the company, in contrast to other floss manufacturers that offer a broader range of beauty tools that are less focused on the science of oral health.
As a leader in this category, Waterpik anticipates the needs of users. The Waterpik Aquarius Flosser comes with seven removable heads to suit different needs, including three classic jet heads for general use (meaning three members of your family will have their own), an orthodontic tip for cleaning braces, a "pik pocket" for periodontal pockets, a toothbrush tip for cleaning while flossing, and a plaque finder for cleaning implants, crowns, and dental work.
How we tested the Waterpik Aquarius Flosser
Right out of the box, the Waterpik Aquarius is easy to set up: remove the reservoir from the device and fill it with water to the indicated line (be sure to use at least lukewarm water, as cold water is uncomfortable for most teeth). Select your tip and insert it into the handle (you'll feel a click when it's secure), plug in the device, and choose one of the ten pressure settings. I started with the lowest setting, called "floss mode."
A tip: before turning on your Waterpik, insert the nozzle into your mouth to avoid spraying water all over the bathroom and yourself. Then close your mouth and turn on your Waterpik. I found that the water spray was not strong, but it took a minute to get used to it. It would help if you also tilted your face towards the sink so that the water flows straight down and doesn't drip everywhere.
Product Features
The Waterpik Aquarius Flosser features a covered reservoir, which holds enough water for 90 seconds of continuous use. The tank is easy to refill between flossing sessions, and the company says it's dishwasher safe for thorough cleaning.
An on/off switch controls the power, while the "mode" button lets you switch between regular flossing and gum-stimulating massage. The ten pressure settings can be interchanged via the control button. After 30 seconds of flossing, the unit stops to alert you that it is time to move on to the other half of the mouth.
Pros
What I like about the Aquarius Flosser from Waterpik:
It has received the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
Different pressure levels to ensure a comfortable experience
Works with braces, implants, crowns, and dental work.
The floss head rotates 360 degrees.
Compact enough to fit on most bathroom counters
The tank holds enough water for one flossing session.
One minute and 30-second timer help you gauge how long you floss.
Removes up to 99.9% of plaque.
Pre-wound handle cord prevents tangling.
Cons
Consider these factors before buying:
Surprisingly audible motor
Not easy to carry around (so you might miss it when traveling if you're a dental hygiene enthusiast).
The slight learning curve to avoid splashing
The spout should be rinsed with clean water and stored in a non-humid place to optimize drying.
Buy: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser Professional
What other reviewers said
At the time of this article's publication, the Waterpik Aquarius Flosser has nearly 98,000 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.7 stars.
Dianne, a verified reviewer on Amazon, said, "I haven't used a Waterpik since I was a kid with braces. Now I'm an adult with dental add-ons, and I bought another one. It cleans so well - why did I stop using it? A fantastic rediscovery."
"I love this machine. It does a great job of getting food out from between my teeth," said Ra'Sheia Nicole, the verified buyer. "I'm always surprised that there can still be food particles in the teeth after flossing. I don't know how I went without it for so long."
One reviewer attested to the device's effectiveness in cleaning crown fillings: "While I was flossing, a crown fell out. I couldn't bring myself to floss again for fear of another crown falling out. My dentist recommended a Waterpik. I wish I had tried it sooner. It is easy to use and less painful than flossing."
Final Verdict
In addition to my preference for regular floss, I was also concerned about water droplets remaining in the tip after use (I went on a trip for four days, and it never dried). To avoid this, I recommend drying the information thoroughly and shaking it to remove any lingering water.
If you're not a fan of traditional flossing, wear braces, or have had dental work that prevents you from using regular floss, Waterpik Aquarius Floss could be your new best friend. (Our editor has been using a Waterpik since high school and says that while she's also the type to be hypervigilant about her dental health, no other part of her routine has ever made her teeth feel so clean.)
Your smile is a significant investment. Using a product like Waterpik Aquarius Floss is an intelligent way to ensure you frequently floss while promoting healthy teeth and gums. Plus, because it carries the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance, you can be sure you're in good hands.
Where to buy Waterpik Aquarius floss?
The Waterpik Aquarius is available on Amazon starting at $80.
Buy: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser Professional
