Oral irrigators clean between the teeth, along the gumline and around braces or implants with a stream of water. This category includes countertop models with larger tanks and portable cordless irrigators for travel. You will find devices from Philips, Waterpik, Oral-B, Oromed and other makers, over 30 models in total.
How to choose an oral irrigator
Type. A countertop irrigator sits on the bathroom shelf, plugs into the mains and usually has a larger water tank. A portable model runs on a rechargeable battery, fits into a wash bag and suits bathrooms with little space.
Tank capacity. This decides whether the water lasts for the whole mouth without a refill. Our range includes tanks from 0.15 to 0.6 L. Small tanks are typical of portable devices, while larger ones are more common on countertop models.
Nozzles. A standard nozzle is enough for daily care, while braces, implants and deeper gum pockets call for specialist nozzles. Our range includes sets with 2 and 4 nozzles. If several family members share one irrigator, each person needs their own nozzle for hygiene.
Pressure modes. For sensitive gums, choose a model with several modes and start on the gentlest, raising the pressure gradually. A single fixed mode is simpler, but it is less adaptable if your gums bleed easily or you have implants.
Oral irrigator brands we carry
- Waterpik: known as one of the pioneers of the oral irrigator category, and often used as a reference point when comparing models.
- Philips: the largest group of models in our range, from a maker well known for Sonicare electric toothbrushes and oral care devices.
- Oral-B: best known for electric toothbrushes, so its irrigators are a natural fit for anyone who already uses an Oral-B brush.
- Panasonic: a Japanese electronics maker that also offers personal care devices.
- Xiaomi: known for smart home and mobile electronics, and its irrigators are mostly portable.
- Medisana: a German maker of health and wellness devices.
- Cecotec and ETA: household appliance makers whose ranges also include personal care devices.
Also in our range: Oromed, Extralink, Blaupunkt, Eldom.
Oral irrigator FAQ
Does an oral irrigator replace a toothbrush?
No, an irrigator does not replace a toothbrush. It flushes food debris from between the teeth and around braces, but it does not remove plaque from tooth surfaces the way brushing does. The best results come from using both.
How often should you use an oral irrigator?
Most people use it once a day, for example in the evening after brushing. If you wear braces or have implants, your dentist may suggest using it more often. Start on a low pressure setting for the first few days until your gums get used to it.
Is an oral irrigator suitable for braces and implants?
Yes, irrigators are often recommended for people with braces, bridges or implants, because the water stream reaches places that a brush or floss struggles to reach. In that case, choose a model with an orthodontic or other specialist nozzle and adjustable pressure.
What tank size should you choose?
A medium tank is usually enough to clean the whole mouth, while a smaller one suits a portable device that you refill more often. The tanks in our range hold from 0.15 to 0.6 L. For daily use at home a larger tank is more convenient, and for travelling a smaller model is easier to pack.
