Is flossing still recommended? Yes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published an article called "Don’t Toss the Floss!" on the National Institutes of Health blog shortly after releasing the prior edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans (which didn’t mentioning flossing). The blog post explains:

“If dentists—and maybe even your personal experience—suggest that regular flossing keeps your mouth healthy, then why the news reports? It’s because long-term, large-scale, carefully controlled studies of flossing have been somewhat limited.”

Indeed, many of the studies on dental hygiene aren’t as enlightening as one would expect.

Is a Water Flosser Better Than Traditional String Floss?

Many of the clinical studies that highlight the benefits of "oral irrigation" are authored by Water Pik, Inc., the company that makes WaterPik water flossers. I took them with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, other studies that examine the effectiveness of oral irrigators have weakly-worded conclusions like "could be useful." 

The American Dental Association doesn't take a position in the string floss vs. water flossing debate. However, the ADA does highlight the practical reasons for choosing a water flosser:

"Water flossers can be an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. People who have had dental work that makes flossing difficult—like braces, or permanent or fixed bridges—also might try water flossers."

Ask your dentist if he or she recommends a water flosser for removing plaque or maintaining gingival health.

How Much Does a Good Water Flosser Cost?

A good water flosser (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $41, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same oral irrigators cost around $30 while on sale: an average discount of 27%. Here are the best inexpensive water flossers for the money:

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1. Waterpik WF-02W011 Cordless Water Flosser

Good Value: $36 | Great Deal: $28

Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Bed Bath & Beyond

This budget Waterpik is effective and convenient, according to several online customers. Reviewers have two common criticisms: The unit burns through batteries quickly and the water tank must be refilled mid-use.

2. Waterpik Classic WP 72 Countertop Oral Irrigator

Good Value: $45 | Great Deal: $32

Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart

Waterpik's inexpensive countertop water flosser is powerful, dependable and easy to use, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that this unit is extremely loud and very strong, even on "low."

3. Panasonic Cordless Water Flosser For Travel and Home

Good Value: $60 | Great Deal: $37

Check Current Price on: Amazon

Panasonic's travel-sized water flosser has a powerful stream of water and long battery life, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this flosser has a small reservoir that must be refilled often.

4. Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser WP-100

Good Value: $45 | Great Deal: $39

Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Walgreens

This Waterpik has exceptional pressure and leaves teeth feeling like they were professionally cleaned, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this unit has a short hose and an illogical on/off system that lends itself to messes (i.e. pressing a pause button is the only way to stop the flow of water).

5. X-Waves TI-0020 Portable Oral Irrigator

Good Value: $30 | Great Deal: $25

Check Current Price on: Amazon

X-Waves handheld water flosser has long battery life, a travel-friendly design and it works as well as name-brand oral irrigators, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that it is messy to use.

6. Panasonic Portable Dental Water Flosser and Oral Irrigator

Good Value: $34 | Great Deal: $18

Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart

Panasonic's battery-powered water flosser works well and travels easily, according to several online customers. Some reviewers needed time to get the hang of it; others never quite did and say the unit is hard to clean. A few customers caution that this flosser doesn't last much longer than its two-year warranty.

7. Homgeek Countertop Water Flosser

Good Value: $36 | Great Deal: $28

Check Current Price on: Walmart | AliExpress

This countertop water flosser is well built, easy to operate and it comes with a variety of useful accessories, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this unit had a larger water tank; others caution that the on/off dial also controls the strength of the water flow (which takes some getting used to).

8. Hanasco H100 Cordless Water Flosser

Good Value: $35 | Great Deal: $19

Check Current Price on: Amazon

This portable water flosser is strong-yet-lightweight, according to several online customers. Some reviewers complain that the reservoir empties quickly; others say the tips are hard to lock into place. Customers with sensitive gums caution that this flosser can cause discomfort or bleeding.