---
title: "What Is Water flosser? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays a pulsing stream of water between and around teeth to remove food and plaque."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/water-flosser
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Prevention and Hygiene

# Water flosser

A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays a pulsing stream of water between and around teeth to remove food and plaque.

A water flosser, also called an oral irrigator, is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. The water, like floss, removes food from between teeth. Models with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been tested for removing plaque. They can also help reduce gingivitis.

Water flossers can be an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. People with braces or fixed bridges also might try them. The ADA says cleaning between your teeth once a day is an important part of your routine, along with brushing for two minutes twice a day.

A water flosser may not replace all other tools for every person. Ask your dentist what fits your mouth. See [flossing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/flossing), [interdental brush](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/interdental-brush), and [gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis).

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning)

## Related terms

-   [Flossing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/flossing)
-   [Interdental brush](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/interdental-brush)
-   [Gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis)
-   [Oral hygiene](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-hygiene)
-   [Dental plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Water Flossers and Water Flossing](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/water-flossers)
2.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Water Flossers and Water Flossing](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/water-flossers)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)