![\"Floss\"](\"https:\/\/watermatcher.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Floss.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nAn Overview of Floss<\/h2>\n
Floss in some form or the other has been necessary throughout the ages for humans. After all, when meat or vegetables get stuck in your teeth, you want them out, no matter which age you live in.<\/p>\n
The mouths of some prehistoric humans have grooves indicative of toothpick or floss use (perhaps with twigs as toothpicks and horse hair as floss).<\/p>\n
In the late 1880s, unwaxed silk floss entered mass production, and that general type of floss remains prevalent even today. Of course, many types of improvements have been sought.<\/p>\n
For example, people today can enjoy floss picks and flossing string made for sensitive teeth and sensitive gums. Getting even fancier, in the 1980s, an interdental brush was introduced to clean the spaces between teeth, and now there are water flossers and air flossers.<\/p>\n
The benefits of flossing for oral health and overall health have become even more apparent over time. <\/h4>\n
Flossing can:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Stave off gum disease (it can kill you if left untreated)<\/li>\n
- Prevent or reduce tartar and plaque buildup<\/li>\n
- Help improve breath<\/li>\n
- Work loose trapped particles and bacteria from areas that toothbrushing cannot reach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Just brushing your teeth isn\u2019t enough. Doing that would be akin to washing the outside of a glass while skipping the inside.<\/p>\n
Your teeth and tongue get attention with brushing, but there are lots of other places in your mouth that need tender loving care as well, which is where flossing comes in.<\/p>\n
Water Flossers vs. Air Flossers<\/h2>\n
Water flossers and air flossers aren\u2019t exactly the same thing, although the terms tend to be used interchangeably. As mentioned above, an air flosser, such as the Sonicare air flosser, uses streams of air with microdroplets of water or mouthwash.<\/p>\n
In comparison, water flossers such as the Waterpik Water Flosser use streams of water to floss.<\/p>\n
\n\n
\n \n A Look at the Philips Sonicare Water Flosser AirFloss Rechargeable Electric Flosser, HX8211\/03<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n [amazon fields=”B01M3UY90N” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Philips Sonicare Water Flosser”][amazon fields=”B01M3UY90N” value=”button”]<\/p>\n Philips Sonicare is a top name when it comes to electric toothbrushes, so it makes sense that the company would want to get involved in flossing. One of its flossing products is the Philips Sonicare AirFloss Rechargeable Electric Flosser, HX8211\/03.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For that price, you get a charger base, AirFloss handle and AirFloss nozzle.<\/p>\n
The features of this flosser, as touted by Philips Sonicare, include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- As much as five times more plaque is removed between teeth versus brushing manually<\/li>\n
- Good to use on orthodontics, implants, and veneers<\/li>\n
- Improvement of gum health in just two weeks\u2019 time<\/li>\n
- Easy 30-second cleaning process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You can and should use it every day if possible, and this type of product may be especially useful if you are an irregular flosser. Maybe you\u2019re forgetful or you don\u2019t like to floss because it hurts your gums or makes them bleed.<\/p>\n
Philips Sonicare knows there are going to be doubters when it comes to such a thing as floss\u2014come on, it\u2019s floss!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Do you really need it in electronic form? So the company offers a 90-day period in which you can try the Sonicare air flosser. If you\u2019re not happy with it, you can return it for all of your money back. (Keep this in mind as you read some sections down below.)<\/p>\n
\n\n
\n \n Pros<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n
\n Cons<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n \n - \n
- Good product for healthy teeth and gums<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n - \n
- Some reviews say that it stopped working after a few months<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\u00a0[amazon fields=”B01M3UY90N” value=”button”]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
What the Cleaning Routine Is Like<\/span><\/h2>\n
So, what\u2019s up with this 30-second cleaning routine? Here\u2019s how it goes.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
\n
- \n
- You pour mouthwash or <\/span>water<\/span> into the water reservoir that\u2019s on the handle (there\u2019s supposed to be enough space for two uses, according to product guidelines).<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
- Move the nozzle and guidance tip along the gum line. You should quickly find a groove between your <\/span>teeth<\/span> that it fits in.<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
- Press the activation button for one burst of air then move to another space. Alternatively, you can use auto-burst, and you\u2019ll get a new burst of air automatically every second.<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The process might seem overwhelming, perhaps more so than regular flossing, but it\u2019s easy to get used to. Based on a three-month test, Philips Sonicare says that 96 percent of people who flossed irregularly were now flossing at least four times weekly. The study cited ease of use and gentleness compared with string floss as top reasons for the increased usage.<\/span><\/p>\n
Is This Sonicare Water Flosser\/Air Flosser Better Than String Floss?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
If you hardly ever floss because you forget to or don\u2019t like to floss, then anything is better than nothing! That said, stay tuned because what will be revealed later about string floss might surprise you.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Is This Sonicare Water Flosser\/Air Flosser Better Than Other Air\/Water Flossers?<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n\n
\n \n Product<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n
\n Image<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n
\n Price<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n \n Philips Sonicare AirFloss Rechargeable Electric Flosser, HX8211\/03<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
[amazon fields=”B01M3UY90N” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Sonicare water flosser”]<\/td>\n [amazon fields=”B01M3UY90N” value=”button”]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \n Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
[amazon fields=”B000GLRREU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Waterpik Ultra Sonicare water flosser”]<\/td>\n [amazon fields=”B000GLRREU” value=”button”]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \n Waterpik ADA Accepted WP-660 Aquarius Water Flosser<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
[amazon fields=”B00HFQQ0VU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Waterpik ADA Sonicare water flosser”]<\/td>\n [amazon fields=”B00HFQQ0VU” value=”button”]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\n
\n \n Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n [amazon fields=”B000GLRREU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Waterpik Ultra Sonicare Water Flosser”][amazon fields=”B000GLRREU” value=”button”]<\/p>\n \n\n
\n \n Pros<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n
\n Cons<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n \n - \n
- From the power button to the pressure gauge, buttons, parts are easy to use even for those who may have limited movement in fingers and when fingers are wet.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n - \n
- It is also noisy so could easily wake people up in the house if you decide to floss early in the morning or late at night.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\u00a0[amazon fields=”B01M3UY90N” value=”button”]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n\n
\n \n Waterpik ADA Accepted WP-660 Aquarius Water Flosser<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n [amazon fields=”B00HFQQ0VU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Waterpik ADA Sonicare Water Flosser”][amazon fields=”B00HFQQ0VU” value=”button”]<\/p>\n \n\n
\n \n Pros<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n
\n Cons<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n \n - \n
- It feels like it has cleaned well without the harshness of traditional floss with clinically backed results.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n - \n
- It requires mains power to work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\u00a0[amazon fields=”B00HFQQ0VU” value=”button”]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
The true question may be whether the flosser trumps its competitors. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
First, let\u2019s look at other air flossers that Philips Sonicare offers. For example, there\u2019s the Airfloss Ultra that features single, double or triple bursts of air. Unfortunately, 42 percent of the Ultra\u2019s reviews on Amazon are one-star reviews. <\/span><\/p>\n
The Ultra seems to stop working within a few months for many customers, and for the products that do last longer, the charge eventually seems to have a hard time holding and the flosser\u2019s strength decreases.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
\u200b<\/span>In comparison, 23 percent of the AirFloss Rechargeable Electric Flosser, HX8211\/03 are one-star. It\u2019s still a somewhat worrisome number but much better than the Ultra\u2019s. Many of that 23 percent of reviews discuss the fact that the flosser stopped working within a few months or that the charge holds for just a few seconds. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
\u200b<\/span>In fact, a good number of the four-star and five-star reviews mention the short lifespans of the flosser. However, the users were so impressed with their air flossers they bought new versions. Some people also complain that they run out of liquid before a flossing cycle is complete.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
On the more positive side, many users report improved <\/span>gum health<\/span> and a better, gentler flossing experience. There\u2019s also the fact that Philips Sonicare has that 90-day offer if you\u2019re leery of your air flosser breaking.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
\u200b<\/span>It has more than 11,000 reviews, and only six percent are one star. These <\/span>one-star reviews talk about motors that break within a half-year, mold and leaks. On the whole, though, customers love this product. Among its features are 10 pressure settings, water capacity for 90 seconds and the ADA Seal of Acceptance.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
You use the on\/off feature in the handle to control water flow, and the water jet pressure plus pulsations clean below your gumline and between your teeth\u2014possibly even in areas that air floss can\u2019t reach.<\/span><\/p>\n
So, it seems that the Sonicare air flosser\/water flosser has to be worse than the Waterpik one, right? Not necessarily. A water flosser might be better for you if you:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Want more effectiveness<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Need bigger particles removed<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Want to share your flosser with other people (via extra tips)<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Seek more efficiency for the money you spend<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
However, an air flosser may absolutely suit you if you\u2019d prefer a flosser that is:<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Easier to use<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Takes up less space<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Cordless<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Less messy<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Hose-free<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Quicker to use<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So what it really comes down to is the factors you prioritize. With a water flosser, you take the risk it may leak if you don\u2019t hold it the right way, and an air flosser can do its job in less time and takes up less space in your bathroom. <\/span><\/p>\n
Speaking of space, if you already have other Sonicare electric devices, you can use the same charger for them as for your air flosser (saves even more space).<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
As for effectiveness: <\/span>A 2012 study<\/span> compared the WaterPik and the AirFlosser and found that the WaterPik was better for oral health. For example, the water flosser proved 70 percent better at reducing plaque and 80 percent better at reducing gingivitis.<\/span><\/p>\n
What We Think: Sonicare Water Flosser<\/span><\/h2>\n
If you would find a water flosser cumbersome and would be more likely to use an air flosser, then you should go with the device that will encourage you to floss regularly.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
All things equal, Sonicare air flossers, including the AirFloss Rechargeable Electric Flosser HX8211\/03, have some real flaws that should give many buyers pause. We\u2019d recommend the Waterpik ADA-accepted WP-660 Aquarius Water Flosser instead.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
After all, many folks want their flossers to clean as effectively as possible. The Waterpik cleans noticeably better than the Sonicare, and it\u2019s much less likely to break down within a few months.<\/span><\/p>\n
- Takes up less space<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Need bigger particles removed<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Want more effectiveness<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- It requires mains power to work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
- It feels like it has cleaned well without the harshness of traditional floss with clinically backed results.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
- It is also noisy so could easily wake people up in the house if you decide to floss early in the morning or late at night.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
- Move the nozzle and guidance tip along the gum line. You should quickly find a groove between your <\/span>teeth<\/span> that it fits in.<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
- You pour mouthwash or <\/span>water<\/span> into the water reservoir that\u2019s on the handle (there\u2019s supposed to be enough space for two uses, according to product guidelines).<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
- Some reviews say that it stopped working after a few months<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
- Good product for healthy teeth and gums<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n