Waterpik vs. Electric Toothbrush: Do You Really Need Both?

Quick Answer

Yes, you really do need both. A water flosser and an electric toothbrush target different aspects of oral hygiene: the toothbrush cleans tooth surfaces and removes plaque, while the water flosser reaches between teeth and along the gumline. Using them together gives you a more complete clean than either alone.

When you look at your bathroom counter, you might see a manual toothbrush and a roll of floss. But if you're considering upgrading your routine, you've probably wondered: do I need an electric toothbrush and a water flosser? The short answer is yes, and here's why.

An electric toothbrush and a water flosser are not competitors; they're teammates. Each has a specific job. Understanding that difference is the key to getting the most out of your oral care routine.

What Each Tool Does Best

An electric toothbrush is designed to clean the surfaces of your teeth and remove plaque through mechanical brushing. Models like the Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush offer multiple modes—such as Clean, Stain Removal, and Gum Care—so you can tailor your brushing experience. The oscillating bristles do the heavy lifting on the visible parts of your teeth.

A water flosser, on the other hand, uses a targeted stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gumline. It's especially effective at flushing out food particles and plaque that a toothbrush can't reach. Cordless models like the Waterpik Cordless Pearl Water Flosser add convenience and portability, making it easier to floss consistently.

• Use an electric toothbrush for brushing surfaces; use a water flosser for interdental cleaning.
• If you have braces, implants, or crowns, a water flosser can be especially helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

Why You Should Use Both

Brushing alone misses up to 40% of tooth surfaces—the spaces between teeth and along the gumline. That's where a water flosser shines. Conversely, a water flosser alone doesn't replace the mechanical action of brushing that removes plaque from the flat surfaces of your teeth. Using both ensures you're not leaving any area untreated.

Think of it this way: brushing is like washing your car's exterior, while water flossing is like cleaning the wheels and crevices. You wouldn't skip one and expect a spotless car. The same logic applies to your mouth.

• Aim to brush twice a day and water floss once a day, ideally at night.
• If you have sensitive gums, start with a lower pressure setting and gradually increase.

Choosing the Right Tools for Your Routine

When selecting an electric toothbrush, look for features that match your needs. The Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush offers three modes, so you can switch between a standard clean, stain removal, and gum care. If you're prone to staining from coffee or tea, the Stain Removal mode might be especially useful.

For a water flosser, consider whether you need cordless convenience or countertop power. The Waterpik Cordless Pearl Water Flosser features dual water pressure control and quiet technology, making it a great mid-range option. If you travel often, the Waterpik Cordless Enhance 3000 is compact and waterproof, ideal for showers or small bathrooms.

• If you have limited counter space, look for compact models like the Waterpik Nano Plus.
• If you prefer a traditional countertop experience with a larger reservoir, the Waterpik Classic Professional offers six pressure settings.

Decision Rules: Should You Get Both?

• If you only brush with a manual toothbrush: You're missing interdental cleaning. Adding a water flosser is a bigger upgrade than switching to an electric toothbrush alone. Start with a water flosser, then consider an electric toothbrush later.
• If you already use an electric toothbrush: You're covering tooth surfaces well. Adding a water flosser will complete your routine by cleaning between teeth and along the gumline. Add a water flosser to your routine.
• If you have braces, implants, or crowns: These areas are hard to clean with floss alone. A water flosser is especially effective at flushing out debris around brackets and under bridges. A water flosser is a must-have addition.
• If you're on a tight budget: You can still get both without breaking the bank. Look for entry-level cordless water flossers and basic electric toothbrushes. Prioritize the water flosser if you already have a decent toothbrush.

Products That Fit Into a Complete Routine

• Gray Sensonic Electric Toothbrush – Gray (STW-03W027): The new Waterpik Sensonic rechargeable electric toothbrush, experience a deeper clean you can see and feel. Choose from 3 modes: Clean, Stain Removal, Gum Care. This toothbrush lets you customize your brushing based on your daily needs, whether you want a standard clean, help with stains, or extra gum care.
• White Cordless Pearl Water Flosser – White (WF-13CD010): New quiet technology and ergonomic design. Dual water pressure control for gentle-to-deep cleaning, four unique tips, and cordless convenience. The dual pressure control makes it easy to start gently if you have sensitive gums, and the four tips cover different cleaning needs, from orthodontics to implants.
• Black Cordless Enhance 3000 Water Flosser – Black (WF-21W012): A great solution when you want the convenience of cordless water flossing. Rechargeable and waterproof, it’s perfect for small bathrooms or travel, and to use in the shower. This is a budget-friendly cordless option that's easy to take on trips or use in the shower, so you can keep up your routine anywhere.

Who Should Use Both?

Best for

• People who want a more complete clean than brushing alone can provide.
• Those with braces, implants, crowns, or other dental work that makes flossing difficult.
• Anyone with a history of gum disease or who wants to improve gum health.

Not for

• Those who are satisfied with their current routine and don't want to add another step.
• People with very limited budgets who can only afford one tool—in that case, prioritize based on your biggest need.

In the end, a water flosser and an electric toothbrush are not either/or choices. They work together to give you a deeper clean and better gum health. Start with the tool that addresses your biggest gap, and add the other when you can. Your mouth will thank you.