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Can you put mouthwash in a water flosser?
Updated
Waterpik and Philips both say yes, with limits. Waterpik says certain types of mouthwash are safe and to check your user manual first. Philips says mouthwash can be mixed with water. Both say to run plain warm water through the unit afterward so it does not clog.
What each maker says
| Maker | Mouthwash | Do not add | After use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterpik | Certain types are safe. Check your user manual. Warm water alone is all you need for it to work, Waterpik says. | Iodine, chlorine, or essential oils that do not dissolve in water | Partly fill the tank with plain warm water and run it with the tip pointed into the sink |
| Philips | Can be mixed with water and used in the reservoir | Essential oils are not recommended | Partly fill with warm water and run it into the sink until the tank is empty |
| COSLUS | We did not find a maker answer today. Check the manual that came with your unit before you add anything but water. | ||
Waterpik's tips guide adds one more line for its Pik Pocket tip: if you add a therapeutic mouth rinse, run plain warm water through the unit and tip into the sink after use.
Why the rinse step matters
Both makers tie the rinse to clogging. Anything thicker than water can leave residue in the pump and the tip. The Philips page we read applies to its model numbers HX3828/22, HX3333/23 and HX3333/24 and says more models are listed on the page, so check your model number there. Waterpik also says using the device in ways its manual does not cover, or with accessories it has not approved, can damage it and void the warranty.
A safe way to try it
- Read the mouthwash section of your model's manual.
- Mix the mouthwash with water. Philips says to mix it. Waterpik says to follow the manual.
- Floss as usual.
- Refill with plain warm water and run it through, tip pointed into the sink.
Small tanks and add-ins
On a small cordless tank you may be mixing a fresh batch mid-clean. The Waterpik Cordless Advanced lists up to 45 seconds per tank, so a 60 second clean takes 2 tanks (1 refill). The Philips Power Flosser 3000 lists a full 60 second session on one 250 ml tank, so one mix covers it. The catch with the Philips: no specialty tips in the box. The Waterpik Aquarius tank is listed for 90+ seconds, and it comes with a Pik Pocket tip. The catch: it plugs into the wall.
Mouthwash in the tank is optional. The makers say plain warm water is enough.
Compare all five picks in the shortlist, or check any listing in the run time calculator.
Check with your dentist. This page is general information, not dental advice. Your dentist or hygienist knows your mouth and your dental work, so ask them which tip, pressure and routine suit you before you start.