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Which tip do you need, and how often do you replace it?
Updated
Buyers count the tips in the box. The type matters more than the count. A flosser with two general tips is fine for most mouths. If you have braces or implants, check that the right tip comes in the box or is sold for that model, and ask your dentist first.
Tip types you will see
- Standard or precision tip: the everyday tip. Every pick here includes at least one.
- Orthodontic tip: Waterpik's tip for people with braces. One comes with the Waterpik Aquarius.
- Plaque Seeker tip: a Waterpik specialty tip, often bought by people with implants, crowns or bridges. One comes with the Aquarius. Ask your dentist if it suits your dental work.
- Pik Pocket tip: another Waterpik specialty tip that comes with the Aquarius. Only use a specialty tip the way your dentist or the manual shows you.
- Quad Stream tip: the X-shaped tip on the Philips Power Flosser 3000. Philips says it splits the water into four streams to cover more area.
What comes in the box
| Flosser | Tips | Braces or implant tips in the box |
|---|---|---|
| Waterpik Aquarius | 7 | Yes: Orthodontic, Plaque Seeker, Pik Pocket |
| COSLUS C20 | 5 | Check the listing for the tip types in your bundle |
| Waterpik Cordless Advanced | 4 | Check the listing for the tip types in your bundle |
| Philips Power Flosser 3000 | 2 | No. F1 Standard and F3 Quad Stream |
| Waterpik Cordless Pulse | 2 | Listing says 2 flossing tips |
When to replace tips
The COSLUS listing says to replace tips every 3 months for best results. Other makers print their own schedule in the manual, and tips with bristles often have a shorter one. Follow the manual for your model. Replace any tip sooner if it looks worn, bent or clogged. Tips are brand specific, so buy the ones made for your flosser.
Sharing one flosser
A countertop unit can serve a household if each person has their own tip. The Aquarius listing says its 7 tips are meant for multiple family members. Do not share tips.
About the ADA Seal
The three Waterpik listings state the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, and the COSLUS C20 listing says ADA Accepted. We did not see an ADA claim on the Philips listing we read. The seal is one signal, not the whole story. Your dentist knows your mouth, so ask them which tip and pressure suit you. For the full shortlist, see the picks.