Waterpik Nano Water Flosser with 3 Pressure Settings, Portable Dental Plaque Removal Tool Ideal for Travel or Small Bathrooms (WP-250UK)

Good item

Having used Waterpik water flossers for years, I'm very pleased with this model, smaller and cheaper than the Waterpik WP-100 I've used, but still perfectly adequate. Not a substitute for brushing, it removes food debris before brushing, debris which is not removed by even prolonged mouth rinsing. So if you don't use one of these you are brushing with a mixture of toothpaste and bacteria-nourishing food remnants.After years of comments that the USA model needed mains power, this one works from a shaver socket, so is fully suitable for UK bathrooms. Some people are still not satisfied! But it's cheaper, more environmentally friendly and works better than using batteries, rechargeable or otherwise. Installing a shaver socket in a bathroom is hardly a big deal and is good for your electric toothbrush too, not to mention electric shavers or a small radio.This new model does away with the button on the handle to shut off the water flow. This caused eventual leaks necessitating replacement of the handle. You're better off without the button.Though it's less powerful than the WP-100, the top power is just right for me, ample to do the job and I think adequate for anybody else. I could not use the higher power settings on the previous model because they made my gums sore.The grommet at the power lead exit point is now 'tailed', i.e. has a flexible segment which protects the lead insulation from cracking eventually.The unit uses less plastic and packaging than the WP-100, better for the environment, delivery costs, and travel (though still big for airline hand luggage).Despite the inverted reservoir serving as cover I'd still have preferred a simple lid as alternative for daily convenience and intend to improvise one.Over time micro-organisms will grow in wet equipment. Frequent use, the bit of mouthwash in the water the instructions recommend (I do not rinse this out afterwards, just empty the device), and drying the WP250 Nano as well between uses as is sensible should keep this within acceptable bounds. Keep it clean, as you would your toothbrush or eating utensils.In short, I'm delighted with the sensible and clever design decisions which have been made in producing the WP250 Nano. It works well, is good value compared to competing products, works in UK bathrooms with a shaver socket without offending UK regulations, and in my opinion should be used by far more people.

August 2016 update: still using it and loving it. After the recent news about dental floss I'm really pleased I started using this a few years ago. If they made this gadget with a quieter motor I'd buy it in an instant.March 2014 Update: I've just been to the dentist for my 6-monthly check up and, for the first time, have scored all zeros on the 'gum prick' test. I used to get mostly 1s with 0s and very occasionally some 2s but after using the waterpik I'm down to all 0s.I am probably going to make the effort to pack this machine to take on hols as I don't want to go back to floss for a week a time. This machine rates as one of my best buys ever.Original review:It's a neat unit and gets my gum line and between my teeth really cleared of food debris. The instructions were clear and providing you follow them you should enjoy using this product. Key instructions are: 1) use WARM water - if your teeth have any sensitivity then cold water being blasted at it will make you hit the ceiling! 2) lean over the sink (bath in my case) and keep your mouth slightly open. The water and food bits will flow out. 3) start on a low setting (there are three, I started on the middle one) and see how comfortable the pressure is before increasing it.Down side is that it's very noisy so I won't use it if I've come in late at night as I imagine that it'll wake the whole house. It has to be close to an electric point and a 'drainage' point (mine is closer to the bath so I lean over the bath). You definitely need to rinse the bath/sink after. I probably won't include it in my packing to take on holiday but I will definitely miss it.When I first got it I used it and then flossed to see if it had got everything. There were a few bits left but this made me more thorough and precise in my use of the water pik. If there is food left between your teeth I think this is either technique or water pressure not being correct. I bought the water pik as some of my teeth are close together but I still get food trapped and I have difficulty getting dental floss in the right place to remove the food. The little interdental brushes are also too big for me. Sometimes I would make my gum bleed by pulling the floss too hard so I had to find an alternative.I had no need to call the help line but the packaging and instruction booklet have full details of the helpline which they are insistent you call if you have any problems.Hope this helps.

I could never manage to floss with tape well or on a regular basis because my molars are very tight so I decided to give waterpik a try.Initially I thought about the travel version but very glad I went for this model as it needs at least one refil (of the resevoir) to properly floss all teeth, esp when using the higher pressure settings.Pros: Its very effective,I find it easier to use and hence use it much more often than floss. I can fill it with water of any temperature which is important for me as my teeth are super sensitive. Comes with two heads, which will need replacing eventually.Cons: Splashes everywhere so a good idea to use it with a WIDE sink or water will end up on the floor. Seems to be a design flaw in the replaceable head as a significant ammount of water is coming out where it attaches to the handle, rather than all coming out through the nozzle. May only be problem with this particular head.I like the waterpik nano and recommend this product for anyone wanting an alternative to tape floss.

This does a great job. I have implants and my dentist recommended using a water pic. It is extremely efficient removing debris from hard to reach places but it is a messy business. I have tried many was of allowing the water to escape my mouth and not end up spraying myself. Its an acquired art

Its small, powerful and incredibly effecient. Rinse with mouthwash, clean with electric toothbrush, floss and then use this and you see debris dropping into the sink. Its the only way to ensure that decay causing food, stuck on and between your teeth can be cleared. Saves fortunes in dentist bills and pain. Also massages the gums which helps with gum health.