Based on how often dentists tentatively or wryly ask “have you been flossing?” it seems fewer of us are fully committing to oral hygiene than we’d care to admit. Working a tough string through every gap individually doesn’t have the mass appeal that brushing does.

That might help explain how the electronic Waterpik water flosser was able to reach the kind of online fame typically reserved for $12 clay masks that stack up to $80 luxury options. Beyond helping those with braces or bonds, it makes flossing easier to do and the habit thereby easier to pick up. The company also offers studies that show it to be 51% more effective than dental floss for reducing gingivitis, two times as effective as dental floss at reducing gingival bleeding, and 29% more effective as dental floss at removing plaque. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s ADA-accepted.

But the water flosser doesn't solve all the inconveniences of flossing. For one thing, it is still a separate step from brushing, and the model takes up a lot of countertop space. Plus, it's expensive at $70 upfront - though there is the argument that you're saving money on future dentist bills.

In order to streamline the process further, Waterpik released the Waterpik Electric Toothbrush & Water Flosser Combo. In one device, Waterpik combined an electric toothbrush and a water flosser. You can use the water stream to floss without brushing or brush without the water stream, or you can combine them for a fast, effective session.

I've reviewed the Waterpik Water Flosser in the past, so the company sent me its Waterpik Electric Toothbrush & Water Flosser Combo ($151.99) to test as well. To determine how effective a Waterpik really is, I also asked Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, a Los Angeles-based dentist who specializes in sensitive teeth and teeth bonding (concerns that can make flossing with a Waterpik attractive), for medical insight below.

My experience

The package comes with two brush heads, the electronic toothbrush, and the main machine with the water tank. Altogether, it takes under a minute to set up. After filling the water tank and plugging it in, I'd recommend facing the brush into the sink, turning the water pressure dial on a low setting, and pressing the floss button so the first slightly wonky stream goes into your sink and not in your mouth. After the first stream, you're good to go.

You can use the brush as just a toothbrush or as a combined toothbrush and water flosser seamlessly. All you have to do is press the floss button on the toothbrush. If you want different water pressure, you can turn the dial higher or lower.

Like the original Waterpik water flosser, this combo model definitely gave me a more effective clean than just brushing my teeth when I also used the flossing setting. My mouth felt noticeably clean - the sort of lick-your-teeth sensation associated with just having braces removed. And it did improve my own consistency; I flossed every night and morning because it didn't require any more effort or time.

Cons

The toothbrush head was soft and would be underwhelming to someone looking for traditional bristles. It's not really a direct replacement for an electric toothbrush. If you're looking for more vigorous and traditional brushing, I'd recommend picking up the cheaper original Waterpik Water Flosser and getting the Quip toothbrush or another electric toothbrush to fill the void.

If you're looking for a custom floss, I'd also suggest buying the Waterpik Water Flosser over the hybrid machine. Waterpik Flossers come with different attachments that can be used for specific needs. According to Dr. Kalasho, the Waterpik classic tip can be used by everyone, even children, and the rubber Pik pocket tip is great for those with gum disease.

It's also important to note that it sounds like a muffled drill while it works, so you'll probably want to use it before your partner goes to sleep if the walls are thin. And as with the original Waterpik Flosser, this new combo machine will take up a decent amount of countertop space - though it's less than what's required by separate machines, and that matters more in a small New York apartment than it does in the suburbs.

How effective is using a Waterpik?

To determine how effective a Waterpik really is, I asked Dr. Kalasho about the technology. The gist of her assessment is this: the Waterpik is a great device, especially when used in tandem with traditional flossing. But, if you're only going to do one, Dr. Kalasho recommends the Waterpik.

"Waterpik is more effective at removing plaque and cleaning in between the teeth than flossing is." Dr. Kalasho says. "It uses high-pressure water to rinse in between the teeth. My patients who use a Waterpik have fewer chances of bad breath, gum disease, cavity, and staining in between teeth, [so] I highly recommend it. However, I always recommend my patients use floss first rather than Waterpik so that they can get the most effective clean, but if you are going to do only one over the other, I suggest Waterpiking. Just know that doing both is more ideal."

For her personal preference, Dr. Kalasho says the Waterpik Aquarius is her favorite since it's so easy to use. "It has a tank you can fill with lukewarm water, (which I suggest being lukewarm if you have sensitive teeth) and you can adjust the pressure setting. It can be a bit more expensive than all the other brands, however, it is the easiest to use."

Bottom line

Waterpiks are solid choices for flossing effectively. And if you like a vigorous tooth-brushing experience, have the counter space, and you can trust yourself to be consistent with flossing even if it's another step, then you're probably better off saving money and getting the original Waterpik Water Flosser to use with your own electric toothbrush. There are plenty of great options out there for less than $100, like the Quip ($30) or Oral-B Pro 1000 ($50).

If you are limited on space, need a soft brush head due to braces or another concern, and want to make flossing as convenient as possible, then this may actually be ideal for you.

No matter which one you choose, Waterpik water flossers are, in my experience, a great way to pick up the flossing habit and get an easier, more effective clean.