Is There a Difference Between a Waterpik and a Water Flosser? An OEM Factory Explains

When it comes to oral care, many consumers — and even some brands — use the terms Waterpik and water flosser interchangeably. But are they really the same thing? As an OEM factory specializing in oral irrigators and private label production, we’re here to clarify the Waterpik vs water flosser debate and explain what makes each unique — and how your brand can take advantage of this growing market.

What Is a Water Flosser (Or Oral Irrigator)?

A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, is a device that uses a pressurized stream of water to remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria between teeth and along the gum line. Unlike traditional string floss, it’s gentle on gums and ideal for people with braces, implants, or sensitive teeth.

From a manufacturing perspective, “water flosser” is the generic term used in the oral care industry. It refers to the entire product category — just like “facial tissue” is the general name for what many people call “Kleenex.”

What Is a Waterpik?

Waterpik is actually a brand name, not a product type. Waterpik was the first company to introduce a consumer water flosser in the 1960s, and over time, its name became synonymous with the category itself.

This means all Waterpiks are water flossers, but not all water flossers are Waterpiks — a classic example of a brand becoming a household name.

For brands looking to enter the market, this distinction is important. It opens the door for private label opportunities to create your own branded version of this in-demand product.

Waterpik vs Water Flosser: The Key Differences

From a business perspective, choosing a non-branded water flosser allows brands to design, price, and market their own models under custom labels — a strategy many emerging oral care brands are adopting.

Why OEM Factories Are Key for Private Label Oral Care Brands

Partnering with an OEM factory gives you full control over:

Design customization: body shape, water tank size, and pressure settings

Brand identity: logo, packaging, and user manuals

Technical specs: battery type, waterproof rating, nozzle count, etc.

An experienced oral irrigator OEM factory can also handle ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) requests, where they help develop unique designs or upgraded models to stand out in the competitive Waterpik vs water flosser market.

The Market Opportunity: Private Label Oral Irrigators

Global demand for water flossers continues to grow, driven by increasing awareness of gum health and the convenience of at-home oral hygiene. Private label opportunities allow new and existing brands to:

Enter the market with low minimum order quantities (MOQs)

Offer competitive pricing and faster production cycles

Build long-term brand loyalty with custom features

Whether you’re a dental brand, retailer, or e-commerce seller, partnering with a water flosser OEM factory ensures high-quality products tailored to your brand’s identity.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Choice for Your Brand

So, while Waterpik is a brand, a water flosser (or oral irrigator) is the category. For businesses, that distinction is a powerful one — because it means you don’t have to sell another company’s brand. You can create your own.

By collaborating with an experienced OEM factory, your brand can design and produce a private label water flosser line that competes directly with top names like Waterpik — at a fraction of the cost and with complete creative control.