Dated design but perfectly functional
The OxyJet does what it is supposed to, it puts water out at an adjustable pressure to rinse away bacteria, plaque and food debris from in between the teeth and along the gumline.
Looking and feeling a bit dated, alternatives are more appealing.
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
Various pressure settings |
A large unit |
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Wall mountable |
Quality is ok, but not brilliant |
Other options worth considering
I would strongly recommend you consider the Waterpik WP-660 which is considered our best water flosser.
It looks and feels more refined with a variety of nozzles to choose from.
Waterpik is perhaps the best known and most tested brand of water flosers, although there are a wide range of nowadays.
Design, usability, clean & general use
Once unboxed the Oral-B OxyJet is not a huge item, but it is certainly a reasonable sized unit that will take up countertop space, which is often at a premium in most bathrooms.
If you have more space in your bathroom then great.
Approximate measurements for the unit are 17.5 x 16 x 14 centimetres.
It requires mains power to work, the included power cord that is fixed into the unit is about 1.3 meters in length, so you need to be able to position it within reach of the wall.
Unlike the other water flossers I have handled this is the only one I am aware of that can be mounted to the wall. Provided is a mounting plate and screws to make this attachment. This certainly helps solve the space issue.
So whilst it is a little bulky, points go to Oral-B for it being wall mountable.
The design is fairly basic and certainly does not match with the stylish bathrooms in many homes today.
It is essentially a White plastic box with a lid, under which is a storage compartment for up to 4 flosser heads. Opening the lid allows for removal of the 600ml water tank that is blue in colour and sits to the left side of the front of the unit.
On the right side is the OxyJet handle/nozzle docked in its holder with a length of pipe coiled in behind it.
OK it’s not garish to look at or awful, it’s a primarily white and blue plastic affair, it just looks a bit plain and a bit dated.
The MD20 is more about function over style, the OxyJet is equipped to work well for individuals or families.
Provided in the box are 4 OxyJet nozzles/heads which are detachable from the main flosser handle. Simply push the nozzle down into the hole on the top of the handle and it clips into place.
To remove, press the blue button on the rear of the handle and release the clip to pull out the nozzle.
Each nozzle has a coloured ring on it, like Oral-B’s electric toothbrush heads, these rings are used to tell heads apart. Take a family of 4 for example. They can all use the OxyJet, but each has their own nozzle/head, which is identified by the coloured ring. Just access from the storage compartment and attach to the handle before use.
You should replace the nozzle every 3-6 months.
On the front of the OxyJet’s handle is a large blue sliding mode button. First power the unit on via the Blue button on the side of the OxyJet (not the handle itself) then slide the switch on the handle down to begin the stream of water.
The plug on the OxyJet is the 2 pin connector designed to fit in a socket found in a UK bathroom.
If you do not have a 2 pin shaver socket in your bathroom, you will need to consider whether this product is for you because it requires mains power. You can purchase 2 pin to 3 pin adapters, but you will not normally find 3 pin sockets in a bathroom, where you typically might use this device.
When powered on the unit pulls water from the water tank, in through a pump that then pushes the water via a tube out to the tip of the nozzle on the handle.
This is a constant stream unless turned off and does require a certain technique to use it.
The suggested technique is:
- Turn the unit on.
- Lean low over sink and place the tip in mouth.
- Aim the tip towards the teeth, and turn then slide the switch on the handle to begin th water flow.
- For best results, start with the back teeth and work toward the front teeth. Glide tip along gumline and pause briefly between teeth. Continue until you have cleaned the inside and outside of both the upper and lower teeth.
- Direct the jet stream at a 90-degree angle to your gumline. Slightly close lips to avoid splashing but allow water to flow freely from mouth into the sink. Keep unit upright during use for best results.
It is not a glamorous routine, but it is one that works.
The way it works is that the pressure of the water blasts away particles and the water making contact with the teeth and gum surfaces are equivalent to string loss passing over the area. In fact, the water can get in gaps floss can’t.
The length of hose/pipe that runs from the main units pump to the handle is around 1m, so you have got some manoeuvrability.
The OxyJet has 5 different pressure settings and 2 modes.
Adjustable via a rotatable dial on the right side of the main unit you can find the pressure setting best for you.
The modes are controlled via the slider switch on the handle.
Mono mode is a direct flow of water pushed out at pressure to create a jet that attacks the bacterial plaque, washing out the food and debris from in between the teeth and any dental work you may have.
The Turbo Mode uses a spiral shower via rotating head on the nozzle. This moves at 8000 rotations per minute and forms a spiral jet stream that penetrates the edge of the gum to help remove bacteria and food particles whilst massaging the gums and helping prevent gum disease, but removing bacteria from under the gumline.
It is advised to use lukewarm water when using the OxyJet, this helps avoid a harsh cold sensation when in use. If you are happy to use cold that is fine too.
Some like to include a dash of mouthwash into the water for added freshness and this does help keep the tank, tubes and nozzle clean.
The water tank holds 600ml of water.
I have found the flosser to be ok. Personally I still find the volume of water in the mouth and the way you have to use it to be a little awkward. However, I could certainly see that it was removing larger food debris from my teeth, even after brushing.
You will want to use this at least once a day and a full tank should allow you to clean your whole mouth.
The 5 pressure settings were satisfactory, but I do prefer the greater options available on the Waterpik models, you have more control and it makes for a better experience.
What the OxyJet does not have is the rotating nozzle. Whilst the tip of the nozzle can rotate to create the jet stream, on many Waterpik models you can rotate the nozzle a full 360 degrees to position the water stream at the perfect angle in the mouth.
Another point to note is that this is noisy. It is a motor/pump so it will make some noise, but using at night with others asleep might be an issue.
I have yet to experience any actual issues with the unit but others have reported that the pressure is not good enough, parts leak and over time the hose running from the pump to the handle becomes brittle and breaks.
I believe the nature of the product means this could happen to any similar product but making a call on the quality of the build I am not surprised that some have made such comments.
Should anything go wrong you have a 2 year warranty you can make use of.
Summary of design, usability, clean & general use
Price & where to buy
I have included links to buying options here at the start of the review.
In the section below, I discuss the price more generally and in relation to similar products.
This is one product that seems to have the greatest variance in price of all those that we have reviewed. It can be quite inconsistent.
However, having shopped around and looked at the more reputable outlets from which to buy this, you are looking at a price ranging from about £60-£80.
At the time of writing, we found the best availability and pricing to be on Amazon.
Given what this offers, the price is not all that surprising, but it is more expensive than we would like to see.
Our choice for best water flosser, from Waterpik, is around the £60 price point and offers more overall than the Oral-B, so it is difficult to justify the price that is being asked for it.
The build quality and features are lacking overall to suggest that this is a good buy.
It is not bad, but quite expensive.
It is without doubt a luxury and by no means essential, but compared to standard floss, the time saved, the simplicity and potential health benefits for many make this a worthwhile investment.
You do need to factor in the price of replacement nozzles too. A pack of 4 (view on Amazon) costs around £10.50 and last 3-6 months, so at £2.63 each they are fairly good value. 4 heads do come supplied in the box too.
If you need or want an electric toothbrush too, the packages that include the toothbrush could work out as a much more cost effective solution as the bundled price if you like helps keep the cost down.
Whilst the unit comes with a 2 year warranty, I will use the same calculation that I would with an electric toothbrush and assume the usable life is 3 years.
Retailing for an average price of £70 online and factoring in 1 pack of replacement heads at £10.50, the cost over 3 years works out at £80.50 or 7p per day.
Compare this to traditional string floss that works out at about 1-2p per day and it's about 3-6 times more expensive.
Please note that all prices quoted are approximates and will vary based on location, supplier and time of purchase. These figures were correct at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as hard fact, but used as a guide during your decision process.
Summary of price & where to buy
Reliability & long term use
To date Oral-B have a generally good reputation for making quality products.
This has to, unfortunately, be one of their weakest.
By no means justification for poor design and quality, it is an older product that has not been updated to match the newer standards.
Whilst I have had no problems in the weeks I have been using it, the construction is very plasticy and feels a bit cheap given the price commanded for it.
Water flossers do generate noise but this is quite loud and the hose on the nozzle is known for being weak/brittle and breaking after some time.
Others have reported leaks and poor water pressure.
Whilst I have personally not seen all of these issues myself, it has been confirmed that some of these are common issues that can occur at any time in the life of ownership.
A 2 year guarantee is provided and they make it clear they are available to help, you just need to call them.
The warranty will cover some of these issues but the size of the unit can make it an expensive issue to resolve when it has to be mailed back.
Conclusion
The OxyJet does what it is supposed to, it puts water out at a under adjustable pressure to rinse away bacteria, plaque and food debris from in between the teeth and along the gumline.
Sadly though it has been beaten by the competition who offer more features, better quality and reliability, often for a lesser price.
Size guide
Noise
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Country of manufacture
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I have this thing and after purchasing the waterpik 660, thia thing ia pretty usless compared to it. It does not have enough pressure to get the water to the opposite aide of application, the head stream design is at angle ao you don't actually know if it is pointed correctly or not and if you check you have to pause it aim correctly and resume to have a stream pressured similar to a human piss... The vortex mode is slightly better but it also did not remove the plaque completely from between my teeth and I have tight and crowded interdental spaces... Bottom of line: it desereves 1 star for trying to produce something functional and I don't advise anyone to buy it when the simply can buy the waterpik flosser...
I have Oxyjet 11 months and in this time I have had to change it 3 times as the pressure in the jet looses power the jet heads are being changed more than they should be. Can you advise please
Hi Sandra. Thanks for the question. I have to be honest and say this is really a question for Oral-B. If it is failing this frequently they should look at it for you. You can contact them on: 0800 731 1792 9am-5pm (Mon – Fri)
Hello could you please tell me just simply which does a better flossing job, the Oral B Jet or the Water Pic. Really appreciate it. Kind regards Michael Faye
Hi Michael. Personally I think Waterpik. I don't feel there is a significant amount of difference but I feel like Waterpik is more effective. I don't recall seeing any clinical studies that compare the 2. A study under strict conditions like this may find different results.
I've been using the same nozzle for over ten years. Where did you get this advice to replace the nozzle every few months? I don't see any mention of that in the manual. The toothbrush heads, sure, because the bristles wear down, but I can't imagine why the nozzle would need to be replaced. The only problem is hard water buildup in the machine after a few months, but nothing that can't be fixed by running it for a few seconds with vinegar to fill the pump, hose and nozzle then letting it sit overnight to dissolve the scale.
Hi Max, 3 or maybe ever 6 months tends to be the general recommendation for the replacement of nozzles for water flossers. Waterpik, Sonicare, and others suggest this. Technically they can last longer, as you have proven. However, it is often a hygiene thing, as hard water and bacteria can build up on the nozzle. It is also an opportunity for the manufacturer to make more money by selling replacement nozzles. :-) You are taking proactive steps running vinegar through the flosser, that many people do not do, so that will help prolong the life for sure. It is your choice at the end of the day how often the nozzle is replaced. It is, as you state, less necessary than a toothbrush head, but still advisable none the less.
I have had two of these. Both eventually had cracked hoses which I was able to shorten a d continue to use it. In the end I replaced the hose with a generic plastic hose from my local rubber goods store. This hose didn't coil up so it was messy but it has kept working well since. I recently replaced it with a Philips air flossed but went back to the oral b because it did a MUCH better job. The air flossed was quicker but only does the interteth gaps. If you try to do the whole gum line on the outside and inside of your mouth you have to refill the tiny tank about 5 times. I haven't tried a waterpick brand but the spiral effect available on the oral b is MUCH better than just using the straight jet and waterpick only have straight jet. Every time I use it I look down into the basin to see quite a lot of food debris that it has removed. In my opinion the Philips air flossed is totally useless compared to the oral b unit but I would still guess that the oral b is more effective than a waterpick as well because of the spiral action whi h means you don't have to point it in exactly the right direction as the spray all around functionality will always get it right at some angle of the fast rotation.
Water pressure is way too low. I wear braces and require a good water pick for oral maintenance. This product can not remove normal food particles after a meal. It will not have enough pressure to clean the teeth below the gum line. It is humorous because the instructions talk about the highest setting of "5" casting bleeding in some people. If that is the case you have other major issues to worry about. This product is not worth the money if you are purchasing it for a water pick.
It would have been a great product if the Braun has enabled the device (the irrigator) higher water pressure output. The device feels - regarding the water pressure - far to weak, even the highest setting feels insufficient in that regard.