Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000, 5000 & 7000 Review

How the power flosser 3000, 5000 & 7000 looks, feels and works

All 4 versions of the countertop power flossers come in cardboard boxes that are no bigger than they need to be.

The packaging is distinctively Philips Sonicare, which means you get quite a lot of key information on the box, so you can really learn what you are buying before you do.  This is great if you are looking at it in a retail store.

The 3000 and 5000 come with little in the way of extras, you get everything you need. Both come with 2 nozzle styles, when you might only need 1, but more on that shortly.

The 7000 variants do come with extra.  You get 3 nozzles, each different and a hard plastic protective case for those nozzles.  These items might be useful for some but are not essential.

Lots of unnecessary extras can be a waste of resources and finances, but I presume only those desiring an electric toothbrush too will be looking to buy the 7000 toothbrush system.

Who is the power flosser for?

Anyone can benefit from what the power flosser offers.  It is a useful additional tool to help you clean more effectively between the teeth.

However, it is particularly useful for those that have no interdental cleaning habit, or a very poor one.  

The convenience and ease of use can help you establish a more regular cleaning routine.

Even I, as a regular flosser appreciate the convenience this brings.  It is easier to get right each time and know it is doing a good job, even if it is still technique sensitive.

It is also very useful if you have periodontal conditions. The water helps disrupt and flush out debris from periodontal pockets, along the gumline and between teeth. 

It is too useful for those who struggle with manual floss or interdental brushes due to dexterity. The design of the nozzles allows you to reach areas of the mouth that would otherwise be more challenging, particularly the teeth at the back of the mouth. 

Brace wearers will benefit too as will those with crowns and implants and other dental restorations. The powerful water jets reach into, disrupt and blast away debris and bacteria you might otherwise be struggling to clean away.

Water flossing can be messy 

This is because the flosser is pushing water into the mouth and against the teeth and the waste water has to go somewhere.  You can retain some in the mouth, but most has to be dribbled out as you floss.

With practice, it gets less messy, learning to wrap the lips around the nozzle and closing the mouth a bit can help. But even with the most practice you still need to be lent over a sink.

There is a correct technique when using a water flosser.

You want to position the nozzle tip just above the gum line at a 90° angle.

Starting from your back teeth in your upper or lower jaw, slide the nozzle tip along the gum line and pause briefly between each tooth. 

Continue to clean both the inside and outside surfaces of your teeth, 15 seconds for each surface, for a total of 30 seconds, for that one arch of teeth. 

Repeat in the other arch of your mouth for another 15 seconds on the inside surfaces and 15 seconds on the outside. Cleaning all the spaces around and between your teeth in both arches will take at least one minute.  You can potentially do it in less time, but your cleaning will unlikely be as thorough.

If using the Quad Stream nozzle press this gently so that the nozzle tip is in contact with the gum line and the teeth. 

And for those with orthodontic brackets, Philips advises using the Quad Stream nozzles and then placing the tip over each bracket, gently rotating the nozzle tip around the bracket, in a small circle before moving to the bracket on the next tooth.

A clean look, but perhaps a bit clinical looking

The power flosser is made up of 3 key parts.

You have the main flosser/base unit.  You then have the water tank or reservoir that sits on top of the base unit.  And then you have the handle and hose that is positioned to the mouth for directing the water flow between the teeth.

The power flosser has a rounded rectangle kind of shape to it.  Wider at the front and back and thinner on the right and left side.

It measures approximately 5.3 inches (13.5cm)  wide and 5.1 inches (13cm) deep, accounting for the flosser handle.

3 rubber feet on the base raise it up a couple of millimeters from the countertop and help prevent it from slipping. Although, I have to be honest and say that when attempting to press the buttons on the unit, I still found it would slip on the countertop, even with the weight of the water.

Everything is of plastic construction, which helps keep things safe and easy to keep clean.

The sides and back are free of any ports and controls.

The front is home to the power button, cleaning mode button, pressure control dial and the handle.

The 2 buttons are placed on the left side of the base unit.  In between them are the names of the cleaning modes available, each with a single LED above that mode name.

Each button has a concave design, with a thicker ridge on the bottom edge.  The power button has a power icon embossed into it.

These are actual buttons rather than a switch.  The design makes them look like they act more like switches.  Press either and you get a satisfying click and feedback.

A single press of the power button turns the unit on or off.  

A single press of the mode button will change the cleaning cycle and illuminate the appropriate LED with a white light.  Keep pressing the button to select the mode you desire.

The power flosser 3 and 5000 have 2 modes listed between the buttons whilst the 7000 has 4.

Beneath this is the pressure control dial.  It is a rotating knob, with markers for each of the different intensity settings.

The dial on the 3 and 5000 models has a gray line on it that aligns with the markers for each of the pressure settings as it is rotated, so you can see what you have selected.

This line isn’t present on the 7000’s dial, because instead there is an LED for each of the 10 settings that is lit when the knob is rotated to that setting.

The right side is dominated by the handle and hose.

The handle sits proud of the unit, whilst the hose tucks into a recess within the unit for neat storage.

The hose is colour matched to the unit and although coils away is about 4 feet long when extended.

Sort of hidden by the hose and handle are 2 silver screws. Given the fit and finish these screws seem to break with the clean design trend here.  But they do give the impression that the hose could easily be replaced at home if you so desired. Then again the manual suggests no user serviceable parts. 

The hose feeds into the flosser handle, which is approximately 5 inches tall and about 1 inch deep.  It is a comfortable size to hold and gives enough surface area to assist with maneuverability.  Disappointingly it isn’t that grippy, it is smooth to the touch.  To be fair this is common with such models.  The thumb does naturally fall to the slider switch on the front that controls the water flow from the nozzle.

The slider switch doesn’t glide quite as smoothly as I would have anticipated, but there is a very clear click when engaged to the on or off position.

The handle docks to the unit via a magnet on the 5000 and 7000 models.  It is only the 3000 power flosser that has a plastic cradle into which the handle gets docked. 

The reservoir is a clear plastic container. On all variants, there is a lid. This is white and fully removable on the 3 and 5000. On the 7000 variants, the lid is clear, like the rest of the reservoir, but hinges 180 degrees from the back, of the tank. It can be removed for cleaning, but it is designed to remain attached.

Unlike many models where the power cable extends from the back of the flosser, with the Sonicare, the cable feeds into the base of the power flosser.  This is a really nice touch.  It allows it to be pushed up to walls and other surfaces with more ease.  Comparable products require about an inch or so for the protruding cable.

Even on the base, there is an intentionally designed cable feed system to pass it out to the right or left side of the unit.  Such a small thing, but so well executed.

The power cable is approx 120cm/4 feet long and the 2 pin power adapter supports 100-240v.

All the countertop power flosser units share the same overall design.

They do look quite clean, modern and stylish, which is a good thing.  I like them and I see no reason why they won’t suit the homes of the vast majority of users.

I think for the most part the material quality is good.  The flossers look and feel premium.  

The handle is perhaps where they feel most ‘cheap’ if I can say this.  It is in part due to the lightweight and hollow nature of the handle.

But, the clean and minimal look can in some respects work against the power flosser.

All the variants are available in white colour only.

Most dental products are available in white, it is a classic colour option.  But, Waterpik offers some of its models in more interesting colours such as gray, blue and purple. 

Different colour choices don’t improve the device, but they can improve a person’s association with a product.  If they prefer a more fun or vibrant colour then this may encourage them to use it more than the basic white version.

The pressure control knob is smooth to the touch.  It would detract from the aesthetics a bit, but ridges or textured surfaces to this dial would aid with gripping it a little, particularly when the hands are wet.

Longer flossing times

One of the biggest benefits of the countertop units, compared to the cordless options, is the larger water tanks.

The larger the tank, the longer you can floss without having to refill.  And in fact, you can even get multiple flossing sessions from a single fill of the tank, subject to the mode and pressure setting.

The 3000 and 5000 models have 18.6oz/550ml tanks.

With the 7000 and toothbrush system 7000 that capacity increases to 20.3oz/600ml.  Not a significant increase, but extra capacity all the same.

The tank can be lifted off the flosser unit and taken to the tap filling.

The white lid on the 3000 and 5000 needs to be removed to fill it.  The 7000 has a hinged lid that allows the tank to be filled without total removal.

It is advisable to use lukewarm water when you floss. Using cold water can feel quite harsh on the teeth and gums and induce more sensitivity.

You could add a dash of mouthwash to the water if you wish, but Sonicare doesn’t recommend it

The exact running time depends on the cleaning mode and intensity selected. I achieved the following results when using the power flosser 3000 and 5000.

• Clean mode (3000 & 5000)
  • Pressure setting 10 – 1 minute and 15 seconds (75 seconds) to drain the tank
  • Pressure setting 1 – 5 minutes (300 seconds) to drain the tank
• Deep clean mode  (3000 & 5000)
  • Pressure setting 10 – 1 minute and 30 seconds (90 seconds) to drain the tank
  • Pressure setting 1 – 3 minutes and 15 seconds (195 seconds) to drain the tank

Due to the larger capacity of the 7000, the usage times are extended slightly.

• Clean mode (7000)
  • Pressure setting 10 – 1 minute and 30 seconds (90 seconds) to drain the tank
  • Pressure setting 1 – 5 minutes and 10 seconds (310 seconds) to drain the tank
• Deep clean mode (7000)
  • Pressure setting 10 – 1 minute and 35 seconds (95 seconds) to drain the tank
  • Pressure setting 1 – 3 minutes and 30 seconds (210 seconds) to drain the tank

The magnetic handle with auto shut off

Having a magnetic flosser handle on the 5000 and 7000 is a nice touch.  It does make docking the handle marginally easier as the magnets align it in the ideal position.

Just roughly align it and click it docks into place.

Although do be wary of the hose, it doesn’t always coil back into place as you would hope for and can prevent the handle from docking correctly. It helps to guide the hose into place with one hand as you use the other to position the handle on the dock.

The magnet strength is about right. not too strong that you have to use lots of force to pull it off.

With the 3000 you need to lift the handle into the plastic framed cradle and then lift it out.  This is hardly a big issue, it just isn’t as seamless in daily operation.  You need to pay a fraction more attention. It is easy for it not to sit quite right and takes a second or two extra to have it properly seated.

Sonicare promotes the auto shut-off feature of the magnetic handle. In principle, it is a good idea, but there seems to be a bit of a quirk to how it works.

It works in 2 ways, the first seems a touch pointless as I can’t see anyone doing this.

The magnets cause the slider switch upon the flosser handle from the on to the off position as soon as it is docked.

If left in the on position, water will continue to be pushed out the nozzle.

I think most people would naturally slide the switch to the off position, before removing the nozzle from the mouth and docking back on the magnetic mount.  But, if you are that way inclined, then it will stop the water flow.

The second part is the automatic power off of the base unit/pump.

Once the slider switch on the handle is in the off position, the pump stops, but is primed ready to go.

However, if docked, it will after about 2-3 minutes turn the unit off, saving you a button press of the power button on the base unit.

To use it again you would need to press the power button on the base unit first.

Unless I am missing something, there seems to be a bit of a quirk.

This automatic shut-off works fine if there is some residual water in the tank. But, if empty, it doesn’t work.  The pump keeps running when the handle is docked and it doesn’t turn itself off at all.

You can switch between 10 pressure settings and up to 4 modes

All 4 of the power flossers offer 10 different pressure settings. 

These pressure or intensity settings if you like increase the force with which the water is pushed out from the nozzle.

1 is the lowest pressure and least powerful with 10 being the most intense.

I personally like the pressure around level 7.  For me, this is a nice balance of flossing power and comfort.  10 is quite intense.

The lower levels are really great for those new to any kind of flossing.  They do also work well for those who may have sensitivity or are recovering from surgery or other dental procedures.

Having the choice is great and it is easy to switch between them with the dial. Just rotate right for more power and left for less.

As I mentioned earlier, the 7000 and 7000 toothbrush system have LEDs that illuminate as each intensity is selected.  The 3 and 5000 have a grey line that aligns with the relevant label on the unit.

Sonicare does not specifically disclose what the difference between each pressure setting is.

Competing brand Waterpik typically states that their 10 pressure settings range from 10 to 100 PSI.

I believe the power flossers are comparable based on my usage, but I can’t categorically say level 5 is identical to level 5 on a Waterpik unit.

The pressure certainly has some part to play in the cleaning process, but technique and regularity are more important.  The exact pressure is irrelevant if you can see and feel it does a good job.

The different power flossers within the range offer a differing amount of cleaning modes.

The more affordable 3000 and 5000 have 2 modes, whilst the 7000 and 7000 toothbrush system have 4.

With the 3 and 5000 you get:

• Clean
• Deep clean

With the 7000 you get:

• Clean
• Deep clean
• Sensitive
• Massage

The cleaning modes work slightly differently to deliver a different flossing experience.

• Clean
  • This offers a constant water pressure for a great clean. 
  • The pacer will function on this mode.
• Deep clean
  • The flow of water increases and decreases in intensity for a thorough clean.  
  • The rhythm of the water pulses is controlled by Pulse Wave technology. This encourages even cleaning between teeth.
• Sensitive
  • The flow of water increases and decreases in intensity but remains low for a gentle cleaning. 
  • Ideal for those with sensitive gums. 
  • The rhythm of the water pulses is controlled by Pulse Wave technology. This encourages even cleaning between teeth.
• Massage
  • Water is pulsated out from the nozzle to massage and stimulate the gum tissues for improved gum health.  
  • The pacer will function in this mode.

There are notable differences between all the cleaning modes.

The pulses you get with deep clean mode for example give a different cleaning experience and I am sure help improve gum health.

I can see the arguable potential benefits of them all, but I have to say I am not sure how valuable having 4 modes really is.

I am not aware of any data that says one mode is better than the other.  And to be honest the description of the modes doesn’t tell the whole story. 

What intensity level is the water at in deep clean mode vs massage for example?  

I think some of the benefits of sensitive or massage mode can be achieved by just turning the intensity down whilst using the clean or deep clean mode.

From my use, I can’t say I necessarily prefer one over the other, they are just different.  But, I don’t have any complex oral care needs and my teeth and gums are generally in good health.  

The Pulse Wave cleaning action is useful.

It is hard to explain, but essentially the rhythm of the pulses along with the variable sound the flosser makes, you know when to move from one tooth to another.

So although there is the pacer to encourage even flossing across a whole arch of teeth (more on that in a moment),  the Pulse Wave helps you time the move from one interdental space to another better than you might without it.

It works out as roughly 1 second per tooth, or thereabouts.  So, you floss 1 interdental space for a second.  During this time you get pulses. As the cycle ends you move along the gumline to the next interdental space and hold it there for a second or so until the pulsing water cycle has run, before moving over to the next tooth.

Let me be clear that there isn’t a specific pause in the water flow that is your obvious cue to move from one interdental space to another.  There is still a consistent stream of water being pushed through the whole time.

The cleaning mode and pressure can be changed at any time before or during use. The base unit must be powered on to change the cleaning mode.
For new users of a water flosser, it is recommended to start using this power flosser on the lowest intensity and increase the intensity over the course of a few weeks.

It would be better with a rotating nozzle

None of the countertop power flossers have rotating nozzles.  Once fitted they are in a fixed position.

You can rotate the handle/hose by using your hand and that should allow you to position the nozzle tip into almost all the positions you could need.  But, there is no option to rotate the nozzle 360 degrees like you do on most other water flossers be that corded or cordless.

The cordless power flosser 3000 from Sonicare does offer a rotating nozzle.

The hose that connects into the handle doesn’t rotate either.  So if you do twist or rotate the handle there is an inevitable bit of tension that builds up within the attached hose.

I wish not for this to be a comparison to Waterpik, but without exception (that I can think of) the nozzles rotate on the handle, or at the very least, the hose rotates within the base of the handle to allow the nozzle tip to be manipulated into the ideal position.

I suspect research has shown people don’t use the rotation feature all that frequently. Perhaps to have it was too much of a blatant copy of Waterpik.  But, it is a real shame not to have it.  

Flossing with it, to me at least feels a little easier, less finger and thumbs and less messy too.

Different nozzles types, but the Quad Stream tip is most impressive

Philips have designed 3 different nozzles or flosser tips for their range of water flossers.

Your options are:

• F1 standard
  • A standard nozzle with a single stream of water for removing debris and plaque.
• F2 comfort
  • A soft rubber nozzle for comfort and ease of positioning for those with sensitive gums.
• F3 quad stream
  • A soft rubber nozzle that directs water into a crossshaped (x) stream that gently removes plaque for an effortlessly thorough clean.

All of these nozzles are interchangeable.

So although the 3000 and 5000 come with 1 x F1 and 1 x F3, you can use the F2 with it.

The F1 is the classic nozzle tip that offers a single stream of pressurized water for effective spot cleaning.  This is really great for cleaning out the debris between the teeth.

It is, however, the F3 tip, also known as ‘Quad Stream’ that is most hyped and quite different from other water flossers.

What happens here is that the rubber tip of the nozzle causes the water to create an X shape as it comes out of the tip, essentially giving 4 jets with a much wider and larger coverage area than the jet created with the F1 standard.

This can achieve up to 9 times more plaque removal than a single jet.

To me, the X pattern felt a little less intense and powerful, but at the same time, also more intense subject to where the X hit my gums.  

The increased coverage gives a really different feel as you clean.

Post use the results to me felt comparable, but I do like knowing more surface area has been covered. 

I can’t say for sure, but I suspect the increased coverage of the water also helps make up for times when the flossing technique is less consistent.

You can only use one nozzle at a time, so I guess it will be a personal preference as to which you pick. The benefit of 2 or even 3 styles being included is that you can choose between them. 

But, if you know what you want that extra nozzle might seem a bit wasteful.

Each nozzle is expected to be replaced every 6 months on average.

Waterpik and other lesser known brands do have a broader range of nozzles to choose from.   

Sonicare is newer to the water flosser market and they are aiming to serve the majority of users.

The styles of tips Philips lack might be preferred by you or your dental professional, but I don’t think this will be a big issue for that many users.  I am also not aware of significant data that say one tip really is much better than another, even with individual circumstances taken into account.

It should be noted that Waterpik and Philips Sonicare flosser tips are not interchangeable.

The cleaning results are great & approved by the American Dental Association

I have been very pleased with the results I have achieved from the whole range of Sonicare power flossers.

The X shaped water stream that is generated from the F3 quad stream nozzle is definitely very different from the normal jet tip.

For me, the post use clean feels comparable with either the F1 or F3 nozzles.  

Perhaps long term there will be a greater benefit to be gained from the X shaped stream, as some clinical testing by Philips has highlighted. 

My hands-on testing is by no means scientific, but I can’t find a reason to complain about the results the power flosser has delivered.

Philips has undertaken a number of its own studies, that have proven the effectiveness of the power flosser.

The attention grabbing headlines that are widely used are ‘Up to 180% more effective than floss for healthier gums’ and ‘Removes up to 99% of plaque in treated areas’.

Impressive results.  I am not disputing the facts, but you do need to be aware that…

The up to 180% figure is based on using the quad stream nozzle on setting 8 with a manual toothbrush, in patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.  This is compared to using a manual toothbrush with string floss.

Therefore if you don’t have moderate to severe gingivitis, improvements in your oral health are unlikely to be as high.

Of course, those who do have less than optimal oral health will benefit and this is something that should be celebrated.

Further supporting the effectiveness of the power flosser range is the fact it has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association (ADA).  It hasn’t been given the seal by the Candian Dental Association (CDA).  I suspect that this is because Philips have not applied for it to be tested.

When it comes to dental advice and information on how to take care of your teeth, the ADA is one of the leading bodies within the USA.  Thy are equivilant to the CDA. It is then pretty reassuring to know that power flossers have met and surpassed certain standards and tests that the independent board put together.

The pacer helps you floss for the right amount of time

As soon as you power the flosser on the pacer built-in helps encourage you to clean the spaces between the teeth evenly.

Using the ‘clean’ mode as an example, the idea is you spend 60 seconds cleaning between all the teeth.

That is 30 seconds per arch of teeth, with 15 seconds on the front surfaces and 15 seconds on the inside surfaces.

The pacer in the power flosser is configured to 30 second intervals.

When triggered there is a slight pause in the water flow, sensation, and change in sound.  This is your cue.

So you end up operating the unit like this:

• Tun on the power flosser and clean between the front tooth surfaces in upper arch for 15 seconds
• Floss the inside tooth surfaces in the upper arch for 15 seconds
  • Pacer alert
• Floss the front tooth surfaces in the lower arch for 15 seconds
• Floss the inside tooth surfaces in the lower arch for 15 seconds
  • Pacer alert
• Turn the flosser off

Or alternatively, you can continue to floss for longer if you wish.

It is worth noting that Sonicare’s cordless power flosser 3000 has a pacer too.  This is configured to 15 second intervals.  That helps know when to move between the front and back surfaces.

If using the deep clean mode, the pacer is deactivated and instead, you have the ‘pulse wave’ technology’ I referred to earlier in this review.

A bit quieter than the competition

I don’t think this is going to be the most important feature for most, but the power flossers are quieter than the competing products.

As a very rough guide when using the clean mode set to level 1 the unit is producing sound in the region of the low 52-54 decibel range.  

Increase the pressure setting to 10 and this increased to the low 70’s, approx 71-73dB.

Compare this to the Waterpik Aquarius which is in the low 70 decibel range irrespective of the pressure setting chosen.

So if you are really conscious about the noise, used on the lowest setting it is in the region of 20 decibels quieter which is quite significant.

Accessories and extras

What is included in the box depends on the exact model you pick.

The 3000 and 5000 come supplied with 2 nozzles whilst the 7000 come with 3.

Both the 7000 and 7000 toothbrush system come with a nozzle case.

This plastic case has a hinged lid and allows up to 3 nozzles to be positioned and secured in the case. When closed it protects them from damage and dirt.

Aside from this the only other accessories or extras come with the 7000 toothbrush system.  

An electric toothbrush is included too

As the name implies, the 7000 toothbrush system is a bit different from the other power flossers.

You essentially get a power flosser 7000, plus a Sonicare ExpertClean 7300 electric toothbrush.

Normally you would purchase a toothbrush separately, it is it included here.

The power flosser base unit is slightly different too.  Extending from the right side is a stand for the toothbrush too.  Therefore it is a bit wider and heavier than the 7000.

The power cable that connects into the power flosser not only powers the flosser but allows the toothbrush to be charged at the same time.  It means 1 power adapter when often you would require 2.

I have reviewed the Sonicare ExpertClean toothbrush.  It is a very good brush indeed, if perhaps a bit more than you and I really need.  It has extra features which impact the cost.

Because the brush is included, not only is the power flosser designed differently to include a toothbrush charger, but you do also get a travel case and separate charging stand for the toothbrush.

This allows you to travel with and charge your toothbrush from other locations whilst the power flosser is left back at home for example.