If you are not familiar with the Oral-B Hummingbird, it is a compact, battery-powered flosser that comes with 2 interchangeable attachments.
Despite its popularity, it was discontinued by Oral-B some time ago and is now very difficult to source. There was even a petition created asking Oral-B to bring it back, but alas, it didn't happen.
The good news is that even now, you can still get replacement flossers for it.
You can get the Hummingbird and replacement parts on Ebay
Last time we checked, Hummingbird and replacements parts were still available on Ebay.
Smilox also still offers some of the flosser attachments.
Hummingbird alternatives
A cordless water flosser
Your best bet at this stage may be to switch to a cordless water flosser. They are larger and more expensive than the Hummingbird style flossers, but if you go with a well-known brand, you won't run into the issue of replacement heads being unavailable.
The main one we recommend is the Waterpik WP-560 Cordless Advanced. You can find out more in our post on the best water flossers.
Alternatively, you could try non-powered interdental brushes, which are the best way to clean in between your teeth.
Waterpik Whitening Power Flosser
The closest possible option, that works in a similar way is the Waterpik Whitening Power Flosser.
It has mint-flavoured replaceable tips, which can be a little difficult to source.
Power Pikster
A bit different, but a possible alternative is the Power Pickster, which is designed to bring sonic vibration cleaning to the Piksters interdental brush.
Why was the Hummingbird discontinued?
The Hummingbird is as far as most are aware, now discontinued and no longer manufactured or sold by Oral-B.
All products typically undergo regular review by internal product teams and decisions are made whether a product should be updated, replaced, removed from sale etc based on a number of commercial factors including demand, actual sales figures and the company focus.
Whilst Oral-B have not stopped operating within the oral healthcare space it is quite likely the demand was not high enough to warrant continued production and the company appear to have deviated from electronic flossing products like this to focus on the electric toothbrush, toothpastes and more traditional flossing products.
The eBay gougers may come down on their prices if they receive many lowball offers. I believe sellers watch the posts of other sellers to observe the price that products are finally sold for. Collectively we can get them to lower their ridiculous prices.
I have used the oralb and really liked it then couldn't buy refills which sucks. Haven't found a replacement because nothing works like the oral b. Any thing else is too clumsy to operate!!!
I didn’t know these existed, but they seemed great. I could really use something like this because I have gingivitis and struggle to floss due to the very short time I can keep my mouth open and not being able to open wide enough/have enough space to put my fingers in my mouth. I have to do one tooth at a time and then rest my jaw. It takes around 15 minutes to give my mouth a good floss especially with the larger gaps where my molars are and my wisdom teeth used to be and my permanent retainers on my front teeth. I end up needing floss/floss holder, interdental brushes, and threading tools/SuperFloss. I’m awfully tired of keeping track of SO many tools and spending the $$$ needed for them, too. Right now I use a cordless Waterpik (a simpler and clunkier version than the one recommended on this site but it’s all I need) but it doesn’t get in the really tight spots and sometimes doesn’t quite have the precision to get stuff crammed in my molar gaps (unless I really blast some water in there, which is kind of painful). Figuring all this out after two years of not taking care of my teeth often enough is so overwhelming.
that is capitalism for you anything that is made to last have to be removed from the society so that junk can be distribute
The Waterpik tips are too small to be effective. The Hummingbird was perfect. I refuse to pay $90 for one on eBay. Oral B should make them again.
I was able to open the hummingbird by putting a coin in the grooves or slot in the bottom and turning. I was expecting the bottom to come off but it actually comes loose at the point where it bends. And of course you could use the tips more than once. Rinse thoroughly though.
I have a handicapped daughter who we have to brush and floss her teeth. The Hummingbird flosser was so easy to use for her and I actually think she enjoyed it. We are extremely disappointed that it has been discontinued.
Wanda Faber.....do you still have your Hummingbird for your daughter? I just found a box of the refills as I unpacked that I would be happy to send you if you will pay the postage. I live in Massachusetts. I don't have the main Hummingbird anymore which I threw away because it stopped working even with a new battery. The cost of the refills on eBay should cause that website to be called GougethemBay!
Hi Wanda, It's a shame it was discontinued as it does seem to have been a popular product with many people. In case it is useful, one of our in-house dentists has put together an article here on products that can help with teeth cleaning for people with disabilities.
I have used a hummingbird for so many years and was very upset that it had been discontinued. Purchasing the hummingbird flosser and or attachments are ridiculously priced on eBay. I have used a water flosser for over a year now but have found that my gums will bleed if I don't use hummingbird. I now need attachments but can't afford to purchase them on eBay. I definitely wish that hummingbird would be reintroduced to the market.
Have a hummingbird and love it. I bought a battery for replacement as that is all that needs replacement. Easiest said than done. Where can I find replacement instructions? Appreciate your help.
Hi Barb. I have not seen the manual available online via a reputable source. As advised by a previous commenter on the site, to change the battery, you unscrew the base and the head unit will slide out. The battery will be exposed, replace it with a new one in the required direction, then slide the head unit back into the handle and screw the base in until it stops. The head unit only goes in one way to keep the unit from getting damaged.
Please bring it back even if we have to pay more for it!
how do I open the oral-b hummingbird flosser to replace the battery?
Another commentor, Anpav has explained this here.
Have had my hummingbird for years and it just quit. Very upset. Have lots of picks and flossers left. Please bring it back. It appears many people enjoyed its comfortable use.
I have a large amount of replacement heads...but no hummingbird unit!! I am not clines to pay between $75 to $100.00! Please bring the hummingbird back!
Hello Mr. Love, Recently, Sonicare brought a combination toothbrush/ Aqua flosser to the market. I’ve experimented with it, but I wish that an Oral-b equivalent that performs both of these important oral hygiene functions simultaneously. Do you know anything? Thank you in advance! Steven Cottone
Hi Steven. I am presuming by a combination, you are meaning a package deal where you got a Sonicare electric toothbrush and then the Sonicare Airfloss. 2 sperate products, but they were packaged together as part of the deal you purchased? I am not aware of an actual product that combines the 2. The closest thing I have seen (and is available) is the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion. Oral-B have made what is called the Oxyjet and sold it as a package that includes and electric toothbrush, but this is not really sold in the USA now. Or are you generally looking for something that combines flossing and toothbrushing in 1 product?
I still have and use a hummingbird by Oral B. I love it still. Getting the replacement heads is a problem. Why pull such a great product off the market. Wish they would bring it back!
You are "a leading voice on electric toothbrushes and has been quoted by mainstream media publications for his opinions and expertise."? Why, then, is most of this post full of unsubstantiated opinion and speculation as to the fate fo the Hummingbird? You have failed to assert just what happened to the little item.
Polly I understand your comment, but I don't necessarily have insider information. I am not employed by Oral-B to given the exact reason as to why. Companies reserve the right not to share such reasoning. I am sorry if my insights have failed to deliver the answer that you wanted. I will take this on board as constructive criticism that I can learn from ongoing to try and improve in the future.
Can’t believe the hummingbird flosser is discontinued. My husband thought we had some refills in the drawer but I told him no and that they’ve been discontinued. He’s not happy. Guess I’ll try the Waterpik but seems to me that will be messy and spritz water everywhere. Bring back the hummingbird!!
To change the battery, you unscrew the base and the head unit will slide out. The battery will be exposed, replace it with a new one in the required direction, then slide the head unit back into the handle and screw the base in until it stops. The head unit only goes in one way to keep the unit from getting damaged.
Love Love this product...wish they would bring it back. Best Dental Flosser on the market especially if you have a small mouth. Can get into every single tooth. Looks like Ebay is the only way to get the replacements and they are not cheap!
How do I change the battery? I popped off the top, changed battery but can’t get it closed again. Any suggestions?
Sorry Joyce, regretfully I don't have one to hand to be able to offer any special suggestions.
I thought i was the only person that was looking for the hummingbird until i came across your very helpful article. I spent o good part of today looking to find it or something similar. Your article has helped so much and I agree with all the others BRING BACK THE HUMMINGBIRD!
I had two! I thought that when battery died, you had to get another whole unit. After many, many yrs I gave up and threw them away. Gnash, gnashing of teeth. I still have 8 or 9 replaceable floss attachments. I am willing to try another brand. But please, oh please, Oral-B bring it back! Until then, I will boycott Oral-B products. That will show them!!! Well , probably not.
I love the Hummingbird and used to get them from the dentist. When they were discontinued, I bought all his remaining stock. and went on line to get a stockpile of replacement floss heads. I'm down to my last Hummingbird! And looking to find a new one as back-up when it dies. Nothing works as well, or is as easy to use. Nothing.
I found some left at Centre Du Rasoir
I loved the Hummingbird flossed—felt like it did a better job than regular flossing and was easy to use. I re-used the attachments as I would a toothbrush—rinsed them and sprayed them with hydrogen peroxide after each use. I have tried the Waterpik power flosser, but I cannot reach the areas between my molars; the device is too big to get it back there.
I have a very small mouth and this is very comfortable for me. I will use till it dies then just hand floss. I understand that another co. Bought them out and took them off the market so they could sell their own product
Somebody should step in and make aftermarket floss heads and pics for the Hummingbird. Hell they could even use the same Oral-B design because Oral-B is not using it anymore.
I would like to read the article about the oral b hummingbird flossed. But the very brief opening stops mid-sentence & I cant figure out how to call up the rest of the article. I’m trying to figure out how to change the battery on mine.
Hi Linda, Sorry to hear you are having trouble viewing our content. We have not had any other reports of this and our tests show the page fine. Can you give more information so that we can try and resolve the problem? I believe the base should unscrew to replace the battery. It takes a single AAA.