Typically, both air and water flossers have a flosser tip, which the stream passes through, and a reservoir that contains the water. The reservoir might be built into the handle of the flosser or be a separate tank that connects to the flosser.Flossers use a motor or pump to push the air or water up from the reservoir and through the flosser tip. Some flossers are battery-powered and only need to be plugged in to recharge, while others need to be plugged into an outlet during use. Battery-powered flossers with built-in reservoirs are typically more portable than plug-in flossers with separate water tanks.Electric flossers work by directing a stream of air and water or just water into the spaces between the teeth. The pressure of the stream helps loosen and rinse away little pieces of food, debris and plaque from between the teeth.