How to use a water flosser | Expert Reviews (2024)

FAQs

How to use a water flosser | Expert Reviews? ›

Start in the back of your mouth with the cheek side of your molars and let the water pulse as you move slowly along the gumline of the tooth, Lobo-Marwah recommends. "Spend an extra second as you come between the teeth and then continue forward," she says. You'll end up getting the front, back and between each tooth.

Hold the handle at a 90-degree angle to your teeth and spray. Water comes out in steady pulses, cleaning between your teeth. Start at the back and work your way around your mouth. Focus on the top of your teeth, the gum line, and the spaces between each tooth.

The ideal time to use a Waterpik is before you brush your teeth. This is because doing so can allow you to remove food debris and plaque. When you use a Waterpik before brushing your teeth, teeth brushing becomes more effective.

Numerous studies from the last 50 years suggest that water flossers are more effective at removing biofilm from tooth surfaces and bacteria from periodontal pockets than string floss and manual toothbrushing, together or separately. A study by Goyal et. al.

Recommended Frequency and Duration of Use: It's generally safe to use a water flosser once or twice a day for two minutes at a time. Correct Technique for Water Flossing: Hold the water flosser tip at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and gums and aim the stream of water directly at the gum line.

Hold the tip slightly away from the gums to allow the water flow to remove plaque and debris.

The rinsing action of Waterpiks may not be enough to remove plaque completely from the surface of your teeth. Some people like to use string floss first to scrape off and loosen plaque. A Waterpik can then be used to efficiently rinse out residue and plaque left behind.

Since flossing daily is recommended, using a WaterPik daily is also encouraged. Although you can use it in the morning, night usage is ideal. This is because typically, you'll go the longest without food or drink overnight. You've already had all your meals for the day and can end the day with perfectly clean teeth.

Some people use mouthwash or other substances in their water flossers rather than tap water. Replacing the water in your water flosser with mouthwash isn't bad for you, but it won't help unless you have cavities or periodontal disease, according to dentists.

While water flossers are generally considered safe for most people, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse or incorrect use can lead to gum damage. On the other hand, water flossers have been shown to improve gum health by removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease.

What's the difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser? ›

The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous. So now you know that a Waterpik is simply a type of water flosser, but what do these dental devices actually do?

Dentists generally recommend water flossers as an effective way to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy. Water flossers are especially beneficial for those wearing fixed dental appliances like bridges, permanent retainers, and braces.

A Waterpik Shouldn't Replace Brushing or Flossing

Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly. Using a Waterpik while continuing to practice good oral care can help you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.

Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

The obvious answer is yes! Give water flossing a try—most people who try water flossing never want to go back to using string floss alone. In water flossing vs floss, there is no clear winner. Using string dental floss and a water flosser together will provide the most thorough cleaning and dental hygiene.

Mouthwash or other recommended antibacterial solutions can be used in our water flossers. We recommend using no more than a 1:1 ratio of solution to water. After using additives, run at least one-half reservoir of plain water through the unit to flush the water pathway.