What You Should Know About Using a Waterpik

When it comes to keeping your smile healthy, brushing and flossing are key—but have you ever wondered if there’s something else you could do to improve your oral hygiene routine? Many people turn to a Waterpik, or water flosser, as an effective addition to traditional flossing.

What Is Waterpik?

A Waterpik is a brand of water flosser, a device that uses a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. It’s easy to use and can be especially helpful for those who find traditional flossing challenging or uncomfortable.

How Does a Waterpik Work?

Water flossers, like the Waterpik, feature a small reservoir that you fill with water (you can add a bit of mouthwash if desired) and a nozzle that directs a steady stream of water where you need it. By aiming the water at a 90-degree angle along the gumline, you can effectively clean hard-to-reach areas and flush out bacteria that may be lurking between teeth.

Benefits of Using a Waterpik

• Easy on Sensitive Gums: Traditional flossing can be uncomfortable for people with sensitive gums. Water flossers are gentler on gums while still effectively removing debris and plaque.
• Ideal for Orthodontic Appliances: If you have braces, bridges, or dental implants, using a Waterpik can help clean around these areas more easily than standard floss.
• Improves Gum Health: Studies have shown that regular use of a water flosser can reduce inflammation, decrease bleeding, and improve gum health over time.
• Good for Dry Mouth: Those who experience dry mouth can benefit from the hydrating effect of a Waterpik, as it adds moisture while cleaning.

Waterpik vs. Traditional Flossing

While the Waterpik is a fantastic tool for oral hygiene, it’s important to note that it doesn’t fully replace traditional flossing. Dental floss is excellent for scraping off plaque from the sides of teeth and breaking up the bacteria that form along the gumline. A Waterpik can serve as a supplement to regular flossing or, for some patients, a suitable alternative if traditional flossing isn’t an option.

Who Should Use a Waterpik?

Water flossers can be helpful for anyone, but they’re particularly beneficial for:

• People with braces, bridges, or implants
• Individuals with gum disease or gingivitis
• Those with dry mouth
• Patients who find traditional flossing difficult due to dexterity issues

Waterpik With Braces

Using a Waterpik with braces can be a game-changer for maintaining oral hygiene, as it easily cleans around brackets and wires that traditional flossing might miss. The Waterpik’s pulsating stream helps flush out food particles and bacteria, reducing plaque buildup and preventing white spots or decay around braces. It’s gentler on sensitive gums than standard floss and saves time, making it a convenient choice for those with orthodontic appliances. For best results, use an orthodontic tip if available, and start with a low to medium pressure setting for a comfortable, effective clean.

How To Use a Waterpik

Using a Waterpik can be an excellent addition to your daily oral hygiene routine, helping to clean areas that brushing and traditional flossing might miss. If you’re new to water flossers, getting started may seem a bit tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll find it easy to incorporate into your routine. Aiming a gentle stream of water between your teeth and along the gum line, a Waterpik flushes away food particles and plaque, promoting healthier gums and fresher breath. Here’s a quick guide on how to use a Waterpik effectively for a cleaner, brighter smile.

#1: Charge the Waterpik

The first step is to make sure that the water flosser is fully charged before using it. Similar to an electric toothbrush, a water flosser is typically cordless and charges on a charging stand so that it can sit upright during the charging process.

#2: Fill the Reservoir With Water

The next step is to fill the Waterpik’s reservoir with warm water. You can also add a small amount of mouthwash for an extra-fresh feeling if desired.

#3: Choose the Appropriate Tip

Choose the tip that best suits your needs. Many Waterpiks come with a range of tips, including standard, orthodontic, or plaque-seeking tips for different cleaning goals. Attach it securely to the device.

#4: Adjust the Pressure Setting

Start on a low-pressure setting if you’re new to water flossing, then gradually increase it as you get comfortable. Most people find a medium-pressure setting effective and comfortable.

#5: Lean Over the Sink

To avoid splashing, lean over the sink, place the tip in your mouth, and close your lips slightly around it, letting the water flow out into the sink.

#6: Aim and Clean

Turn the Waterpik on and aim the tip at a 90-degree angle along your gumline. Starting from the back of your mouth, slowly guide the tip along your gumline and between each tooth, pausing briefly to let the water flush away debris.

#7: Empty and Rinse

Once finished, empty the reservoir and rinse your Waterpik to keep it clean and ready for the next use.

How To Clean a Waterpik

To keep your Waterpik in top working condition and ensure it remains hygienic, it’s important to clean it regularly. A water flosser typically needs to be cleaned every 1 to 3 months, depending on the mineral deposits that may have built up on the unit.

#1: Clean the Reservoir

Remove the water reservoir and wash it with warm, soapy water every few days. For a deeper clean, once a week, fill the reservoir with a mixture of water and white vinegar (in a 1:1 ratio) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

#2: Clean the Tips

Soak the tips in a cup of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for 5-7 minutes once a week to sanitize them. Rinse thoroughly with warm water before placing them back on the unit.

#3: Clean the Handle and Hose

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the handle and hose, being careful not to let water seep into any electrical parts. If you notice mineral buildup, a soft brush can help gently scrub away residue.

#4: Descale the Internal Parts

To prevent mineral buildup in hard water areas, run a diluted vinegar solution (about 1:8 parts) through the Waterpik every 1-3 months. Fill the reservoir, run the solution through the unit until half is used, and then run plain water through to rinse.

#5: Wipe the Base Unit

Periodically, use a damp cloth to wipe down the base of the Waterpik, where dust and moisture can accumulate.

Final Thoughts

A Waterpik can be an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine, especially if you have dental work that makes traditional flossing a challenge. However, for the best results, consult with your dentist to see if a Waterpik is right for you and learn the best way to incorporate it into your daily regimen. When used correctly, a Waterpik can help keep your gums healthy, reduce plaque, and ensure your smile stays bright.

Ready To Try a Waterpik?

If you’re curious about how a Waterpik can improve your dental health, ask us during your next appointment! We’re here to help you find the best tools and techniques to support your oral hygiene goals.

For informational purposes only.