Let’s be honest. Most people don’t enjoy flossing. It’s not as easy to do as using an electric toothbrush. Depending on your smile, it doesn’t reach everywhere, either. You might need a floss threader, or have periodontal pockets that are simply too deep for the floss to access.
Although flossing is still an excellent oral hygiene tool, there’s still a bit of a gap for people who need to clean deep gum pockets, between back teeth, under fixed bridges, or around their dental implants.
That’s exactly what water flossers were designed to do.
Water Flosser Types and Designs
A water flosser is a special tool that sprays a strong stream of water out of a long, slender tip. “Waterpik” is the most popular brand of water flossers, which is why some people refer to these devices by that name.
Water flossers come in a variety of designs to fit your preference. Some are small and entirely handheld, with a built-in reservoir to hold water inside of the handle. Others have a larger counter-top reservoir so that you don’t run out of water as quickly. Then there are other designs that have a small tube that attaches directly to your sink faucet or showerhead for an unlimited water supply and easier adjustment to the temperature.
“How Do Water Flossers Clean My Teeth?”
Numerous studies have shown that water flossing reaches quite well under the gums and fixed dental work. For people with past periodontal disease and deep pockets, this feature is extremely important. Since flossing can only reach 2-3 millimeters under the edges of your gum tissues, you need something that can safely clean deeper under those pockets. That’s exactly what water flossing does and in a gentle manner.
Some studies have shown that water flossing can actually reach as far down as 7mm below the gum lines, inside of periodontal pockets. This characteristic alone makes water flossing priceless for our patients undergoing gum disease therapy. When you’re able to safely flush away loose dental plaque before it sticks to and accumulates inside of gum pockets, it takes your periodontal care plan to the next level.
How to Use a Water Flosser
Using a water flosser can be a little messy and take some practice. It might even feel a little ticklish. With time, all of that gets easier.
All you have to do is adjust the pressure of the water, then trace your gumlines, with the stream flushing down toward the edges of your gums. Take a moment to pause between each tooth, cleaning the gum pocket on each side of those respective teeth.
Listen to a Gum Health Expert
Our doctors at PCE see a night and day difference in their patients who religiously use their water flossers. So, whether you’re investing in one for convenience’s sake or you’re trying to get a grip on aggressive periodontal disease, a water flosser can be helpful to just about anyone. Pair your water flossing with intermittent professional cleanings and gum therapy to keep oral diseases at bay!
Contact our periodontist in The Woodlands today to schedule your next appointment.
FAQs
Trace Your Gumlines: Use the tip of your water flosser to slowly trace the edges of the gums, next to every tooth and dental implant. If you have any fixed bridges or implant dentures, take your time to flush the areas underneath the restoration next to your gums.
Why should you use a water flosser? ›
A water flosser can help remove food particles between teeth. It also can remove plaque from teeth. If you use standard dental floss, and you don't have bleeding or other problems, there's no need to change.
Is water flosser safe for implants? ›
Oral Irrigators/Water Flossers
Studies have shown that the Waterpik Water Flosser is the only oral irrigator to date that has been proven safe and effective for use with dental implants and effectively reduced plaque buildup and gingivitis in clinical trial patients.
Should you brush your teeth before or after using a water flosser? ›
Therefore, our recommendation is to consider using your Waterpik water flosser first before brushing your teeth. This will allow the stuck-on debris to dislodge and then you can easily brush the remaining area free of all particles.
How often should I floss my implants? ›
It is necessary that flossing occur at least once a day but preferably twice or more. Many dentists recommend that individuals with dental implants clean between their teeth after every meal, as this is most effective in safeguarding smiles and ensuring their longevity.
Do you use warm or cold water with water flosser? ›
Since abrupt temperature changes can cause irritating tooth sensitivity, it's best to use water that's lukewarm or room temperature. If you prefer for the water to be just a tad on the warm side, that's ok too. The key is to stick with a temperature that feels comfortable on your teeth.
Should I put mouthwash in my water flosser? ›
Yes. Some people like the taste and believe it makes their mouths feel cleaner. Although we don't think this offers additional benefits, feel free to use it. According to Waterpik, you should add less than 50% mouthwash to the reservoir, and the mouthwash must be either standard or antiseptic.
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.
How to clean implants with Waterpik? ›
Position the Tip: Position the tip of the Waterpik at a 90-degree angle to your gumline, directing the water flow toward the areas surrounding your implant dentures. Activate the Waterpik: Switch on the Waterpik to initiate the water flow and allow it to pulsate between your teeth and around your implant dentures.
Do doctors recommend water flosser? ›
Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes. The Waterpik water flosser should be the standard of care for in-between clean.
Simply trace the margins of your teeth and dental implants, allowing the water to flush under the gums and any fixed dental work (like bridges or All-on-4 implants.) Be sure to pause between each tooth to clean those spaces as well. For best results, use your water flosser at least once daily.
How do you clean your mouth with implants? ›
Antibacterial mouthwash is your go-to mouth cleaner to eliminate bacteria, reduce gum inflammation, and improve overall dental health. To keep your new implants healthy, rinse with a non-alcohol mouthwash twice daily after brushing and flossing.
Is Listerine good for implants? ›
It should not be abrasive and harsh to the implant. Mouthwash with whitening agents like peroxide may not be ideal during this time. Listerine is a popular brand and good for this purpose, however, you should avoid it in the first days. It may be appropriate to use Listerine after two weeks.
Can I use a Waterpik after dental implants? ›
A Waterpik is a great tool for effectively cleaning between the gums and the W-4 Implant Solution. We will work with you on the Waterpik and advise when to use it. Note: The Waterpik should not be used until 4 weeks after surgery. Nutrition is key to the proper healing of your mouth.
How do you floss under dental implants? ›
To reach and clean areas between implants, use floss specifically designed for implants. Gently slide the floss between each implant, making sure to clean all sides. Additionally, use an interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach spaces. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to further eliminate bacteria.
How do you brush your teeth with implants? ›
Brush your implants gently using a small, soft bristle manual or electric toothbrush to clean the faces of the teeth and critical areas where the implants and gums meet. Interdental brush heads are very effective at cleaning those hard-to-reach spaces, without scratching the surface of the implants.
