Water Flossers for Everyday Oral Care

According to clinical studies, water flossers can remove up to 99.99% of plaque compared to flossing by hand. They are also gentler on sensitive gums and more convenient for those with limited dexterity than other interdental cleansing methods.

Use your water flosser at least once daily, preferably after your nighttime brushing, as a means to effectively clean between your teeth and remove daily accumulated food particles and plaque, along with decreasing the chances of nighttime bacterial buildup. If your diet is composed primarily of a lot of sweets or sticky foods, use it twice daily (morning and evening).

Use a water flosser following the tooth brushing. The entire routine of oral care is normally "brushing first, then flossing."

Brushing: This is the first cleaning step, wherein the toothbrush scrapes away the majority of food particles, soft deposits, and plaque from the surfaces of teeth and between teeth by mechanical friction.

Water flossing: This is an adjunct deep-cleaning treatment. The wide, high-speed water jet reaches into locations inaccessible to a toothbrush, such as interdental areas, gum pockets, and interproximal space around orthodontic appliances, and dislodges residual debris and bacteria.

Post-meal quick cleaning: If you have to clean your teeth immediately after meals, you can start with the water flosser to remove the larger chunks of food and brush afterwards to prevent allowing the junk to sit stuck in between teeth for so long.

Orthodontic/Implant users: For those wearing braces or implants, it is recommended that a water flosser be used after meals before brushing. This will help prevent food particles from causing gum inflammation or infection around the restoration.

Water flossers can contribute to whiter teeth by helping to dislodge surface stains and prevent new stain buildup. Regular use of a water flosser, in conjunction with brushing and consistent dental cleanings, can help maintain a brighter smile.

Misconception: Water flossers can replace brushing.

Water flossers cannot remove plaque and soft deposits from the surface of teeth. They must be used in conjunction with brushing for cleaning in its entirety.

Contraindication: Forcing the nozzle hard against the gums.

While using a water flosser, position the nozzle in spaces between the teeth or gum pockets but position it near the gums, without forcing the nozzle into the gums, to avoid damaging soft tissue.

Special Considerations:

Gingivitis or periodontal patients can start with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase as they get used to it.

Individuals who recently underwent dental implants or periodontal surgery should consult with their dentist beforehand to make sure that the healing process will not be disrupted.