A Waterpik, also known as an oral irrigator, is a device found in most dentist’s offices and has recently become a popular option for home use. It is more effective and easier to use than string floss. To use a Waterpik water flosser, fill the reservoir with warm water and click a tip into the handle. Lean over the sink, place the tip in your mouth, turn the unit on, close lips enough to prevent splashing, let water flow from your mouth into sink, and aim the tip at the gumline.
To use a Waterpik, start with the lowest pressure setting, lean over the sink, place the tip in your mouth, turn the unit on, close lips enough to prevent splashing, and let water flow from your mouth into sink. Aim the tip at the gumline. When finished, prepare the reservoir on the Waterpik by filling it with lukewarm water. Select and insert a flossing tip; all Waterpiks come with several flossing tips included. Turn the unit on, aim the tip along your gumline, and let water flow from your mouth into sink.
A water flosser is an oral irrigation device that directs a stream of water between your teeth and gums, removing food debris, plaque, and bacteria. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water, select the right tip, place the tip in the handle, and place the tip in your mouth. Practice makes perfect! Using a Waterpik is a great complement to other dental hygiene tools, such as mouth rinses and water flossers.
In summary, using a Waterpik water flosser is a quick, easy, and effective way to maintain good dental hygiene. By following the instructions provided by your dental professional, you can effectively use this device to clean your teeth and gums.
📹 How to Use a Waterpik™Water Flosser
Learn how to use a Waterpik™ Water Flosser in this instructional video. Using a Water Flosser is fast, easy, and effective!
Can Waterpik remove tartar?
Waterpik and other water flossers cannot remove tartar, but they can help remove plaque that hardens into tartar. Studies suggest water flossers may be better than string floss for removing plaque between teeth. Tartar can break off teeth due to hard foods or brushing, causing rough or sharp patches around gums. If this occurs, it’s time to visit a dentist for dental cleaning. Hydrogen peroxide, while not dissolved, can help remove tartar-hardened plaque.
How do you remove hardened plaque?
Tartar is a hardened plaque film on teeth that can cause cavities and gum disease if left untreated. It cannot be removed by yourself and requires a professional cleaning from a dentist. To prevent tartar, practice good oral hygiene, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and have teeth cleaned every six months. Water flossers can remove tartar plaque, but some studies suggest they may be better than string floss, especially between teeth. Tartar can break off when eating hard foods or brushing too hard, leaving rough or sharp patches around the gums.
Can bacteria grow in Waterpik?
The Waterpik is a water flosser that can be used for various purposes, including daily use, orthodontics, plaque removal, deep cleaning, tongue cleaning, toothbrushing, and implant denture cleaning. It takes about 2 minutes to clean between teeth and under gums, and emptying excess water helps prevent bacteria growth. Sharing a single Waterpik can increase the risk of bacteria spreading, but replacing the nozzle before sharing can lower this risk.
Different types of Waterpik tips include daily use, orthodontic, plaque removal, deep cleaning, tongue cleaning, toothbrushing, and implant denture tips. Each tip has its own unique use and benefits, such as preventing gum disease, removing stubborn plaque, and ensuring proper dental hygiene.
Can Waterpik grow bacteria?
The Waterpik is a water flosser that can be used for various purposes, including daily use, orthodontics, plaque removal, deep cleaning, tongue cleaning, toothbrushing, and implant denture cleaning. It takes about 2 minutes to clean between teeth and under gums, and emptying excess water helps prevent bacteria growth. Sharing a single Waterpik can increase the risk of bacteria spreading, but replacing the nozzle before sharing can lower this risk.
Different types of Waterpik tips include daily use, orthodontic, plaque removal, deep cleaning, tongue cleaning, toothbrushing, and implant denture tips. Each tip has its own unique use and benefits, such as preventing gum disease, removing stubborn plaque, and ensuring proper dental hygiene.
Should I use water or mouthwash in Waterpik?
Warm water is recommended for use with water flossers, but certain agents like mouthwash and chlorhexidine can be added for flavoring and compliance. Chlorhexidine has been clinically tested and can be diluted in varying strengths. When using agents other than water, flush the unit with plain water afterwards. Avoid using iodine or water-insoluble concentrated essential oils, as they can reduce performance and shorten the product’s lifespan.
Can I scrape tartar off my teeth myself?
Trying to remove tartar off your teeth using sharp objects like dental picks or metal tools is not recommended as it can damage tooth enamel and gums, leading to further oral health issues. Improper use of scraping tools can cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel, gum injury, and increased sensitivity. Self-removal tools can introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth and bloodstream, posing significant health risks. Additionally, DIY methods are unlikely to effectively remove all tartar, especially below the gum line, which can worsen oral health issues.
Safe ways to remove tartar at home include using a tartar control toothpaste, regular flossing, using a water flosser, oil pulling, and natural remedies like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. These methods can help reduce tartar buildup, prevent future accumulation, and prevent the hardening of plaque between teeth. It is essential to use proper sterilization and use natural ingredients in moderation to ensure a healthy and effective tartar removal process.
Can I put Listerine in my Waterpik?
Water flossers, which operate on water, can be enhanced by adding mouthwash or other oral rinses. Manufacturers typically recommend using warm water for flossing, but adding a small amount of mouthwash can enhance the effectiveness of oral hygiene. Chlorhexidine and Listerine have been clinically tested for safe use in water flossers, according to Waterpik. It is important to thoroughly rinse the machine after using a solution other than water to preserve its inner components and longevity.
Consult a dentist for special rinsing agents that may benefit you. For more information on oral health and electronic flossing, contact Miami Designer Smiles, where Dr. Raul Garcia and Dr. Conchi Sanchez-Garcia have been creating beautiful, healthy smiles for over 20 years. Miami Designer Smiles welcomes patients in Miami and Coral Gables, FL.
Can I run vinegar through my Waterpik?
To clean reservoirs, it is recommended that the heated cycle be deactivated, the apparatus be air-dried, and the reservoirs be hand-washed with warm soapy water. The internal components should be cleaned using the appropriate water tip, as indicated in the user manual.
Does Waterpik clean between teeth?
A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator or dental water jet, is a device that aims a stream of water at the teeth to remove food particles and plaque. It is suitable for those with braces, orthodontics, or dental work that make flossing difficult, and those who struggle with hand flossing. To reduce the risk of bacteria contamination, a water flosser should be used by only one person and not shared with others. If plain dental floss gets stuck, waxed floss can be used, or floss holders can be used for those who struggle with handling dental floss.
Other options include interdental brushes, picks, or sticks designed to clean between teeth. Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. If you have any questions about flossing, consult your dentist.
Are you supposed to close your mouth when using a Waterpik?
In order to achieve optimal results, it is recommended that the unit and water source be activated with the lips partially closed, allowing the water to flow from the mouth into the sink.
How do you clean the inside of a Waterpik?
To clean a Waterpik TM water flosser, follow these five steps:
- Clean the outside of the unit using a soft cloth and mild non-abrasive cleanser.
- Clean the water reservoir by removing it from the unit and massaging it under warm water for 30-45 seconds. The reservoir can be hand washed with warm soapy water or placed in the top rack of your dishwasher. Air-drying is recommended instead of a heated dry cycle.
- Clean the internal parts by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 16 ounces of warm water. Run this solution through the unit until the reservoir is empty. Rinse by repeating with a full reservoir of clean warm water.
- For countertop models, clean the handle by removing the tip from the unit using the eject button and soaking it in a mixture of 2 parts water, 1 part white vinegar for 5-7 minutes. Rinse the handle under warm water.
- Clean the flosser tip by removing it from the unit and soaking it in a container of 2 parts water, 1 part hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for 5 minutes. Rinse the tip under warm water.
For maximum effectiveness over time, replace water flosser tips every 3-6 months. The tips can become clogged and/or affected by mineral deposits. By following these steps, you can easily keep your Waterpik water flosser clean and continue to benefit your oral health.
📹 How to Use The Waterpik – Dr. Nemeth Tutorial
We are happy to help you. Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associates 29829 Telegraph Road # 111 Southfield, MI 48034 …
I have a really loose gum pocket at the very back of my mouth that recently flared up and causes me extreme pain every time I eat. I ordered this and started using it for the first time last night and I finally feel some relief! I am hoping with daily continued use this will help heal the gum and get my mouth back to normal.
I got this today at Costco and just did a first run. Little bit of gum bleeding which should subside with subsequent uses, I think it’s actually a sign that the gums are stronger when they don’t bleed. Anyway, I’m optimistic, it felt pretty good and seems like it would be a pleasant thing to mix in a little mouthwash in the tank. Looking forward to a nice future with this.
hello waterpik professionals and / or administartors, following my purchase when i wrote you the first time about 1 month ago, yesterday was my 1st dentist appointment since, for the record, i go twice a year (every 6 months), am a live singer / harmonica player in a working band, so my mouth is important, anyways, i’m still getting used to using it, i haven’t totally grasped dexterity for the upper part yet, my dentist was pleased with the state of my gums, so you have a pretty damn happy customer right here, takes getting used to but totally worth it, cheers.
I tried to use waterpik water flosser but after starting the motor of the product jets of water started spraying my mirror and walls of the bathroom. I attempted to regain control of the device but it was too late and my dog Octavian who is usually in the bathroom with me was sprayed and fell to the floor. After I started yelling for help my brothers entered the bathroom and we were able to deactivate the waterpik water flosser.
I actually really enjoy the water pick. There’s always lots of jokes about it even at my house lol. But at the end of the day it really does work and my teeth actually feel cleaner. Definitely use warm water feels way better. The first few times I used it my gums bleed but I think it was due to not being good about flossing. Anyway I really do enjoy this product and would recommend giving it a try.
actually a pretty great product. I never flossed, but I needed to start because my gums were inflamed and irritated. One of the biggest things that kept me from flossing is my permanent retainer on the lower teeth and how it would not allow me to floss that area. This product allows me to clean out all the areas with ease, despite the retainer.
One of the best investments ever. Invigorating gums with water flossing increases dental health in a number of ways. I know from family experience, that if you have sensitive, bleeding gums upon brushing, this will strengthen the gums and reduce or eliminate bleeding. It also helps reduce recession dramatically. Myself and other family members have been using them for decades. My mom was prescribed dental surgery a long long time ago. Luckily someone told her about the water pik, she used it ever since and never needed the surgery. At 90 she still has her teeth and is thrilled. I could go on. I wish ALL dental professionals would loudly promote the use.
I’m loving all the jokes, but in all seriousness, this product really works! I invested in one if these babies after a wisdom tooth extraction, and I haven’t stopped singing this products praises since. I put Listerine in my reservoir. My teeth are super white, smooth, my gums FEEL healthy, I can see all the little gaps between my teeth where I use to have plaque. Buy this product, you will not be disappointed. I use it everyday, multiple times a day, and I never use water… only mouthwash.
LYRICS brushing alone is not enough if you just brush food and debris get left behind The waterpik water flosser is the easy and most effective way to clean between teeth to get started follow these simple steps fill reservoir with warm water and place firmly in the base select a tip thats right for you click firmly into handle if this is your first use, you’ll need to prime the pump Number one, set the pressure control to high Number two, point the tip into the sink Number three, turn on until water flows Number four, turn unit off Now let’s get on to water flossing (chorus) Start with the lowest pressure setting lean over the sink and place the tip in your mouth turn unit and water on partially close lips to prevent splashing, and let water flow from your mouth into the sink aim the tip at the gumline for best results, start with your back teeth move along your gumline, pausing briefly between teeth floss front and backside of teeth for one minute a day the Waterpik® water flosser removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and is up to 50% more effective than string floss you can have healthier gums and brighter teeth with the Waterpik® water flosser … (music)
I tried mine for the first time last night and followed up with flossing to see what was missed. Hardly anything! And I had it on the lowest setting and it wasn’t messy – though the vibrations were strong. Do you recommend placing a towel underneath to lower the vibrations and loud sound? Pleased with the results.
I hate string floss. It feels like it takes forever, and I constantly worry that I’m cleaning too deep and loosening my teeth. I also hate how the string gets stuck between some of my teeth and I have to resist the urge to give up and just yank it out. It just really triggers my anxiety overall, so I just stopped using it at all, and I knew that was very bad for my gums, but whenever I thought about using it, I just had no motivation. I got scared and depressed just thinking about the string floss. Eventually I knew I had to do something about it, so I looked up alternatives online and found out about water flossers. Apparently my mother has one that she doesn’t even use, so I started using it instead and my teeth and gums look so much cleaner now (or at least they look cleaner when I look in the mirror, so that’s still a plus). It’s much quicker and easier for me to use, and it’s relaxing too. I’m never going back to using string floss (not like I was using it in the first place anyway). Many people say that string floss is better and can clean places that the waterpik cannot reach, but I honestly don’t really care anymore at this point. Using the water flosser is still better than not flossing at all.
I eat yogurt ALMOST EVERYDAY. I don’t have flavored yogurt, I have unflavoured yogurt, (and I have a lot of unflavoured yogurts) 1:- yogurt plus vanilla extract plus sugar 2:- yogurt plus cocoa powder plus sugar 3:- yogurt plus strawberry extract(i have this, but if u don’t then you can skip) plus sugar 4:- yogurt plus bananas plus sugar and blend and pour in a bowl 5:- same like 4 but with blueberries 6:- same like 5 but with real strawberries, not the extract I eat bcz of sensitivity of the pressure from braces on my teeth. and I like yogurt.
i am a carnivore, and got issues with my molars and due to a bad practise i had a couple places filed inbetween for braces when i was younger. naturally, i am now collecting lots of meat in these places. i am able to get rid of 80-90% of the meatmatter with traditional flossing. do you think that waterflossers have enough pressure to really push out the matter? since going carnivore my teethhealth immensely increased, but at the cost of smelly meat pockets 🙁
My dentist insisted me to get this one.. I didn’t, I thought that by just brushing my teeth every time I eat something will be enough. Big mistake! … now I have gingivitis on one tooth, and I bought the water pick fusión ( brush and floss). It feels SO weird in my teeth and I did a mess on my sink the first time, let’s see if this helps now combined with periodically cleanings with the dentist. It supposed to eliminate 99% of plaque
hello waterpik professionals, i have 2 questions, i need to buy a replacement part,,,the one i bought came with 2 tubes, one that makes the spray come out fast and the other a little slower, i need another fast one please, actually, 2 fast ones and 1 slow,,,,,and, how do i clean the inside of the machine tube where the water goes, thx
Mine didn’t have pressure settings like that, it was just the on and off switch with an extra ‘on’ that would make the water even harder. The default by itself was much too hard for my teeth, it hurt my gums and even hurt my hand when I just put it on my hand. Dunno if you guys changed the model or something but it’s a bit much.
my age is 24, After using water floss, I am having lot of blood, and in almost all teeth gums i am having blood. my age is 24, I am new to use water flosssing, After using water floss, I am having lot of blood, and in almost all teeth gums i am having blood. Is it normal and should i continue or go to dentist
I used it today for the first time…got braces, even with the lower pressure it s too much pressure…my gums were bleeding, it s quite painful too…and I only used it like for 10 seconds, couldn t continue….not mentioning that everything got wet…but its imposible not to look in the mirror for the first time… I m sure it does help to remove the bacteria..but I find this kind of cleaning quite agressive if you have sensitive teeth and gums….
Just used it for the first time— it is so hard to aim while focusing on letting a whole bunch of water drip out of your mouth. If you angle it wrong it all runs down your hand and the wand, and next thing you know it’s all over the place. I’ll try again but idk. Also sucks that it sounds really loud. Everyone else is sleeping.
Coming here after about 4 years later and just to report the one I had was like a JOKE.. It soaked me like a clown and I didn’t have a pressure dial on mine at all… I wonder can we get our money back ? 😮😮😢 It almost tore a hole in my mouth as well. 😢😢😢 people think they just be tripping but yes protest because they must confess. They have this new thing out that says it flosses top and bottom teeth at the same time. We better watch out for. that. Take care 😢
I actually thought that water flossing was some sort of gimmick to spend money on, when a simple toothbrush would do. I also didn’t not brush my teeth every night and simply fell asleep. Like teeth brushing was just a cosmetic exercise. I’m also diabetic. A few months ago, I was working on a project and I started taking less of my medication and eating candy. I’ve always been a sweets person but, not much hard candy. I started getting a lot of tooth pain on the left side and it was recommending that I use Clove Oil. I used it for quite a few months, but ultimately, I’ve increasingly found myself in pain at night, still not finding time out of my extremely busy work schedule to see a dentist and also because I have a lot of fear. I’ve taken Clove Oil, tooth analgesic from the Dollar Tree and, when it’s gotten worse, aspirin and Aleve. But, about 2 weeks ago, I picked up a water flosser. Although, even on the lowest setting, it hurt on the left side of my mouth, I could feel a bit of an improvement. Then, a week ago, I also added Crest Gum Detoxify Toothpaste and the Crest for Gums mouthwash. I think the toothpaste is supposed to be able to get to 4mm under the gum. There’s been far less pain since then. I still feel I likely have cavities and need to visit the dentist. But, I’d much rather continue along this path for a bit first and arrive at the dentist with a healthier and less pain sensitive mouth, for less work to be done and charged for. But, with good day and night oral care, in just a few short days, I feel as if I’m on my way to a healthier mouth and overall body as, oral care affects the health of the rest of your body.
Great info Dr Nemeth. I just used my waterpik for the first in all my 67 years. It felt so good! I have been flossing most of my life, and then I found out from a retired dentist that adults need to use waterpiks for dental health. I’m ordering the interdental brushes also. Thanks so much. BTW, you have beautiful teeth.
I think when leaning down into the sink I will place a hand-held mirror. Can always wash the small mirror. Having worked for oral surgeons I learned to not dry out the mouth and gums. So, I tend to avoid mouth rinses with drying agents like alcohol. I buy mouth rinses at natural food stores. They have things like neem, clove, and fennel. Very refreshing and moisturizing for the mouth. The waterpik I have is an all-in-one with sonic toothbrush, charging station, waterpik and multiple waterpik attachments. We’ve had to replace the rechargeable battery twice on the sonic toothbrush because we cannot find another all-in-one like this to replace it. We love it!
This was most helpful. Thanks for the detail of using the flosser. The directions to my new flosser was basic and non-descriptive. However, Dr. Nemeth answered all my questions about how to use and how frequent to use. He also answered my question about substituting flossing with the pic. Good job and thank you!!!!!
I love, love, love my water pik! My gums have receded and food particles get stuck, especially around my top wisdom teeth. This is a particularly difficult spot to brush, and floss, but my water pik gets all the stuck food particles out easily! Food left behind by brushing will cause that area to become sensitive and also hurt if not removed quickly!
This is the best article I found. Thanks for the great tutorial. I have deep pockets that are getting worse, and I have been referred to a periodontist. In the meantime, I started using an oral irrigator and didn’t know to hold the applicator horizontal. It appears that you hold the applicator right up against your teeth, is that correct? The instructions said to hold it about 1 inch from the teeth but that is impractical. Today is my first day using it and I can see why it’s so good to do even if I’m not doing this 100% correct.
Thank you doc! The moment I’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis but the floss that they gave me is just too much and my teeth are too sensitive to really dig up with that type of floss in there. Water pick to see if that would help and it’s a lot easier for me to use but I wasn’t exactly using it to its effectiveness. This article really helped me out and I’m really hoping now that my dental health can be improved. Thank you so much!!
This was such a needed article that demonstrates the precise way to effectively use a Waterpik, I am ready now to use mine that has been languishing because I was not sure how. I am 66, visit my dentist for quarterly cleanings and I hear I have modest recession, worst on the backs of my bottom front teeth which only bothers me during cleaning. At what point do you recommend recession-reversing treatment? (I do not smoke but I do drink coffee)
Doc I just started using a waterpik and discovered I wasn’t using it the right way until I watch this great instructional article! Thanks so much. Off topic side note – To me when you speak you kind of sound like Christopher Walken! I bet if you ever tried you would do a great impression of him! I kept imagining you talking like he does in this article. It could be fun and you might double your audience!
Thanks so much for this article, Dr. Nemeth. I love your website, because you seem like a reasonable person who isn’t afraid to think outside the box. I am trying to take my gum health very seriously given its relation to overall health, and being at home more often affords me an opportunity to do so. I have a few questions. 1. I have been experimenting with interproximal brushes, and picked up the GUM flossers you recommended. They’re great, but with all these interproximal brushes, sometimes I feel as though the stiff bristles on the brushes are irritating my gums, and even potentially introducing small tears in the gingiva. I don’t recall noticing any bleeding, but I’m just curious if you have any recommendations to minimize irritation, or if it’s not really a cause for concern. 2. My mouth is apparently on the smaller side, and I have great difficulty reaching the back of my teeth with interproximal brushes (and even more so with floss). Flossing swords that are angled in a certain way have worked the best, but I really would like to get an interproximal brush back there if I can, as I do notice a lot of inflammation and bleeding when I do clean that region. Any tips for proximal brushes that would be good for this? I have trouble visualizing the area, and after a few attempts the proximal brushes are bent. 3. I would love to come to your clinic, but I don’t believe my dental health is quite so dire currently. Do you do referrals to periodontists that you think are talented and keep up with the latest research?
Thanks for the tutorial. I have just ordered a waterpic, by my hygienist’s recommendation. It’s helpful to see such a tutorial. I have severe malocclusion, 2-impacted wisdom teeth that have been acid-whithered by past GIRD. Still, I have been able to keep my teeth. I have needed deep cleanings, to recover from periods when I couldn’t afford a professional cleaning. Chlorhexidine has helped keep the results between cleanings. I also use floride rinse, kids bubble-gum flavor! Oddly, I think that using woven floss has worked much better than non-woven, but it’s really hard to find. Gum-Care floss used to be the best floss; now it’s off the market. I am using Hyden’s woven now. I buy 6 at a time. Whereas Gum-Care floss was softer yet fluffier, Hayden’s is more compact, yet still porous. You can feel it against your teeth. It seems that the fibers cut under the soft kind of plaque, and then the plaque becomes trapped in the floss. I use at least 24″ of floss, advancing as I go, with the aim to get the plaque out of my mouth : ) ) I just ordered a waterpic to help, too. Thanks for the tutorial.
I bought one of these a couple of months ago but didn’t use it because I couldn’t figure out HOW to use it without getting water everywhere. I tried closing my mouth to use it but that didn’t work. I tried opening my mouth over the sink but I still made a mess everywhere. I thought you had to go in between each tooth like when you floss. And yes I was looking in the mirror to make sure I did that occasionally which was a mess. Now I’m just going to shoot for the gum line and hope for the best as the article says. If this doesn’t work I’m taking it down to the thrift store and getting rid of it.
Just to add to that wonderful article. One day I decided to look down the handle of the water pick with the nozzle removed and I saw something black. I flushed the pick out with out the nozzle by adding hydrogen peroxide in the reservior. I noticed copius amounts of black crude coming out of the water pick. I cleaned it several times until nothing came out. The next day, more came out so I threw the pick in the garbage. I have had sensitive gums before that with red tissue around the teeth, and I blame that. Since then I have not used a water pick but if I do, I will toss the thing probably once a year to be on the safe side.
What about water flossing around crowns? When I floss I can feel a ridge with the string under my gum and I feel like there is plaque getting built up there as a corner of that gun periodically turns darker and gets a bit sore. How can I keep it cleaner and prevent irritation with the pic if I cant point the tip that direction?
What are your thoughts on waxed dental floss have PFAs now (toxins for those that don’t know). Harvard did a study and found some were much higher in levels and it was the ‘waxed’ floss that was in question. I’d like to know what an expert thinks because we’re using this on gums that can get into the bloodstream. Thanks in advance.
I’ve got periodontitis and had scaling and root planing done a week ago on the right side of my mouth, and just yesterday had the left side done. The hygienist suggested a waterpik for me and I bought one right away. I haven’t used it yet for fear of it interfering with my gums reattaching to the tooth, or like you had mentioned in the article, it potentially pushing things into my gums. I know all patients are different, but at what point would you recommend I would be “safe” to do this? I really don’t want my tooth and gum health to go back to how bad it was!
I’ve used a water pick for years now and I love it, however, I’ve ran into a problem that others might be able to help with. I periodically rinse my system with hot water/peroxide, but after all these years I seem to not get it clean anymore. After each use, I give myself a sore throat, and no amount of cleaning seems to stop this. For that reason, I have retired the water pick to under my sink, and I have not had a sore throat directly after since. I’d love to use it again, any advice on cleaning the system better? I haven’t tried bleach, was hesitant.
I have a question for Dr. Nemeth. My dental office keeps urging me to have a deep cleaning. But I’m on blood thinner and I would most likely have to go off the blood thinner and do a Lovenox bridge which is really a nuisance. One dentist whose opinion I respect said deep cleanings are not necessary. I’m interested in getting your opinion.
How long should a waterpik session last? I saw one thing that said 1 minute which seems totally wrong? The instructions don’t give any indication. It’s taking me the better part of 10 minutes to do it, I don’t know if I’m being too particular about it… I feel I need to cover each area of gumline for about 15s and then I have to go in between the teeth as well. It all takes time and adds up. Am I overkilling it? Is a quick pass over the surfaces sufficient? I just feel in order to achieve the desired result, more than 1 minute in total is needed. Thanks for any feedback.
Great website thank you for posting! Could you please clarify if a person should continue using Waterpik if the gums are bleeding? I was told by the hygienist that I should continue using the Waterpic especially if my gums are bleeding and that I should mix in one part water to one part mouthwash when using Waterpic. If I understood correctly this is something you do not recommend.
Dr. Nemeth: I’m certain that, in the Cosmic scheme of things, somewhere there’s a pair of gleaming dentures with my name on it. But THANKS TO YOUR SIMPLE, WONDERFULLY USEFUL TUTORIAL, the Cosmic DATE when I’ll first glue said choppers into my toothless head will be significantly delayed. And who knows? Maybe my teeth and gums will outlast the rest of my body, and I can go to the “wrong side of the lawn” with my real teeth! Thanks again, Doc. You da man! 😁
Can this replace flossing? I’m having a really uncomfortable problem with flossing. I have so many silver fillings between teeth that the string always gets stuck between teeth. Everyone knows how painful and uncomfortable this is and I have had to go to my dentist multiple times to have flossing string removed. I have ask my dentist if there’s an alternative to flossing string and he always tells me the same thing ” get a thinner tooth string ” or ” get string with wax” . They are not working for me and I’m seriously hoping this is the solution.
I use alkaline salt water in pik. I read acid waste product from bad bacteria eats away at bone tissue and good bacteria likes alaline emvitonment so salt serves dual purpose of neutralizing acid waste and promoting favorable environment for good bacteria? My own theory, really never heard anything about this scheme. Any ideas would be welcome.
Somehow on the lingual side of the tooth along the gum line I can’t use the full pressure but in the facial side I can let it rip with full pressure. Because of the pandemic, I stopped going to my dental hygienist, and I ended up losing a tooth for the first time. I was horrified and now I’m completely reforming.
One of my canine has exposed too much bone. And my orthodontist recommended gum graft to fix the issue. Right now, I am in braces. I am planning to buy water flosser cause cleaning in between teeth is very hard. Any advice for me? Should I not use water flosser to my exposed-bone canine or should I undergo gum graft and after it, use the water flosser? Any useful tips? Anyone guide. Thank You