Dh wants me to ask here about them. Our new dentist is recommending one, but we’re both not inclined. What are we missing? Do you love yours, and if so why? What’s so great about them?
Per our hygienist, tap water without any additives should be avoided because that water jet will just drive bacteria further into the gum. He recommends adding IO Rinse solution to the water.
https://www.amazon.com/Concentrated-Irrigant-Molecular-Alcohol-Free-Irrigation/dp/B088R3XKV3
Good to know. Do you use one? Has it helped?
I don’t know why we are resistant to it. Dh uses nasal rinses all the time so it’s not a weird/gross factor.
My husband had an implant a few years back and the dentist recommended he use a water pik water flosser.
I don’t think using anything other than tap water has been suggested.
Do water piks take the place of regular flossing or is it in addition?
Yes I use it with IO concentrate added to tap water, but I don’t use it daily. Floss and Sonicare brush is my daily routine.
They are not a replacement for regular flossing according to my hygienist. Just a supplement!
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My hygienist recommended I get one. I love it. Your be surprised at what it dislodges that regular flossing doesn’t get. I definitely recommend.
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My daughter has been using a waterpik since she got a fixed retainer when she was in middle school (after her braces came off) probably close to 20 years now!
We have been through many models over this time period. We originally had the big one with the large water tank. We changed to portable ones so she could pack it when going on vacation. The portable ones have changed over time to have USB charging ability.
We have never bought the highest level ones. However, the last one we bought, my daughter felt was too strong (even on the lowest setting).
If you are just starting out, I suggest getting one with lots of strength settings, so you can get used to it and decide which setting you like best.
We use tap water and clean them out occasionally with white vinegar.
I just started using a WaterPik after having the world’s largest suspension bridge placed in my lower jaw. (Ten teeth.) I really really like it. As @itsgettingreal21 mentioned, it finds little food bits that neither flossing nor the proxy brushes seem to find. My mouth feels very good after using it. But I use it now in addition to flossing, the proxy brushes, brushing with an electric toothbrush, and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash.
Yeah, my evening dental routine takes about 15 minutes all together.
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I tried one on my dentist’s recommendation but felt like I was being waterboarded. It’s been sitting in a drawer for a couple of years now.
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Using a water flosser at least 3 or 4 times a week has saved my teeth I think. Once I started using it the dentist noticed immediately and my cleanings were so swift after that. I do still floss regularly but use picks because of small mouth arch, so it’s picks or not flossing - I do the picks daily, sometimes multiple, depends. Also, dentist said water floss first, then brush you teeth with fluoride toothpaste last. Leave the water reservoir tab open in between flossing so it completely dries out.
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I floss, then use my water pik. Gets out all of the stuff that the floss loosens. Then I brush. My teeth feel much cleaner. And I have a crown and I feel that the water pik helps keep it cleaner around the base. Takes a small amount of time to get used to, but I don’t think I’ll ever not use one.
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I love my water flosser! First, you will be appalled at the bits of stuff that are dislodged (I have chia seeds every morning in my oatmeal and there are always a couple stuck no matter how well I brush/floss)
But more importantly, I think the flosser “power washes” the gum line to get rid of the sticky plaque that would turn into tartar. I can use regular floss but it doesn’t really get all of it off.
And when I say power wash, it’s not that much pressure. But it does the job. My check ups have been great since I started using it a few years ago.
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OK, dh is going to watch YT videos to see what he thinks. Thanks for info, all!
Can people share, or does everyone need their own?
I use my Waterpik every night before bed, after flossing and brushing. It gets a surprising amount out that the brush and floss missed.
Use the power level that is right for you. For me that is just level 2.
The printed instructions say to only use water. I also run a vinegar solution through it once per month as it suggests, to prevent the buildup of hard water minerals.
OK, dh has ordered one! Thanks again!
To prevent anyone from using alcohol based mouthwash like Listerine which can cause dryness and irritation.
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You just need to have individual tips for each person. They usually come with a few and you can buy extras.