How to Effectively Use a Water Flosser
Conventional wisdom dictates that brushing your teeth twice daily is good for oral health. Turns out, doing just that isn’t enough! Brushing regularly will only clean the surfaces of your teeth. But this leaves the food and harmful bacteria that hide between your teeth. Ignoring them eventually leads to plaque buildup, bad breath and other dental problems.
We can safely say cleaning your teeth now means brushing AND flossing your teeth. This is because while brushing removes plaque and food from your teeth surfaces, flossing lifts and releases these particles from between your teeth. Now you might be thinking that adding another step to your oral hygiene routine is too much work. But the benefits of flossing regularly far outweigh the effort it takes.
What is flossing?
Flossing is essentially cleaning food and debris from the spaces between your teeth. It has become an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene because it reaches areas of your mouth that your toothbrush simply cannot. Dentists recommend flossing daily as part of a good oral hygiene routine. We recommend using a water flosser regularly in combination with brushing your teeth. What exactly is an oral flosser though? It is a device that creates a high-pressure jet of water to clean between the teeth and below the gumline. Regular use of a water flosser has been clinically proven to reduce gingivitis1, remove plaque and improve overall oral health.
Proper technique becomes very important when using a water flosser. Using it improperly can at best not give you a proper clean, and at worst, cause damage to your teeth and gums. Worry not though, because today we’ll dive into how a water flosser works, and how to use a water flosser properly.
How does a water flosser work?
We’ve already told you what flossing is, but how exactly does it work? At the core of any water flosser is a simple, but effective design. There are a few key components at the heart of any flosser. Let’s talk in detail.
Components Of A Water Flosser
1. Water Reservoir
This is the container that holds water that will be used by the flosser. An average flosser has a reservoir with a capacity of 200-250 mL.
2. Motor and Pump
A motor is used to power a pump, which in turn pulls the water out of the reservoir and forces it through the flosser’s system.
3. Pressure Control
Most flossers allow users to adjust the water pressure according to their comfort.
4. Pulsing Mechanism
A rapid pulsing action is created in the water stream by this mechanism, which helps dislodge stubborn food particles and debris from in-between the teeth.
5. Flosser Tips
These are the removable, specialized tips through which the water flows and it is what directs the water stream into your mouth.
Now that you know what goes into a water flosser, let’s take a quick look at how it works.
How to use water flossers?
In this section, we’ll specifically be talking about how to use Caresmith cordless water flossers, but you can use the same general instructions for most other water flossers too.
Detach the water reservoir, and fill it with lukewarm water. Avoid using water that’s too hot or too cold. If your dentist has recommended it, you can also add some Chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Attach the flosser tip that came along with the flosser to the top of the flosser body.
If it is present, use the pressure dial or button to adjust the pressure of the water stream to where you feel comfortable. If you’re new, then use it on the lowest pressure.
Hold the tip slightly away from the gums and teeth, not directly against them. Keep it so that it is just above the gumline. Lean over a sink to avoid splashing water everywhere.
Start at the back of your mouth and work your way around your mouth. Make sure that you’re spraying water between each tooth. Hold the tip on each tooth for at least 2 seconds, tracing along the gumline. Make sure that you floss the inside and outside of your teeth.
The entire flossing process should take about 2 minutes. If there is any water left in the flosser, make sure to dump it out as keeping it may cause bacteria to grow.
Why is it important to floss every day?
We’ve already discussed why flossing is so important and how it needs to be a part of your regular oral routine. To drive the point home, let’s discuss the benefits of flossing regularly.
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth. This prevents any buildup that could lead to gingivitis and further advanced gum diseases.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that will harden into tartar if not dislodged by a water flosser.
Bad breath is a result of bacteria growth that happens when food is stuck between your teeth.
Flossing prevents acid attacks on tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities in your teeth.
Cleaning & Maintenance of Water Flosser
Since a water flosser is something that is used in your mouth, it becomes crucial that you keep your flosser clean and well-maintained. Here are some ways how you can do that.
- Drain any remaining water from the reservoir by tilting it over the sink.
- Rinse the reservoir after every use with some clean water. Pat it dry with a clean cloth.
- Wipe down the handle with a clean, dry and damp cloth.
- Clean the nozzle and flosser tips by rinsing with water and wiping with a cloth after every use.
- Replace the flosser tips every 3-6 months for optimal performance.
- Choose good quality flosser tips that are designed for your flosser model. Replacement tips for all our flossers are also available on our website.
- Make sure you keep the flosser motor off when you’re cleaning to prevent any damage.
Conclusion
To conclude, incorporating a water flosser into your oral hygiene routine is an effective and convenient way to improve your dental health. Regular use of a water flosser has been clinically proven to reduce gingivitis, improve gum health, and freshen breath. Incorporating this modern tool into your brushing and flossing routine is a small investment of time that pays big dividends in terms of better oral health and hygiene.
FAQs
1. Are water flossers recommended by dentists?
Yes. Several dentists recommend using a flosser as it is an effective way to clean the teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. They say that flossing should now be a part of your daily dental care routine.
2. Should you use a water flosser before or after brushing?
There is no compulsory rule on whether you should floss before or after brushing. It’s a matter of personal preference. Some people floss before brushing, some people do it after.
3. Do water flossers damage teeth?
Not at all! While the idea of a pressurized jet of water may sound dangerous, water flossers are perfectly safe for your teeth and gums. However, some people may get bleeding gums the first few times they use a water flosser. This can be mitigated by using the flosser at the lowest intensity until you get used to it.
4. Do water flossers whiten teeth?
No, & yes. Water flossers simply clean the spaces between your teeth, and clear up plaque. They do not inherently have any whitening agents that can do that. However, because they prevent plaque and tartar buildup, they can indirectly lead to your teeth not getting yellow.
5. Is it normal to bleed after using a water flosser?
It is normal to bleed after using a water flosser, especially if you’re new to it. Bleeding through your gums may be a sign of inflammation or gum disease. If your bleeding doesn’t stop after several days of use, however, then you should consult your dentist.
Citations
Londero AB, Reiniger APP, Tavares RCR, Ferreira CM, Wikesjö UME, Kantorski KZ, Moreira CHC. Efficacy of dental floss in the management of gingival health: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Clin Oral Investig. 2022 Aug;26(8):5273-5280. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04495-w. Epub 2022 Apr 22. PMID: 35451656.
