How do I use a Waterpik?

Everyday we recommend a Waterpik or Shower Floss to our patients. If you’ve had gum recession or gum disease either type of oral irrigator will help prevent further bone loss. I also recommend oral irrigators for those with implants, bridges, or braces. 

Oral Irrigator Instructions

• Fill chamber with water. (Waterpik)

• Set dial to “low.”

• Place tip in your mouth with your head hanging over the sink and turn unit on. (Do this to avoid getting water where you do not want it.)

• Direct water toward gums at a 45 degree angle and trace along gum line, doing outside and inside surfaces of all teeth.

• Pause briefly between teeth.

• Anywhere you have a pocket (4 millimeters or deeper), point the tip toward the root of the tooth (along the long axis of the tooth) to irrigate inside the pocket.

• When you are finished, turn water off before removing tip from your mouth.

• You can gradually increase the water pressure to “medium” as your gums become used to the oral irrigator.

• If you experience discomfort or excessive bleeding, decrease the water pressure. 

• If the discomfort and/or bleeding continue, inform your dentist or dental hygienist.