Does Flossing with a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser Hurt? (2024)

August 30, 2016

Waterpik Product Support

Have you considered using a WATERPIK water flosser, but were skeptical because you thought it might be uncomfortable or hurt your gums? Well, we have great news: the WATERPIK water flosser is gentle, soothing, and more effective than string floss!

Flossing Shouldn't Hurt Your Gums

Especially in comparison to string flossing, water flossing is much kinder to your gums and shouldn't hurt:

  • String flossing can be painful -- If you use too much force or the space between your teeth is tight, string floss can snap and cut into your gum tissue.
  • Water flossing is more comfortable -- When you use the water flosser, the pulsating warm water has a soothing effect on the gums.
  • Water flossing is also more effective -- Removes up to 99.9% of plaque bacteria that causes gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath from treated areas and is clinically proven up to 2X as effective as string floss for removing bacterial plaque and improving gum health.

The water flosser provides a gentle, yet powerful clean:

Tips for Proper WaterpikTM Water Flosser Use

When done correctly, water flossing does not hurt, especially if you follow these tips:

  • Use warm water
  • Start on the lowest pressure setting
  • Point the flosser tip at the gumline, at a 90-degree angle

To start, we recommend using warm water. This is typically more comfortable, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

Proper water pressure is important when you are new to water flossing. Begin on the lowest pressure setting to see how it feels on your gums. Think of it as how “in-shape” your gums are. As your gums adapt, you can gradually increase the pressure to your comfort level, and it should not hurt as you do so.

Also, be sure to point the tip at the gumline at a 90 degree angle, and use the pause or on/off switch features (if applicable) if you need to temporarily stop water flow.

To see a video and step-by-step instructions, go to our How to Use a Waterpik™ Water Flosser page.

Strengthening Your Gums

If you have not been flossing regularly and experience discomfort, then it might take two weeks of daily water flossing to strengthen your gums. This is due to gum health issues rather than water flossing itself. (If your discomfort persists or you experience bleeding gums that hurt or are red and swollen, contact a dental professional for an assessment of your oral health.)

Healthier Gums in 14 Days - Guaranteed!

If you have unhealthy gum tissue, the temporary discomfort that you might experience at first with water flossing is rather small compared to the discomfort from possible gum disease or other oral health related issues.

With daily use of the WATERPIK water flosser, we guarantee that you will have stronger, healthier gums in 14 days or we will refund your money, no questions asked!

What are you waiting for? Using a WATERPIK water flosser does not hurt and is actually good for your gums, so get a happier, healthier smile today!

Back To Blog Home

Does Flossing with a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser Hurt? (2024)

FAQs

Does Flossing with a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser Hurt? ›

Using a WATERPIK water flosser does not hurt and is actually good for your gums. If you have unhealthy gum tissue, the temporary discomfort that you might experience at first with water flossing is rather small compared to the discomfort from possible gum disease or other oral health related issues.

Is a water flosser supposed to hurt? ›

If you have not been flossing regularly, you may find that you have some sensitivity when you begin using a water flosser, but this will resolve with regular use. You can also relieve sensitivity issues by adjusting the water temperature so it's not too cold or too hot.

What are the disadvantages of using a Waterpik? ›

The rinsing action of Waterpiks may not be enough to remove plaque completely from the surface of your teeth. Some people like to use string floss first to scrape off and loosen plaque. A Waterpik can then be used to efficiently rinse out residue and plaque left behind.

Is using a Waterpik as good as flossing? ›

Waterpiks can loosen food particles and other debris that toothbrushes leave behind. While they're not as good as flossing, they're better than nothing.

Can you damage your gums with a Waterpik? ›

Though some may find that their gums bleed when they first use one, a Water Flosser does not damage teeth or gums. It is gentle on the oral cavity and acts similar to flossing. Additionally, some Water Flossers have different settings regarding the strength and speed of the released water.

Do you touch Waterpik to gums? ›

How to use: Start with the back teeth and follow the gumline, pausing briefly between the teeth and aiming the tip at the gumline at a 90-degree angle. Hold the tip slightly away from the gums to allow the water flow to remove plaque and debris.

Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›

Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.

Do you brush your teeth before or after using a Waterpik? ›

The ideal time to use a Waterpik is before you brush your teeth. This is because doing so can allow you to remove food debris and plaque. When you use a Waterpik before brushing your teeth, teeth brushing becomes more effective.

Is it OK to use a Waterpik everyday? ›

To sum it up, daily use helps you maintain a healthy smile. Use your WATERPIK water flosser more often if you need additional cleaning or to treat gum disease as directed by your dental professional.

What do dentists think of water flossers? ›

Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes. The Waterpik water flosser should be the standard of care for in-between clean. The clinical science behind the effectiveness of biofilm removal is unrivaled.

What not to do with a Waterpik? ›

Do not use iodine, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, or water insoluble essential oils in WATERPIK devices, as these may damage your device.

Can you replace regular flossing with a Waterpik? ›

A water flosser doesn't replace your toothbrush or traditional flossing. You still need to brush your teeth twice a day, but you can use the water flosser before or after brushing.

Can I use Listerine in my Waterpik? ›

Safe for WaterpikTM Water Flossers

Standard or cosmetic mouthwash neutralizes odors and freshens your breath. To use standard mouthwash: Add a small amount of mouthwash to a reservoir filled with warm water (to prevent damage to the unit, do not exceed a 1:1 ratio of mouthwash to water).

Can I stop flossing if I use a Waterpik? ›

A Waterpik Shouldn't Replace Brushing or Flossing

Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly. Using a Waterpik while continuing to practice good oral care can help you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

Can you use a water flosser wrong? ›

However, it is important to be mindful of the pressure setting when using a water flosser. Excessive pressure can cause damage to delicate gum tissue and should be avoided. It's also important to keep in mind that water flossers should not be used as a substitute for regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Can a Waterpik break a tooth? ›

A water flosser doesn't typically damage your teeth or gums. In fact, a water flosser may cause less damage to teeth and gums than regular floss. If you feel that your oral health could be improved by using a Waterpik, talk to your dentist about it at your next visit to Eagle Harbor Dental.

Do dentists actually recommend water flossers? ›

Dentists generally recommend water flossers as an effective way to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy. Water flossers are especially beneficial for those wearing fixed dental appliances like bridges, permanent retainers, and braces.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 5457

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.