How Often Should You Use a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser? (2024)

How Often Should You Use a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser? (1)

June 23, 2016

Patti Z.

If you are new to the WATERPIK water flosser, you might wonder how often you should use it.

Here are answers to 3 common questions about how often to use your WATERPIK water flosser.

1. How Many Times Per Day Should I Use My Water Flosser?

You should use your WATERPIK water flosser at least once per day.

Why? To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once per day and brush your teeth at least twice per day.

2. If I Have Braces or Dental Work, Like Bridges or Implants, How Often Should I Use My Water Flosser?

If you have braces, implants, bridges, crowns, or other dental work that are hard to keep clean, you might want to use your water flosser more than once per day.

You can use the WATERPIK water flosser whenever you want to clean and floss around braces, orthodontic appliances, or dental work.

If you need a portable water flosser to use when you are away from home or traveling, try a cordless model.

3. I Have Gum Disease, How Often Should I Use My WaterpikTM Water Flosser?

If you have been told you have gum disease, your dental professional may recommend using a WATERPIK water flosser more often than once per day until the gum disease is under control. Sometimes it is necessary to use the special Pik PocketTM tip for more severe areas, such as periodontal pockets.

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.

How Often Should You Use a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser? (2024)

FAQs

How Often Should You Use a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser? ›

How often should you use a WATERPIK water flosser? Daily use is recommended for optimal oral hygiene and to maximize the benefits for gum health and plaque removal.

How often should I use a Waterpik water flosser? ›

For the average person, using a water flosser once every day can greatly improve oral health as it will remove plaque at the gums that has built up over the course of the day.

Is it safe to use a water flosser every day? ›

How Many Times Per Day Should I Use My Water Flosser? You should use your WATERPIK water flosser at least once per day. Why? To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once per day and brush your teeth at least twice per day.

Can you use Waterpik too much? ›

While water flossers are generally considered safe for most people, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse or incorrect use can lead to gum damage. On the other hand, water flossers have been shown to improve gum health by removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease.

Should you use a Waterpik every night? ›

Since flossing daily is recommended, using a WaterPik daily is also encouraged. Although you can use it in the morning, night usage is ideal. This is because typically, you'll go the longest without food or drink overnight. You've already had all your meals for the day and can end the day with perfectly clean teeth.

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 it better to use Waterpik before or after brushing? ›

Be sure to allow the water to empty from your mouth into the sink. 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.

Do doctors recommend water flosser? ›

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.

What's the difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser? ›

The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.

Can a Waterpik remove tartar? ›

Water flossing can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing the buildup of tartar. However, a water flosser may not remove existing tartar once it has formed. Using a water flosser can aid in tartar prevention, but it's not a substitute for professional dental cleanings.

Should I still floss 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.

Should Waterpik touch gums? ›

Hold the tip slightly away from the gums to allow the water flow to remove plaque and debris.

Can I use Listerine in my Waterpik? ›

Can I use mouthwash or other additives in a WATERPIK water flosser? Yes, although all you need for effectiveness is warm water, there are additives including certain types of mouthwash that are safe to use.

How many minutes should you use a Waterpik? ›

Focus on the top of your teeth, the gum line, and the spaces between each tooth. Remember to get the back of your teeth, too. The process should take about 2 minutes.

How to sanitize Waterpik? ›

- Soak the water flosser tip 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, we recommend replacing water flosser tips every 3-6 months. The tips can become clogged and/or affected by mineral deposits.

How long does it take to see results from Waterpik? ›

- Water flossers are also more effective -- Clinically proven to reduce gum inflammation and bleeding gums in just 2 weeks and up to 2X as effective as string floss for removing bacterial plaque and improving gum health.

Should you still use dental floss if you use a Waterpik? ›

For The Best Results, Floss And Use A Waterpik, Too!

If you brush twice a day for two minutes, floss once per day, and use a Waterpik, you'll have the best chance of avoiding gum disease and tooth decay, and your smile will remain bright and strong.

How long does it take for Waterpik to remove plaque? ›

The Classic Jet Tip removed 99.9% and the Orthodontic Tip removed 99.8% of the plaque biofilm from the treated areas after a three-second exposure as viewed by SEM.

Is it better to floss before or after brushing teeth? ›

Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

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