If you just can't floss, a water jet can be the perfect compromise. Removing plaque between the teeth and under the gums is important if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, brushing alone is usually not enough. This tool sprays a jet of water at high pressure, freeing the mouth from food and preventing plaque from accumulating between the teeth and under the gums. It can be faster than dental floss and is much easier for those with braces. If you want to buy one, but aren't sure how to use it, read on to find out how easy it actually is.
Steps
Step 1. Fill the water tank with warm water
Step 2. Choose a tip and insert it into the handle
Most of the water jets on the market have different colored tips, so that each member of the family can use their own staff.
Step 3. Set the water pressure to its lowest level the first time you use it
Water flossers that have pressure adjustment on the handle are easier to use. You can try different pressure values, even higher, once you understand how to use the instrument properly.
Step 4. Put the tip in your mouth before turning it on
Step 5. Lean over a sink and close your lips around the tip so that the water stays in your mouth and cannot come out wetting your face or clothes
Step 6. Turn on the water flosser and let the water flow from your mouth to the sink
Step 7. Start with the back teeth on the upper arch and direct the stream of water to the base of the teeth
Step 8. Move the tip slowly along the gums
Dwell between your teeth and let the jet of water penetrate between the spaces.
Step 9. Continue all the way around the back teeth on the other side of the upper arch
Step 10. Repeat the same procedure with the lower teeth and finally turn off the tool
Step 11. Remove the tip from the handle and place the handle correctly on the refill unit of the water flosser
Step 12. Discard any water left in the tank
Advice
- Press the pause button on the handle before removing the tip from your mouth during cleaning.
- Some water flossers have special tips, such as one to clean the tongue or an orthodontic tip to clean the appliance. People who wear braces usually find this accessory particularly useful, because the normal bristles of the toothbrush could get stuck in the brackets and flossing is definitely very challenging, as it would have to go through each bracket.
- If you have sensitive gums, washing them with the water jet can be less painful.
- The cordless water flosser is small and perfect if you travel a lot and want to take this accessory with you.
Warnings
- If the tip is not inserted correctly into the handle, water may leak out of the opening.
- The water flosser should not replace your brush or floss as part of your oral hygiene routine.