How to Clean Teeth with Water Flosser

Let’s talk about something crucial for your oral hygiene and smile – flossing! 

Flossing is very important because there are certain spots in your mouth, like the spaces between teeth or just under the gum line, that your toothbrush can’t reach. But dental floss can.

Despite being so important, flossing can feel like a chore, so it is often neglected as part of our oral care routines. Sometimes, traditional string floss just doesn’t cut it, especially if you haven’t mastered the proper flossing technique or have dental restorations like implants, crowns, and braces. 

Enter the water flosser – a game-changer in the world of oral hygiene. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve either got a water flosser or are seriously thinking about getting one. However, you might be wondering how to use one effectively.

That’s where we come in. Our team at Port Melbourne Dental is here to help you perfect your flossing routine because we care about your smile as much as you do.  

What is a Water Flosser? 

We all know what dental string floss is. A water flosser, on the other hand, may be new to you. 

It is an electronically charged handheld device that uses water pressure to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth while also disrupting bacterial growth.

They come in different sizes and shapes and consist of: 

• A reservoir for holding water, 
• A motor pump that generates water pressure 
• A nozzle that directs this pressurised water where you need it 

The best part about a water flosser is that using it is easy. 

All you need to do is fill the device with water, place it in your mouth above the gum line and let it do its thing. The device will emit a steady stream of water that will gently clean those hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. 

How to Use a Water Flosser? 

First time using a water flosser? Don’t worry. A little mess is a given at the beginning. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master using a water flosser without it soaking you and your bathroom

1. Start by standing over a basin, ideally in front of a mirror. This way, you can see what you’re doing and make sure you’re focusing on each tooth. 
2. Fill the reservoir with warm water. 
3. Place the tip of your water flosser at a 45-degree angle to your gum line and lean over the sink to avoid any spillage. 
4. Turn on the device and start with the lowest pressure setting. Increase the pressure gradually as you become more comfortable with the sensation. You can adjust it to find the setting that works best for you. 
5. Begin at the back of your mouth and work your way forward. Pay close attention to your gum line, the space between each tooth and the back of your teeth. 
6. Once you’ve cleaned your mouth, empty any excess water from the reservoir to prevent any bacterial growth. 
7. Clean your device by rinsing your water flosser’s reservoir after each use. 

Using the water flosser might feel a bit awkward and difficult at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Soon enough, the 1-2 minutes you spend water flossing will fly by, leaving you with cleaner, healthier teeth! 

If you’ve got poor flossing technique, gum disease or dental restorations, a water flosser will be your smile’s best friend. Why? Because it is gentle on your gums and effectively removes food particles and plaque from your mouth. That’s not all. Water flossers are also convenient and easy to use. 

So, why not make your smile a little brighter? Talk to our friendly dentists at PMD Dental for personalised advice. We will guide you through the ins and outs of water flossing so you can get the most out of it.