We all know that taking care of our teeth is important. And these days, we’ve got electric toothbrushes that can handle most of the cleaning for us. But they can’t always get right in between your pearly whites to dislodge stuck bits of food, which is why your dentist has probably nagged you to use dental floss.
Trouble is — traditional flossing can be time-consuming and fiddly. And dental floss is pretty sharp too, making it easy to irritate your gums if you’re not careful. But this is where water flossers can help. These gadgets blast water between your teeth instead, removing food and bacteria from those hard-to reach areas while being much gentler on your gums.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your dental routine with a water flosser, our guide has all the advice you’ll need to use yours like a pro. From setting up it up to mastering the perfect technique and keeping it clean. Let’s dive in!
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A water flosser is a nifty dental device that cleans between your teeth and along your gum line using a stream of pulsating, pressurised water. It’s kind of like a mini power washer for your mouth! It’ll flush out stubborn food build-ups and remove plaque from the spots your toothbrush can’t normally get to. All while giving your gums a thorough rinse.
But not all water flossers are the same. There are different types you can choose from to best suit your dental needs:
Cordless water flossers: These rechargeable models are super easy to use as you don’t have to plug them in or keep them tethered to a water reservoir. Just fill them up and they’re ready to go. You can even use one in the shower to save time in the morning.
Corded water flossers: Corded flossers come with a tube that connects to a larger water reservoir you keep on your bathroom counter. You can’t use them with quite as much freedom as cordless flossers, but you don’t have to stop and refill them halfway through flossing.
Travel water flossers: These types of water flossers are small and portable. They might not pack as many features, but they let you take care of your teeth almost as well when you're away from home.
Water flossers are a doddle to use. But by following our top tips, you’ll make sure you’re getting the most out of your new gadget from the get-go:
Setting up your water flosser
Fill the reservoir: Start by filling your water flosser’s reservoir with clean water. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, use lukewarm water so your flosser feels more comfortable to use.
Select the right tip: Most water flossers come with a few different tips. For normal everyday flossing, just use the standard tip. Or if you wear braces, fit the ultra-precise orthodontic tip instead.
Choose your pressure: Loads of water flossers let you adjust their water pressure. We’d suggest starting off with the lowest setting so you can get the hang of it first. Then when you get more confident, ramp up the pressure to blast away more stubborn bits of food.
Flossing technique
Lean over your sink: You won’t want to make a mess of your bathroom floor! That’s why you’ll want to make sure you’re bending slightly over your sink — so any water that flows out of your mouth is caught and drained.
Position the tip: Place the tip of the water flosser in your mouth and close your lips a little to stop so much water from splashing out. Try and aim it at a 90-degree angle too.
Glide along the gum line: Turn your water flosser on and move the tip along your gum line. Briefly pause between each tooth, making sure you’re cleaning the front, back, and the spaces in between.
Rinse and repeat: Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned all your teeth, switch off your water flosser and rinse it off thoroughly under your tap.
We’ve covered a few already, but here are most of the reasons why water flossing can be much better for you than traditional flossing:
More effective: Several studies have proved that water flossers are better at removing plaque than regular dental floss. Their pulsating stream of water can reach deeper into gum pockets and flush out food more efficiently, tackling spots that traditional string floss might miss.
Quicker to use: Water flossing is faster than normal flossing, making it a lot easier to fit into your daily routine. All you have to do is fill it up with water, place it in your mouth, then turn it on and glide it across your teeth. You can cover your whole mouth in around a minute.
More comfortable: Water flossing is more soothing for sensitive gums than dental floss, which can sometimes cause bleeding if you’re too forceful.
FAQs
It’s best to use your water flosser at least once a day and before brushing your teeth. This is not only so you can remove stuck bits of food first, but to also make sure you’re not rinsing away the fluoride in your toothpaste.
By using your water flosser every day, you’ll prevent plaque from building up so your mouth will always feel fresh and clean. But if you wear braces, your dentist might recommend using your water flosser more often.
If you want your water flosser to work well for many years to come, you’ll need to make sure you’re cleaning it regularly. Here are some tips that’ll help you keep it as fresh as your pearly whites:
Clean the reservoir: Empty and rinse the reservoir after every use to stop bacteria or mould from building up. Then every week or two, add a mixture of two-parts water and one-part white vinegar into your flosser’s reservoir and turn it on. This will give the internal components a deep clean. After that, just make sure to thoroughly rinse out your flosser with clean water.
Wash the tip: Remove the tip and rinse it with warm water before reattaching it to the handle. You can also soak your water flosser’s tips in a mixture of water and vinegar once a week.
Check for build-ups: Regularly take a look at the handle and other components for any signs of mineral build-up or debris — especially if you live in a hard water area. If you notice any build-ups, use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean the affected areas.
Need more advice?
Whether you’re looking to buy your first water flosser or upgrade your current one, we stock water flossers from top brands including Waterpik, Panasonic, and Philips. We’ve even compiled a list of our faves in our Best water flossers for healthier teeth and gums article.
