For those who are confused on how to use a water flosser, this article is for you. Water flossing might be confusing at first, but trust me, it is much easier to do and less tedious than string flossing. Below are the steps you should perform as a basic overview for what a typical flossing session is like with a water flosser.
First, turn the faucet to a lukewarm water setting and fill the water reservoir with it. Secure the water reservoir firmly on the base, making sure that it is fully seated and locked in. Next, choose the flossing tip you want and firmly secure it into the handle.
Don’t go spraying the water pick into your mouth just yet, we want to first test it out to see it is working properly. If this is your first time turning the water flosser on, then spray the tip into the sink at the highest pressure setting to ensure everything is working properly. Once you’ve ensured that it is functioning properly, turn the unit off. It’s time to test it out on your gums and teeth.
Select the pressure setting you want. If you’ve never used the water flosser before, start at the lowest setting and work your way up to a setting you are comfortable with. Next, lean over the sink and move the tip into your mouth.
Turn the water flosser on. Keep your lips closed to keep the back splash inside your mouth, but leave a small opening so that water can slowly flow out of your mouth and into the sink.
You want to pick a row of teeth, start from the farthest molar in the back, and work your way to the front teeth, and then all the way to the molar on the other side of the same row. Don’t forget to clean behind the teeth as well. The tip should be aimed at a right angle slightly above the gum line. Between each tooth, pause for a few seconds to ensure it has received a good cleaning.
Once you have done this process for all of your teeth, turn the water flosser off and press the eject button on the handle to remove the tip. Wash the tip. Empty out any remaining water in the reservoir, and give it a quick rinse as well. You want to use fresh water every time you floss.
That’s it. This process may take longer the first time, but should only last at most one minute in future flossing sessions. This process remains exactly the same if one has orthodontics.
Compare that with string flossing, which can easily take three to five times longer (especially with braces), is more difficult, and does not even clean as effectively. With that said, if you are proficient at both string flossing and water flossing, there is no reason why you can’t do both for the best clean possible.
However, those who simply struggle with string flossing and are looking for an alternative, now you know how to water floss like a pro.