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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if anyone uses a water flosser?

18 replies

MrsShawnHatosy · 05/08/2026 13:02

I have just started using one and find it hard to avoid squirting it up my nose. Any useful hints?

OP posts:
NeverDropYourMooncup · 05/08/2026 13:03

Put it in your mouth and closing it before switching it on?

Topseyt123 · 05/08/2026 13:05

Yes.

I use it with my mouth shut so it doesn't shoot everywhere. I also use warm water in it so that it doesn't trigger my sensitivities.

speakingofart · 05/08/2026 13:07

I do it in the shower so then you don’t have to worry about the water going everywhere which means I avoid my nose

AnchorWHAT · 05/08/2026 13:53

I lean forward over the sink and hold my mouth slightly open so the water drains into the sink added bonus is you can see anything that gets dislodged from in between teeth 😬

Fiddlesticks1 · 05/08/2026 18:14

At first it is hard to work out but if you lean over the sink it is easier. Wouldn’t now be without it.

Netcurtainnelly · 05/08/2026 18:15

Interested.

RedRiverShore6 · 05/08/2026 18:17

I used one and I must have had a loose filling, it washed it out so they must be quite powerful, unfortunately I couldn't bring myself to use it again after this

Mermaidmusing · 05/08/2026 18:19

I find mine useless and a dental hygienist told me they are no substitute for flossing. I cannot be arsed flossing but I’ve given up on the water flower to, as I don’t think it does anything.

funmamamoo · 05/08/2026 18:20

I had one. It took out two fillings.

hugasaurus · 05/08/2026 18:22

Love ours. Couldn’t believe it the first time I used it after brushing and flossing as usual and more gunk came out! Now I use it religiously and my hygienist said my teeth and gums are really improved.

pelagra · 05/08/2026 19:11

It's addictive!. I have tried to avoid packing my flosser when I go away, but I miss it.

I agree the trick is to lean over the sink with your mouth just open so the water dribbles out. I have to close my moth when I do the front teeth.

My dentist has commented on the improvement in my gums, particularly around my two food traps.

SilverPink · 05/08/2026 20:36

I use a mixture of floss and interdental brushes (which I hate). I’ve seen these but wasn’t sure how effective they are. Don’t want to be losing any fillings though 😳

EmpressStorm · 05/08/2026 20:38

Yeah I think you are using it wrong, my sil said the same thing and I can’t work out what the hell she’s doing with it. I’ve never had water squirt anywhere, you put it in your mouth, aim it at your gum and switch on. You then move it round your mouth with your mouth closed, and switch it off before you open your mouth.

how on earth are you squirting it up your nose?

EmpressStorm · 05/08/2026 20:40

Sorry then swirl the water round your mouth and spit.

there is no need for water to go anywhere, or for dribbling.

EmpressStorm · 05/08/2026 20:40

Sorry and ri be clear, you close your mouth before you switch it on.

HoldMyWine · 05/08/2026 20:56

I use mine on the shower. I find mine difficult to clean though and the tubes are mouldy so have stopped using it

pinkpony88 · 05/08/2026 21:19

I lean over the sink with my mouth slightly open so water can come out. I fill it about a quarter mouthwash and 3 quarters tepid water. I think it seems to dislodge bits brushing didn’t get. I do use manual flossing too afterwards though. Just in case!

saveforthat · 05/08/2026 21:22

I bought one and used it a couple of times but it was so powerful it scared me. I didn't lose any fillings but could see how this could happen.

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