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Would you recommend a water flosser

22 replies

grayhairdontcare · 20/11/2023 15:17

Also which one do you recommend please?

OP posts:
VeronicaBeccabunga · 20/11/2023 15:28

I would!
I have a Water Pik one. My teeth are quite crowded and awkward and it does help get into the tight spaces.
You do need to learn the technique of using it without soaking yourself and the entire bathroom and use surprisingly hot water or it hurts.
I soak the water tank in sterilising solution once a week and squirt this through it, I was a bit 'iffy' about what might be lurking in its inner mechanism.

NannyGythaOgg · 20/11/2023 15:28

Yes, I use one. A bit messy to get used to - you have to lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open or water goes everywhere.
My dentist has always complimented me on my cleaning technique since I started using it and has says he recommends them to all his patients.

itsmei · 20/11/2023 15:30

Recommend 100%. I purchased one about a month ago and my teeth feel super clean and I use it twice daily now. Don't know how I did without it! I agree about the warm water and getting the technique right.

CurlsnSunshinetime4tea · 20/11/2023 15:38

I use the small cordless WaterPic in the shower.
I have tight teeth that are near impossible to floss. I’ve not had a dental check up since the purchase so I’m not sure how effective it’s been.
Hot water is a must!

PinkyBlueMe · 20/11/2023 15:42

My dentist recommended to use it in the shower which completely removes the issue of getting soaked and water everywhere!

ThePaperTrail · 20/11/2023 15:49

I've had a couple in the past but gave up on them as I tend to find they lose power and stop working properly after a few months.

Lizzieregina · 20/11/2023 15:57

My DH loves his and loves to sing its praises! He has a Waterpik for the bathroom and a portable one for weekends away or holidays. Apparently living without it is not an option!

He was at his hygienist last week and she said the job he does is amazing, so he credits the waterpik for that.

Toddlerteaplease · 20/11/2023 16:03

I asked my dentist about these. He does t recommend them. Said traditional flossing is more effective.

Yogagrandmum · 20/11/2023 16:04

Yes
Use warm water

SeasonalWitch · 20/11/2023 16:06

We’ve got the Philips one. I love it.

I can’t believe how clean my mouth feels in the morning after using this the night before!

I’ve got a fixed retainer wire attached to the back of my teeth, so I can’t use regular floss.

BruceAndNosh · 20/11/2023 16:08

Yes yes and yes again.
If you have gum disease, start off with the pressure on low, then gradually increase over the days

ThreeRingCircus · 20/11/2023 16:10

Does it soak you? I like the idea of it but I imagine I'd end up soaking wet!

GarlicMaybeNot · 20/11/2023 16:10

Yes. I don't use mine often enough - it's a faff, and quite noisy (has to be, it pumps the water). But it does leave your teeth FEELING clean, like they do after the hygienist.

I've got this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-EW1311G311-Water-Flosser/dp/B07S2ZKH8T

LightSpeeds · 20/11/2023 16:20

GarlicMaybeNot · 20/11/2023 16:10

Yes. I don't use mine often enough - it's a faff, and quite noisy (has to be, it pumps the water). But it does leave your teeth FEELING clean, like they do after the hygienist.

I've got this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-EW1311G311-Water-Flosser/dp/B07S2ZKH8T

Yes, I've got this one too.

Brushing your teeth alone doesn't remove all the crap between your teeth.

These flossers do!

DatingDinosaur · 20/11/2023 17:22

Yes, I've got one. I use it before bed a couple of times a week. I floss and brush first and it still manages to unearth food particles from under the gumline of my back teeth. It also has a tongue scraper attachment which helps get rid of any lingering morning breath and perks up your tastebuds! I give my mouth a swill round with antibacterial mouthwash afterwards.

I use warm to hot water and did it naked in the shower the first few times until I got the hang of it 😂

Not been to the dentist since I got it so it will be interesting to see what they say or if they notice a difference.

grayhairdontcare · 20/11/2023 19:13

Thanks everyone. I've ordered one.

OP posts:
ISeeARedDoorAndIWantToBreakIn · 20/11/2023 22:10

PinkyBlueMe · 20/11/2023 15:42

My dentist recommended to use it in the shower which completely removes the issue of getting soaked and water everywhere!

I was about to say the same. I’ve not actually tried it in the shower though.

Don't try and look in the mirror whilst you do it, face down towards the sink. Don’t use cold water, use tepid water.

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 20/11/2023 22:38

Our dentist sold them, and I bought one, but he had the nerve to tell me they were rubbish the following year-and they are.

LookMaggie · 20/11/2023 22:43

It's best to brush afterwards so the protective toothpaste stays on your teeth and isn't washed away by the waterpik.

UnaOfStormhold · 21/11/2023 19:35

I love mine and my gums have been far healthier since I've started using one. I've heard flossing is theoretically better because the floss also goes in between the teeth but I found flossing awkward due to tightly packed teeth so I never actually did it. A waterpik might not be so good but I actually use it regularly so it's a much better option for me. My dentist suggested adding a little mouthwash to the reservoir which I feel helps keep my gums healthier as well as keeping the reservoir clean. I must try the tepid water thing - I have been struggling with the cold water on the gums sensation particularly in the cooler weather!

ThreeRingCircus · 22/11/2023 11:28

I've ordered one from Amazon after reading this thread so will report back! I'm sure flossing with tape etc is better but my lower teeth are really tightly packed together (I can't get interdental brushes between them) and I absolutely hate the sensation of flossing so barely ever do it.

As a PP said if a water flosser means I actually do it I'm sure that'll be an improvement.

amusedbush · 22/11/2023 14:03

I'm late to the thread but just in case anyone else is thinking about getting one...

My teeth are naturally straight and not visibly overcrowded but they're so tight, I can't really floss easily and the smallest interdental brush doesn't even nearly fit between them. I bought an unbranded water flosser from Amazon and I'm really happy with it - and so is my dentist.

Like PPs, I learned very quickly to use warm water! And as @LookMaggie says, I use the water flosser before brushing (my dentist also says not to use mouthwash straight after brushing). Finally, I recommend leaning over the bath until you get the hang of it; you'd be surprised how much of a mess you can make at first 😅

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