Waterpiks, Oral Irrigators, Water Flossers

Oral Irrigators, also known as, water flossers or the main brand name Waterpik. All these names are used interchangeable.  Waterpiks are like a hose in the mouth, it flushes out between the teeth and under the gums.  They are recommended and used for gum health, to help with gingivitis.  It’s specifically beneficial for deeper pockets and enhances homecare for braces, bridges, crowns and implants.  Anyone with pockets 5 mm and higher (ask your dental hygienist what your measuring depths are if you’re not sure) this tool will flush the heck out of them, where other tools just won’t reach.  Some tools can clean an area of 4 mm or less, but anything above a 5 mm is pretty darn challenging to get to the base of the pocket, where bacteria makes it’s home.

Waterpiks DO NOT replace flossing it’s in addition to flossing and brushing. Such as washing a car, the hose is used first to remove the loose dirt—that’s the waterpik. Then using the mitt to rub off the rest of the dirt on the car is the floss. They have different purposes but beneficial results.

• Body/handle resembles an electric toothbrush
• Handy for travel or limited counter space
• One power setting
• One pressure setting
• Water container is the handle
• Holds enough water for 30-45 seconds
• Interchangeable tips
• Rechargeable battery, charged by a small base or disposable batteries

 

The Waterpik brand received it’s ADA Seal of Acceptance for the removal of plaque between the teeth and below the gum line for the prevention and reduction of gingivitis.

Use for implants, crowns, bridges, braces, and general use

Periodontal pockets and furcations—the space between the roots-when there’s tissue and bone loss
This tip has a smaller hole, so it tends to be more focused where the water is dispensed.