A water flosser doesn't typically damage your teeth or gums. In fact, a water flosser may cause less damage to teeth and gums than regular floss. If you feel that your oral health could be improved by using a Waterpik, talk to your dentist about it at your next visit to Eagle Harbor Dental.
Can a Water Flosser damage teeth or gums? Though some may find that their gums bleed when they first use one, a Water Flosser does not damage teeth or gums. It is gentle on the oral cavity and acts similar to flossing.
Generally, when bleeding occurs while using floss or Waterpiks, it results from tartar and bacteria build-up or improper technique. It may seem odd that your cleaning method will cause bleeding when fighting tartar and bacteria effectively. However, flossing and Waterpiks often reach areas that toothbrushes can not.
Does a Waterpik cause bleeding gums? No, a Waterpik is not the root cause for bleeding gums. The first times you floss, your gums might bleed, but this should stop within two weeks. However, if it doesn't stop, see a dentist.
A great alternative is the Waterpik® Water Flosser. It has been shown to be up to 2x as effective as dental floss at reducing bleeding and up to 29% more effective at reducing plaque. How Can I Prevent Bleeding Gums?
Ideally, you want to tip the stream about 90-degrees into your gums. Trace your gums, pausing for just a second when you get between teeth (where you would normally floss). All the while, the extra water will be flowing out of your mouth and into the sink.
Because a Waterpik is gentle, it is a great choice for patients with sensitive gums. But, it is a superior choice for patients with active gum disease, or a history of gum disease, because it flushes bacteria from deep pockets where floss can't reach. Regular use of a Waterpik can actually help reverse gingivitis.
The answer is yes. Hydrogen peroxide rinses with low concentrations are completely safe, and you can put hydrogen peroxide in your Waterpik water flosser.
Conclusion: The Waterpik Water Flosser and manual toothbrush is significantly more effective than a manual brush and string floss in removing plaque from tooth surfaces.
Listerine and chlorhexidine are safe to use in a Waterpik water flosser. Also, a 1:1 ratio of any standard, antiseptic, or therapeutic mouthwash works well in a Waterpik.
Healing time
While your gums are tender and may bleed easier than other areas of the body, they're also more likely to heal quickly. You can expect a minor cut on the gums to heal within 3 to 4 days. The anticipated healing time may be longer if the cut is more severe and needs stitches or if it becomes infected.
3. Should my patients use the Water Flosser before or after brushing? We recommend using the Water Flosser prior to toothbrushing: Removing food and debris enhances the effectiveness of both toothbrushing and toothpaste.
Safe for Waterpik® Water Flossers
Standard or cosmetic mouthwash neutralizes odors and freshens your breath. To use standard mouthwash: Add a small amount of mouthwash to a reservoir filled with warm water. (To prevent damage to the unit, do not exceed a 1:1 ratio of mouthwash to water).
The long-handled flosser with the disposable floss tips do a great job of cleaning between the teeth as well. To use a floss pick, be sure not to force it down between your teeth because it could damage your gums.
While your gums won't grow back on their own, surgical treatment can be used to replace the missing tissue, and restore both your appearance and your oral health. Gum grafting involves taking soft tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it onto your gums.
Water Floss with the Waterpik® Pik Pocket™ tip. This specially designed tip lets you flush out plaque and food debris from deep within gum pockets without irritating tender tissues.
You should use your Waterpik® Water Flosser at least once per day. Why? To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once per day and brush your teeth at least twice per day.
Using a Waterpik® Water Flosser is clinically proven to: Remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas along the gum line and between teeth. Help prevent, reduce, or reverse gingivitis (gum disease)
The Classic Jet tip has been shown in studies to remove 99.9% of the plaque and biofilm from the treated area after a 3-second exposure.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the main ingredients in teeth whitening products, and it can often cause irritation or a burning sensation around the gums. While the amount of hydrogen peroxide included in teeth whitening products is safe to use, exposing your gums to this agent may lead to sensitivity or pain.
Gargling with hydrogen peroxide can help with a sore throat and gum inflammation, and can help whiten your teeth. For best results and safe use, dilute brown bottle 3% hydrogen peroxide with water, and never swallow the solution.
Step 3: Clean the Internal Parts
Based on your model, mix 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 16 ounces of warm water. Run this solution through the unit until the reservoir is empty. Rinse by repeating with a full reservoir of clean warm water.
Adding the Waterpik® Water Flosser into your oral care routine can help improve your gum health. It removes plaque that causes gingivitis from between the teeth and below the gumline that regular brushing and incorrect string flossing habits miss.
In general, water flossers are a good idea and most dentists do recommend them.
Using a Waterpik® Water Flosser does not hurt and is actually good for your gums. If you have unhealthy gum tissue, the temporary discomfort that you might experience at first with water flossing is rather small compared to the discomfort from possible gum disease or other oral health related issues.