Waterpik Instructions

It has been estimated that two-thirds of people in the United States don't floss regularly. For many, it's too time-consuming or they simply forget. Fortunately, products like the Waterpik dental water jet can make the process easier, which encourages regular usage. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that the Waterpik was 93 percent more effective than floss at reducing gum bleeding, a leading indicator of gum disease.

Getting Set Up

• Remove the reservoir and cover from the base. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water, then replace the reservoir over the base, pressing down firmly. Insert the Waterpik tip into the center of the knob at the top of the dental water jet handle, so that the colored ring is flush with the end of the knob when locked into place. Turn the pressure control dial on the base of the unit to the lowest setting, then gradually increase pressure over time to your preferred setting. You may add two or three capfuls of your favorite mouth rinse to the water in the reservoir, but don't add baking soda, salt or other abrasive substances, as they can damage the unit.

Using the Waterpik

• Practice irrigating while watching yourself in the mirror, without filling the reservoir or turning on the unit, until you become more familiar with the technique. Don't watch yourself in the mirror after turning the unit on, however, or you'll make a mess.

  To use the Waterpik, lean over a sink and place the jet tip in your mouth, aiming it toward your teeth. With your free hand, turn the unit on. Direct the stream at a 90-degree angle to your gumline. You should close your lips slightly to avoid splashing, but allow water to flow freely from your mouth into the sink. Start with the back teeth and work toward the front teeth, gliding the jet tip along the gumline, pausing briefly between teeth. Continue until all the areas around and between the teeth have been cleaned.

Cautions

• Supervise children while using a Waterpik. Don't direct water under the tongue, into the ear, nose or other delicate areas, since the product can produce pressures that could damage those tissues. Use your Waterpik for a maximum of five minutes, and allow it to rest five minutes before the next use. Do not operate the Waterpik where oxygen or aerosol sprays are being used, and don't use the unit if you have an open wound on your tongue.