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How to Use a Waterpik for Receding Gums

One of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease is receding gums, or gums that are pulling away from the teeth. Once gums have started to recede, brushing and flossing might not be enough to protect the mouth from plaque and oral bacteria. To enhance the effectiveness of your daily dental routine and help prevent further damage to the gums, you might want to consider adding a Waterpik oral irrigator. Waterpiks can help reduce gum bleeding and promote the growth of healthy tissue.

Things You'll Need

  • Waterpik
  • Antiseptic mouthwash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush and floss your teeth. This will remove most of the surface debris and will loosen plaque, improving the overall performance of the Waterpik.

    • 2

      Pour antiseptic mouthwash into the reservoir of the Waterpik, filling it approximately ¼ of the way. Accodring to Waterpik, this not only improves the flavor and makes the appliance more enjoyable to use, it helps kill bacteria both beneath the gum line and on the surface of the teeth. Add warm water until you have reached the fill line.

    • 3

      Insert the tip you wish to use into the Waterpik wand. Push gently until you hear it click into position. Then place the tip of the wand in your mouth, pulling your lips firmly around the handle.

    • 4

      Lean over the sink. Set the machine to its lowest pressure setting the turn the Waterpik on. The mouthwash solution in the reservoir will shoot out of the wand and into your mouth. Adjust the pressure of the spray to suit your personal preferences. Open your lips wide enough to allow the liquid to run out, but not so wide that water splashes everywhere.

    • 5

      Point the Waterpik at the gum line. Moving from the back of the mouth toward the front, thoroughly irrigate the tissues, cleaning around every tooth while washing away plaque and debris. Additionally, the pressure from the cleaning solution massages the gums, increasing circulation and improving blood flow to the site, which promotes the growth of healthy tissue.

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