Tips for a Waterpik

Waterpiks are dental tools sold to consumers that spray a strong stream of water into people's mouths, allowing them to remove plaque, among other things, from places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. There are certain tips and tricks to know when using a waterpik so it can be used in the most effective fashion.

Best for Braces

• Braces on teeth are uncomfortable for a number of different reasons, but they also restrict brushing significantly, as there are small metal bars over and around the teeth and gums. This is where the waterpik becomes the most effective, as the water will wash away remnants of food and plaque that may have become stuck or accumulated behind the metal of the braces themselves, festering and allowing cavities to take root. With braces, the waterpiks should be used daily and in conjunction with brushing, as your teeth will need all the cleaning help they can get with all of the metal in the way.

Use on Gums

• Waterpiks not only clean teeth well but also clean the gums, ridding them of lingering bacteria that can cause painful periodontal disease. This can lead to root canals or loss of teeth in general. Concentrate on spraying the waterpik onto the gums themselves, pressing the tip against the gums at an angle, so that the water rinses the surface of the gums smooth. The vibrating of the waterpik will also help to loosen any plaque that may have accumulated under the gums, keeping them light in color and firm, which is the sign of excellent gum health.

Prepare for the Mess

• As the waterpik is spraying a large amount of water into your mouth at a relatively high speed, prepare yourself to get wet and have a place for the water to go. Wear a shirt that you don't mind getting a little wet or no shirt at all, so that when the water does spill, it doesn't ruin anything. Stand over the sink or in the shower, so an incredible mess isn't made in your bathroom.