How to Use a Water Pick

You can enhance the quality of home teeth cleaning by adding water pick treatments to a dental care regimen. Water picks, also called oral irrigators, direct a narrow stream of water between teeth and the gum line to remove tiny food particles left behind by brushing and flossing. Braces and dental implants are much easier to clean with the powerful water jet. Improve your breath and dental health by properly using a water pick on a regular basis.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Owner's manual (optional)
• Glass
• 2 tsp baking soda
• Water
• Spoon

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before using the water pick. Brushing with toothpaste cleans the front and back surfaces of the tooth more effectively than the water pick can. Dental floss helps to loosen large food particles to clear the path for the water jet to flush smaller debris.

• 2

  Review the manual for the water pick model you intend to use or inspect the reservoir to determine the water capacity. Choose a glass or container of similar size.

• 3

  Add the baking soda to the selected glass or container and fill it the rest of the way with water. The water should be between 70 and 100 degrees F.

• 4

  Stir the baking soda and water mixture to combine it evenly before pouring it into the water pick's reservoir. Review the instructions from the manual for the specific model you are using to fill and seal the reservoir correctly.

• 5

  Fit the water pick with the desired nozzle attachment. Most water picks come with a few different nozzles for wider and narrower streams. Narrower nozzles make the stream of water faster and more powerful.

• 6

  Place the tip of the water pick directly to the gum line at your very back upper or lower tooth before pressing the button on the front of the implement to turn it on. Some models have high and low water pressure setting for comfort and control.

• 7

  Spray the jet of water along the gum line and between each tooth in your mouth until all of them have been cleaned around. Turn the pick off and spit into the sink before continuing when your mouth fills with water.

• 8

  Rinse the tip of the water pick under hot running water before replacing it in the stand or charger. Some water pick tips and attachments are dishwasher safe, so review the manual for your model.