DIY Waterpik

Dentists use water flossers to thoroughly clean and polish teeth during routine checkups. Dental hygiene enthusiasts can perform similar cleanings at home every day with a commercial water flosser called a Waterpik. Waterpiks use a stream of water to rinse teeth more effectively than is possible with string floss. Different tips allow users to convert the flossing machine into an electric toothbrush or bracket cleaner for braces.

Instructions

• 1

  Fill the water reservoir with warm water and, if desired, a single dose of mouthwash. Turn the dial on the side of the machine to adjust the water pressure to your preferences; "10" is the highest level of water pressure. A level of "8" will effectively flush out debris without causing gum pain.

• 2

  Place the desired attachment tip on the Waterpik. Waterpiks come with a jet tip, the most common tip used for flossing alone. If you prefer to brush your teeth or clean your tongue with a continuous water flow, select the toothbrush tip or tongue cleaner tip. If cleaning brace brackets, use the orthodontic or plaque-seeker tip. The tips will snap onto the Waterpik.

• 3

  Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush attachment if using the Waterpik to brush your teeth. This step is unnecessary with the other attachments.

• 4

  Stand over the sink and position the Waterpik tip at a 90-degree angle to your teeth. Turn the machine on and keep the tip at one tooth for a few seconds before moving to the next. Keep your lips slightly apart and let water flow out into the sink. You can clean the fronts and backs of your teeth in any order you like.

• 5

  Place the tip at a 90-degree angle to a brace bracket, then clean each one using the methods described above.