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Waterpik Substitutions

A Waterpik is the trademark name for a popular line of electronic water flossers, also known as oral irrigators. A Waterpik works by using variable pressure to flush food particles out from between teeth by moving the tool's rigid hose from tooth to tooth. Waterpiks can be used in conjunction with regular brushing, or as an addition to a brushing and regular flossing routine. Dental professionals may recommend oral irrigators for patients with braces, as braces make it difficult to use regular floss.

  1. Substitutions for Waterpik Solutions

    • Waterpik reservoirs are traditionally filled with filtered water, but there are substitute solutions you can use for your oral irrigator. Try using a dilute solution of antimicrobial agent and filtered water. Dentist-recommended antimicrobial solutions include 3 capfuls of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with 10 ounces of room-temperature or lukewarm water. Flushing the solution through your teeth will not only dislodge food particles, it will also kill bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and plaque buildup, as well as freshen your breath.

    Flossing

    • Flossing is the traditional alternative to using a Waterpik, though you can use a Waterpik in addition to flossing to get your teeth as clean as possible. The American Dental Association has identified the major types of floss -- waxed floss, dental tape and superfloss. Waxed floss is most commonly recommended by dentists, as it creates friction to effectively trap and remove food particles from between teeth. Dental tape is gentler on gums than waxed floss, but it can be less effective at removing food particles. Superfloss is spun from soft fibers that narrow and tighten when the floss is pulled taut to enter the space between the teeth. It expands when it is in place between the teeth, to capture food particles.

    Floss Threaders

    • People with braces can use floss threaders to more easily pull regular floss through their teeth, in addition to using a Waterpik. A floss threader is made from thin, flexible plastic. To use, "thread" the floss through the loop at the top. Tie a small knot in the length of floss to secure it to the floss threader. Poke the end of the floss threader between your teeth to drag the regular floss through to remove food particles. Floss threaders are an effective, if time-consuming, way to floss.

    Interdental Brushes and Rubber Tips

    • Interdental brushes are tapered, cone-shaped brushes designed to slip between teeth by maneuvering the long, vertical handle. Interdental brushes are inserted between two teeth, then pulled back and forth to trap and remove food particles. Interdental brushes with rubber tips are also available, which can remove tartar and buildup from along the gum line gently and effectively, supplementing or replacing the use of a Waterpik.

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