How to Use a Water Flosser
Improve your teeth health and transform your oral care routine with a water flosser.
How many times have you been laid in the dentist’s chair worried that you haven’t been flossing as often as you should? Regular brushing only cleans the surfaces of the teeth while bacteria and food can often lurk in the gaps in-between, leading to plaque build-up, bad breath, and other oral hygiene issues. But flossing with string or picks can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, and cause damage to the teeth and gums. Enter the water flosser. This handy gadget quickly and gently cleans the places that your toothbrush struggles to reach. No more worrying about letting your dentist down – just quick, hygienic cleaning in a flash.
We take a closer look at how to choose, use, and maintain your water flosser below.
Do I Need a Water Flosser?
The areas between your teeth are often the places that plaque is most likely to lurk. The reason for this is that these are the toughest spots to reach with your toothbrush. And even the strongest mouthwash isn’t going to wash away stubborn biofilm – bacteria colonies that thrive in our mouths. This means that flossing should be at the centre of a good mouth-care regime. So, why pick water flossing over regular string floss? A 2013 study found that water flossing was more effective than brushing combined with string flossing. Water flossing is also much gentler that string flossing, making it a smart choice for anyone with dental restoration like crowns, bridges or implants. Another benefit of water flossing is how easy it is. Forget awkwardly trying to angle your fingers into your mouth and get the floss between the right teeth. With a water flosser, you can aim and clean easily, even kids can do it.
Picking the Right Water Flosser
There are a wide range of water flossers available at a variety of price points. The Panasonic EW1311 Water Flosser is a great all-rounder with two types of water jets and 4 different nozzle types for specialist cleaning. It’s also cordless and waterproof which makes it easy to use in the bathroom. If you’re on-the-go a lot, you might prefer a specialist travel model. We recommend the Panasonic EW-DJ40 Travel Water Flosser. Its slimline design makes it easy to transport without skimping on power or functionality.
How Can I Use a Water Flosser Effectively?
Follow these steps to get great results with your water flosser, every time you brush:
1. To use your water flosser, you first need to ensure it is fully charged and fill the water reservoir, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lukewarm water is usually best to prevent sensitivity issues.
2. Now, select the tip you want to use, depending on the type of cleaning you want to do. Specialist tips may include toothbrush, plaque cleaner, and orthodontic tips. You should ensure the tip is fully secured in place before you start to clean.
3. Lean over your sink, to make sure you don’t get water everywhere, and place the tip in your mouth. Start with the back teeth and work forward. Carefully cleaning around and in-between each tooth.
4. The pressure of the water should be high but comfortable – if you experience pain or discomfort, stop immediately.
5. When you have completed your whole mouth, turn off the flosser and empty the reservoir. Now, brush your teeth as normal. Brushing before flossing can cause you to rinse away the protective ingredients in toothpaste that are designed to stay on your teeth.
How to Look After Your Water Flosser
You’re likely to use your water flosser every day, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Mineral deposits can collect in and on your water flosser, so you should aim to clean it regularly to keep it hygienic and performing at its best. This means emptying out your water flosser every time you use it. This prevents stale water from sitting inside it and bacteria from forming. Ideally, you should let it dry out after use. You should also wipe down the exterior of your water flosser using clean paper towels or a clean cloth. Once a month, you need to clean the reservoir itself, and you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this – often reservoirs are suitable for dishwasher cleaning.
Ready to up your oral hygiene game? Explore the Panasonic online store to find the best health and beauty tools for your bathroom.