Does Flossing with a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser Hurt? (2024)

August 30, 2016

Waterpik Product Support

Have you considered using a WATERPIK water flosser, but were skeptical because you thought it might be uncomfortable or hurt your gums? Well, we have great news: the WATERPIK water flosser is gentle, soothing, and more effective than string floss!

Flossing Shouldn't Hurt Your Gums

Especially in comparison to string flossing, water flossing is much kinder to your gums and shouldn't hurt:

  • String flossing can be painful -- If you use too much force or the space between your teeth is tight, string floss can snap and cut into your gum tissue.
  • Water flossing is more comfortable -- When you use the water flosser, the pulsating warm water has a soothing effect on the gums.
  • Water flossing is also more effective -- Removes up to 99.9% of plaque bacteria that causes gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath from treated areas and is clinically proven up to 2X as effective as string floss for removing bacterial plaque and improving gum health.

The water flosser provides a gentle, yet powerful clean:

Tips for Proper WaterpikTM Water Flosser Use

When done correctly, water flossing does not hurt, especially if you follow these tips:

  • Use warm water
  • Start on the lowest pressure setting
  • Point the flosser tip at the gumline, at a 90-degree angle

To start, we recommend using warm water. This is typically more comfortable, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

Proper water pressure is important when you are new to water flossing. Begin on the lowest pressure setting to see how it feels on your gums. Think of it as how “in-shape” your gums are. As your gums adapt, you can gradually increase the pressure to your comfort level, and it should not hurt as you do so.

Also, be sure to point the tip at the gumline at a 90 degree angle, and use the pause or on/off switch features (if applicable) if you need to temporarily stop water flow.

To see a video and step-by-step instructions, go to our How to Use a Waterpik™ Water Flosser page.

Strengthening Your Gums

If you have not been flossing regularly and experience discomfort, then it might take two weeks of daily water flossing to strengthen your gums. This is due to gum health issues rather than water flossing itself. (If your discomfort persists or you experience bleeding gums that hurt or are red and swollen, contact a dental professional for an assessment of your oral health.)

Healthier Gums in 14 Days - Guaranteed!

If you have unhealthy gum tissue, the temporary discomfort that you might experience at first with water flossing is rather small compared to the discomfort from possible gum disease or other oral health related issues.

With daily use of the WATERPIK water flosser, we guarantee that you will have stronger, healthier gums in 14 days or we will refund your money, no questions asked!

What are you waiting for? Using a WATERPIK water flosser does not hurt and is actually good for your gums, so get a happier, healthier smile today!

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Does Flossing with a Waterpik<sup>TM</sup> Water Flosser Hurt? (2024)

FAQs

Is flossing with a Waterpik enough? ›

A Waterpik cannot offer the same level of cleaning, since the stream of water creates no friction that can loosen hard-to-reach pieces of food and other debris. Instead, most dentists recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to flossing.

Does Waterpik flosser hurt? ›

Using a WATERPIK water flosser does not hurt and is actually good for your gums. If you have unhealthy gum tissue, the temporary discomfort that you might experience at first with water flossing is rather small compared to the discomfort from possible gum disease or other oral health related issues.

What are the downsides of a water flosser? ›

It's also bulky and requires a big space in your bag unlike the regular flosser that is widely accessible and portable, especially when you're leaving town or for a vacation. It should be noted that dental water jets are not as effective at plaque removal as string floss, so they're not advised for vigorous brushing.

How do dentists feel about Waterpik? ›

Thousands of dental professionals recommend the WATERPIK water flosser to their patients, and they see the difference it makes.

Is it normal to bleed after using Waterpik? ›

Bleeding means the water flosser is too strong: If your gums bleed while using a Waterpik, it could indicate gum disease or inflammation, not necessarily the pressure of the water flosser.

Is there a water flosser that doesn't hurt? ›

The 5 Best Water Flossers (for People Who Hate Flossing)
  • Waterpik Ion Professional Cordless Water Flosser. $100. $80. ...
  • PhilipsSonicare Power Flosser 7000. $140. Shop. ...
  • BurstWater Flosser. $69. Shop. ...
  • Amazon BasicsHydroClean Cordless Water Flosser. $29. $27. ...
  • Oral-BWater Flosser Advanced. $90. $60. ...
  • PhilipsSonicare Power Flosser 3000. $67.
Jun 1, 2023

Do you touch Waterpik to gums? ›

Hold the tip slightly away from the gums to allow the water flow to remove plaque and debris.

Do you still need to floss if you use a water flosser? ›

A Waterpik Shouldn't Replace Brushing or Flossing

Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly. Using a Waterpik while continuing to practice good oral care can help you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

Can Waterpik cause gum recession? ›

While water flossers are generally considered safe for most people, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse or incorrect use can lead to gum damage. On the other hand, water flossers have been shown to improve gum health by removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease.

Can bacteria grow in Waterpik? ›

Because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even despite following the provided cleaning recommendations. That's not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself.

Which is better, flossing or Waterpik? ›

It's best not to discard your dental floss in favor of a water flosser, as most dentists still consider floss the most effective way to clean between the teeth. While flossing may be a bit uncomfortable if you're not used to it, it does get easier.

Can water flossing replace regular flossing? ›

Water flossing will remove more plaque than flossing, making it more effective. The most effective way to clean between teeth and along the gums is whichever method you use regularly and properly. You should add either string flossing, water flossing, or both to brushing as a nightly dental routine.

How messy is it to use a Waterpik? ›

Using a Waterpik can sometimes get messy. It's recommended you keep your lips slightly closed to prevent splashing. However, you must keep your mouth open enough to let the water flow out. Positioning yourself over the sink can help direct the water from your mouth to empty into the sink.

Is a Waterpik strong enough to remove plaque? ›

Conclusion: The Waterpik Water Flosser and manual toothbrush is significantly more effective than a manual brush and string floss in removing plaque from tooth surfaces.

Does a water flosser work better than string floss? ›

They found instead that water flossers were just as effective as string floss, not more so. That is why they recommended water flossers to those with braces, retainers, or who have fine motor skill issues.

How often should you floss with a water flosser? ›

Recommended Frequency and Duration of Use: It's generally safe to use a water flosser once or twice a day for two minutes at a time. Correct Technique for Water Flossing: Hold the water flosser tip at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and gums and aim the stream of water directly at the gum line.

Do you brush your teeth before or after using a Waterpik? ›

The ideal time to use a Waterpik is before you brush your teeth. This is because doing so can allow you to remove food debris and plaque. When you use a Waterpik before brushing your teeth, teeth brushing becomes more effective.

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