FAQs
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.
Should you brush your teeth first or Waterpik first? ›
Should my patients use the water flosser before or after brushing? We recommend using the water flosser prior to toothbrushing: Removing food and debris enhances the effectiveness of both toothbrushing and toothpaste.
What order do you use a water flosser? ›
Most people brush, then floss, then waterpik (if they have one)… but did you know the “best” order is actually:
- Floss – to dislodge food particles.
- Waterpik – to flush everything away.
- Brush last – to clean your teeth and get the most out of your toothpaste (especially if it has fluoride and minerals in it like CTX4 5000)
Since flossing daily is recommended, using a WaterPik daily is also encouraged. Although you can use it in the morning, night usage is ideal. This is because typically, you'll go the longest without food or drink overnight. You've already had all your meals for the day and can end the day with perfectly clean teeth.
What is the correct order of tooth care? ›
Most people brush, floss and then use mouthwash. And some just brush, skipping the other two steps. As it turns out, it's actually more effective to floss, use mouthwash, then brush, according to dentists — and they don't recommend skipping any steps.
What are the disadvantages of using a Waterpik? ›
The rinsing action of Waterpiks may not be enough to remove plaque completely from the surface of your teeth. Some people like to use string floss first to scrape off and loosen plaque. A Waterpik can then be used to efficiently rinse out residue and plaque left behind.
What's the difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser? ›
The truth is there is no difference. A Waterpik is simply a brand of water flosser that has become so well known that the name of the company and the product itself have become synonymous.
Do you use Waterpik behind teeth? ›
Start at the back and work your way around your mouth. Focus on the top of your teeth, the gum line, and the spaces between each tooth. Remember to get the back of your teeth, too. The process should take about 2 minutes.
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.
What not to do with a Waterpik? ›
Do not use iodine, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, or water insoluble essential oils in WATERPIK devices, as these may damage your device.
Instead, most dentists recommend using a Waterpik as a complement to flossing. For example, you could floss once per day and use your Waterpik after you floss to blast away any debris that was loosened while flossing. Or, you could use a Waterpik in the morning and evening, and floss once per day after lunch.
Can I use Listerine in my Waterpik? ›
Safe for WaterpikTM Water Flossers
Standard or cosmetic mouthwash neutralizes odors and freshens your breath. To use standard mouthwash: Add a small amount of mouthwash to a reservoir filled with warm water (to prevent damage to the unit, do not exceed a 1:1 ratio of mouthwash to water).
Should I brush my teeth before or after dentist? ›
Brushing before your visit also helps us get a more accurate reading of your dental health. Plaque and food particles can sometimes mask underlying issues, making it harder for us to diagnose and treat them effectively. So, by brushing beforehand, you're helping us provide the best dental care possible.
Is it better to floss before or after brushing teeth? ›
The short answer: It does. While it may be surprising, a study has found that flossing first followed by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque than brushing first, flossing second. In addition, flossing before brushing results in greater fluoride retention between teeth.
Should you brush your teeth before or after mouthwash? ›
The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth. However, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends avoiding mouthwash right after brushing, since this may wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, the NHS recommends using mouthwash at a different time of day.
Should I use water flosser after brushing? ›
You still need to brush your teeth twice a day, but you can use the water flosser before or after brushing. It's important to note, though, that studies have shown that flossing before brushing removes more plaque. Fill your water flosser's reservoir with lukewarm water, then put the flosser tip in your mouth.
Do dentists recommend flossing or brushing first? ›
Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Do I brush my teeth first or mouth wash? ›
The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth. However, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends avoiding mouthwash right after brushing, since this may wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, the NHS recommends using mouthwash at a different time of day.
Does a Waterpik take the place of brushing? ›
A Waterpik Shouldn't Replace Brushing or Flossing
While Waterpiks have a place in oral care, they shouldn't replace brushing, flossing, or visits to your dentist. Waterpiks can't remove plaque or stuck-on debris, so it's important to continue to floss and receive professional cleanings regularly.
