Should I Use My WaterPik at Night or in the Morning? — Wells Family Dental Group (2024)

Should I Use My WaterPik at Night or in the Morning?

WaterPik’s are more popular today than ever before. It’s a device that uses pulsating water to remove bacteria from the gum pockets. While patients from all walks of life may benefit from a WaterPik, this device is particularly beneficial to those who have a difficult time using regular floss or simply do not like using floss. It may also be helpful for patients with braces or other dental hardware and have difficulty with regular floss.

According to the American Dental Association, a WaterPik is an effective way to remove plaque and reduce the risk of gingivitis. If you use a WaterPik, however, make sure you use it on a daily basis. It won’t do you any good if it’s stored in your bathroom cabinet and only used when you feel like it.

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.

It’s important to note that while a WaterPik is a good option, it is not a replacement for string floss. While it does effectively remove food particles and rinse teeth, it does not replicate the scraping motion of string floss, which is important for removing plaque. Using a WaterPik is better than not flossing at all, however, so if you prefer it, we approve.

Contact Wells Family Dental Group

For more information about WaterPik usage, call our Raleigh, NC office today at 919-266-5332.

Should I Use My WaterPik at Night or in the Morning? — Wells Family Dental Group (2024)

FAQs

Should I Use My WaterPik at Night or in the Morning? — Wells Family Dental Group? ›

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.

Is it better to Waterpik at night or in the morning? ›

Here at River Run Dental, we recommend using a Waterpik in the evening before you go to bed because you typically go the longest without food or drink overnight. At our new Midlothian, VA dentist's office, we have many patients that ask about the benefits of using a WaterPik over flossing.

When should I use my Waterpik? ›

We recommend using the water flosser prior to toothbrushing: Removing food and debris enhances the effectiveness of both toothbrushing and toothpaste. Instructing patients to use it first improves compliance.

How many times a day is it safe to use a Waterpik? ›

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.

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.

Should you brush your teeth before or after Waterpik? ›

Therefore, our recommendation is to consider using your Waterpik water flosser first before brushing your teeth. This will allow the stuck-on debris to dislodge and then you can easily brush the remaining area free of all particles.

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.

Can you overuse a Waterpik? ›

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.

Do you use warm or cold water in a Waterpik? ›

We recommend that you use warm water because it is seen to be the most effective. However, if you wish to use mouthwash, mix a small amount with warm water and use.

How long after eating can I use Waterpik? ›

Tips for Brushing After Eating

Don't have 20-30 to wait to brush your teeth after eating? Carry a portable waterpik in your purse or backpack. Use a mouth rinse shortly after eating to wash away any leftover food debris safely from your mouth. When it is time to brush, be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste.

Can you use a Waterpik incorrectly? ›

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using a water flosser, as incorrect use can cause gum irritation. And it's also always a good idea to talk to a dental professional before you use a water flosser, especially if you have any dental health concerns.

How long does it take for Waterpik to remove plaque? ›

The Classic Jet Tip removed 99.9% and the Orthodontic Tip removed 99.8% of the plaque biofilm from the treated areas after a three-second exposure as viewed by SEM.

What is the black stuff coming out of my Waterpik? ›

It may be the wintertime and mold may grow more easily in a bathroom that is more humid but there was probably a teaspoon of filthy moldy dark material that came out of the unit. I used a small brush and went up into the handle and more came out.

Is it OK to put Listerine in your Waterpik? ›

Can I use mouthwash or other additives in a WATERPIK water flosser? Yes, although all you need for effectiveness is warm water, there are additives including certain types of mouthwash that are safe to use.

What is the best way to sanitize a Waterpik? ›

Based on your model, mix 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 16 ounces of warm water. Run this solution through the unit until the reservoir is empty. Rinse by repeating with a full reservoir of clean warm water.

How often should I wash my Waterpik? ›

There are four simple steps for cleaning, using water, vinegar, and your dishwasher. Waterpick recommends you perform this cleaning every one to three months. Step 1: You will clean the water reservoir and reservoir valve. Remove the water reservoir, remove the black reservoir valve by pushing it from the bottom.

What is the best setting to use on a Waterpik? ›

Any first time user should always start on low so they can acclimate to the device. For optimal results, they should increase the pressure comfortably until reaching the 6 or 7 setting on the countertop or the 60 or 75 setting on a handheld. The Water Flosser can be used at the 8, 9, or 10 setting.

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