Waterpik water flossers can be integral to maintaining or even improving your oral health. However, the truth is that it is not easy to use these useful devices without creating a mess.
It might look super simple in the different advertisements, but when it comes to using the Waterpik, you are likely to struggle.
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How Does Waterpik Work?
The frustration that comes from using Waterpik flosser is not rare. It surely is somewhat strange to use. Imagine placing the tip inside the mouth, turning it on, and suddenly hearing quite a loud sound, which can be somewhat disturbing.
Yes, even in the world of today, Waterpik devices are extremely loud, given the motor it is equipped with and the power is demonstrated through the loudness of the device as well. The motor from the Waterpik gives rise to the extremely high-pressurized water stream inside your mouth.
Related reading: Can I Put Hydrogen Peroxide in My Waterpik?
Why Use a Waterpik?
Waterpik devices are dental irrigators that keep the teeth and gum safe from having troubles resulting from food particles accumulating in between or the growth of microbes (including bacteria).
These are operated via battery or can be plugged directly into the mains to be powered from a tank of water. They help to maintain oral hygiene, which not only prevents caries but also other diseases.
What Problems Can Arise from Waterpik?
When dental flossing is not done properly, a lot of issues can arise. Sometimes, using it can be painful as well, and you can end up damaging tissues due to incorrect usage or too much pressure.
Related reading: Waterpik Ion WF-12 Cordless Water Flosser Review
How to Use a Waterpik without Making a Mess
If you want to have a written 6 step rule for using Waterpik oral irrigator without creating a mess, we have got your back.
- Fill in the tank with lukewarm water and position it in a safe place.
- If it is the first time you are using the Waterpik, you can set the pressure control dial to high. Then, you can point the mouthpiece to the sink and switch on the flow of water until it starts to flow. Then you can switch it off. You can select the tip and click on the handle if it is not the first time.
- Start with the lowest setting for pressure, lean towards the sink, and put the mouthpiece inside your mouth.
- You can now switch on the device. Remember to close your lips slightly to prevent any water splashes while you allow some water to flow out of your mouth towards the sink.
- You should set the tip at an angle so it is oriented towards the gum.
- You may then turn off the device and use the tip eject button to take it off.
Putting the Tip into the Mouth First
Another rule asks you to put the tip inside the mouth as the first step. After you have done so, you can only then switch it on. There is the reason behind this suggestion- you might experience splashes of water shooting around if you do not do so, given the power of your Waterpik.
Picking the Lowest Setting
Why did we suggest using the lowest setting for your Waterpik? Well, doing so at the start is mandatory to get better control over your device.
Furthermore, low pressure will ensure that it does not hurt when you are pointing it to sensitive areas, such as under the tongue. For safety concerns, it is highly recommended to start with the lowest. You can then try to slowly increase the settings one by one every day for 14 days.
Using Lukewarm Water
This is also important if you are talking about maintaining sensitive areas and sensitive teeth. While many may argue that cold water can also be used, we will still recommend lukewarm water if you experience or observe some sort of sensitivity.
Run the Water for a Few Seconds before Starting to Use the Waterpik
If you fill the water tank with lukewarm water and switch on the Waterpik, it will give out the cold water first. This is because the cord will still contain some of the water left after the previous session of flossing with water.
Hence, you must throw it out and realize that the Waterpik is ready to be used when the fresh lukewarm water finally comes out. You should ensure that the tip is pointed into the sink during this time to avoid unwanted splashes.
Related reading: Oral B Water Flosser Reviews & Buying Guide
Close the Lips
The water should be allowed to freely flow from the mouth. Hence, do not keep it held inside the mouth- let it out. However, you must keep your lips closed while doing so to prevent the water from splashing out.
Make Sure You Suck the Water Out at the End
After you have finished water flossing using your Waterpik, and the water tank or reservoir is empty, the cable will still contain some water. When you let the water stay there, the water will start to cool and you might get confused by the cold water hitting your teeth in the following session.
Hence, it might be a good idea to take the remaining water out of the cable through the tip and spitting it out to the sink when you have completed your flossing.
Related reading: Can You Share a Waterpik Water Flosser?
Conclusion
Using a Waterpik is a healthy habit, and now you are given the tips to carry it out without having to worry about any extra mess that might follow.
If you start following the different steps and keeping an eye out for the details mentioned in this guide, you will soon be able to master the art of using a Waterpik to water floss your teeth without creating a mess of water splash.