You Can’t Fool a Dental Hygienist
I am guilty. A few weeks prior to my dental cleaning and check-up, I floss like a madwoman. And as you can imagine, my bleeding gums are not happy. Equally as unhappy is the dental hygienist who can see right through my attempt to cover up my lack of consistent flossing.
Don’t kill the messenger, but I was told that if your gums bleed when you floss, that’s a sign that you need to brush and floss more often.
So, when the dentist conferred with the hygienist that I needed to floss more, I agreed and like a student with a failing grade, I promised to do better. I was told that a water flosser can make flossing more enjoyable. I never considered the words “flossing” and “enjoyable” in the same sentence.
Handheld Water Flosser Instrument vs. Dental Floss
There are various types of traditional dental floss: wax and unwaxed floss, thread floss, flossing sticks, tape floss, or flavored and unflavored floss. Regardless of the dental floss type, it’s kind of a dull job … manually sliding the floss back and forth between each tooth. And, as in my case, most of my teeth are very close together so fitting the floss between those teeth is challenging.
A handheld water flosser instrument is designed to shoot water at your teeth, pushing out any food debris that is stuck between teeth. It offers a deep, thorough cleaning without the inconvenient hassle of manual flossing. This removes extra plaque and food particles that brushing and flossing have missed.
My dentist specifically suggested the WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser to me. I was not surprised since the WaterPik brand is the #1 water flosser brand recommended by dental professionals.
Special Features of the WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser (Model WP-100)
The WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser is acknowledged by the American Dental Association (ADA) for its safety and effectiveness.
Here’s why it works:
:: WaterPik PrecisionPulse™ technology has been tested and proven to deliver just the right amount of pressure and pulsations
:: Removes up to 99.9% of plaque bacteria that causes gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath from treated areas
:: Clinically proven up to 2X as effective as string floss for removing bacterial plaque and improving gum health
Special features about this water flosser:
:: Offers 6 flossing tips for a variety of dental needs
:: 360-degree rotating tip handle provides great reach, even back teeth
:: 1,400 pulses per minute
:: Advanced pressure control system offers 10 settings of water pressure
:: Removable water reservoir with 90+ seconds of flossing
:: On/Off water control on handle
:: Covered reservoir with built-in tip storage
Is the WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser Good For Everyone?
This water flosser is for adults that want to improve oral hygiene and keep teeth extra clean through consistent daily flossing habits. According to the team at WaterPik, this tool is even ideal for use with braces, implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers.
Choose from 6 flossing tips:
>> Orthodontic Tip – Braces/General use
>> Pik Pocket™ Tip – Periodontal pockets
>> Plaque Seeker™ Tip – Implants/Crowns/Bridges/Retainers/General use
>> Toothbrush Tip – General use
>> Classic Jet Tip – General use
>> Tongue Cleaner – Fresher breath
The Plaque Seeker™ tip was clinically shown to be up to 2X as effective as string floss for improving gum health around implants. The Orthodontic tip was clinically shown to be up to 3X as effective for removing plaque around braces vs. brushing and manually using string floss.
Product Specifications
The WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser is available in white, black, classic blue, modern gray, and mint green colors. I chose the white because I wanted it to blend in with my bathroom as I continually keep it displayed on my bathroom vanity. I have been consistently using it daily and proud of my newfound dental diligence. It plugs into 120VAC/60Hz outlets, for use in North America only. The height with the tip attached is 9.90″. The width of the base is 5.60″ and depth is 5.30″. The flosser comes with a generous, three-year limited warranty.
Using the WaterPik Ultra Flosser
The water flosser is easy to operate. Duly note that there is a quick learning curve, like don’t turn it on until the wand is inside your mouth, or you’ll shoot water in your face or on the bathroom mirror. Once you get hit in the eye with water a few times, you remember not to turn it on until ready.
<1> Plug the cord into an electrical outlet
<2> Fill the reservoir with warm water
<3> Choose the flosser tip that best fits your needs
<4> Insert flosser tip into the center of handle
<5> Select your desired pressure setting
<6> Place the nozzle in your mouth
<7> Turn the flosser on
<8> Aim the water stream at the spaces between teeth and along gumline
I prefer to turn off the flosser before I spit the water into the sink. You can also lean over the sink when using and just keep your mouth slightly open to let the water drip into the sink as you floss.
I highly suggest that you read the product instructions carefully prior to use. The first time you use your WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser, you must follow “priming” instructions where you fill the reservoir and use the highest pressure setting to squirt the water out.
My General Comments About the WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser
The water flosser provides a thorough cleaning not only for my teeth but also for my gums. My teeth are noticeably cleaner, and I may add, a bit shinier. When I first started using my water flosser, I may have used it too strongly because my gums were a bit irritated. However, in time, my gums felt better. I was pleasantly surprised at the results.
I love that there are ten different tips to choose from. I also appreciate the pressure selections because as I mentioned, my gums require a lighter pressure setting.
Compared to the other more expensive models, the WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser is an affordable choice, a great value for the money. I paid $67.79 at my local CVS retail store. I could have searched online for a less expensive price, but I drove straight to CVS upon leaving my last dental appointment.
Mission Accomplished … A Heathier Mouth
Good news. According to my dentist, using the WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser did make a big difference in the health of my gums. My dentist no longer mentioned the possibility of referring me to a gum specialist. My good dental report was a big relief.
As with any medical device, it’s always a good idea to talk to a dental professional before you purchase and use a water flosser.
Here’s a tip: I add mouthwash to the water reservoir to add a minty flavor and an extra layer of plaque prevention. The WaterPik Ultra Water Flosser makes FLOSSING much more ENJOYABLE and my mouth is undeniably healthier. Considering the results, this may be the best $67.79 that I’ve ever spent.
