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Using a water flosser: what to know

Using a water flosser: what to know

Learn about using a water flosser effectively and discover the benefits it brings to your oral care routine.

If you're super into dental hygiene (hello, we can relate), you likely want the best, high-tech tools for cleaning and caring for your teeth. Besides a trusty electric toothbrush, you might consider getting a water flosser.

How does water flossing work, what does it entail, and is it a replacement for regular flossing? Spoiler: We don't consider a water flosser a replacement for dental floss, but we highly recommend using both.

Here's everything you need to know about using a water flosser, including the benefits, tips for getting started, and step-by-step guidance.

How a water flosser works

A water flosser (also known as an oral irrigator) uses continuous water pressure to loosen and rinse away plaque and food debris from between teeth and along the gumline.

The total time per session is about a minute, depending on the pressure level you use. And you spit out the water as you floss or each time your mouth gets full.

The mechanics of water flossing

When water flossing, you hold your lips around a little spout so the water can enter your mouth without spraying everywhere. The narrow spout or floss tip allows you to target the water stream at specific areas —  position the floss tip at a 90-degree angle to the gumline, allowing the water to flush out gunk (including sugars and plaque bacteria) from every nook and cranny.

Key features of a water flosser

We mentioned the spout, but here's a list of all the key features and components of a water flosser:

  • Water reservoir that doubles as a handle

  • Lid for filling the reservoir with water

  • Floss tip (aka spout) where the water comes out from the reservoir

  • Buttons for on/off and water pressure adjustment

  • Rechargeable battery for cordless, clutter-free use

Learn why regular flossing is vital for oral health.

Benefits of using a water flosser

Why use a water flosser? It's a great addition to traditional flossing, plus research shows this method is effective at reducing plaque and gingival bleeding. It’s also especially good for folks with dental work.

  • Cleans effectively. Studies on water flossing have shown it can effectively clean teeth and remove plaque from hard-to-access areas of the mouth.

  • Ideal for braces, implants, and dental work. Metal braces, implants, and other dental work can make it tricky to floss all areas of the mouth. A water flosser can make it easier while gently cleaning around fixed prostheses.

  • Easier for limited dexterity. People with limited hand mobility might find a water flosser easier to maneuver than traditional floss.

For the record, water flossing is different for every person and should be a supplement to string flossing. The latter is a must for dental hygiene, and the former is a nice bonus.

Step-by-step guide to using a water flosser

Using a water flosser is actually super easy. Find our best tips for setting up and cleaning your teeth below.

  1. First, make sure your water flosser is charged. (The water flosser from quip charges in four hours and lasts up to eight weeks on gentle mode with daily use.)

  2. Unplug your charged water flosser.

  3. Lift the water reservoir lid and fill it to the max fill line with warm water. (Warm water can be more comfortable in the mouth than very cold water, but you don't want it too hot.)

  4. Close the lid.

  5. Turn on the water flosser.

  6. Position your mouth over the floss tip.

  7. Leaning over your sink so you can spit out the water as needed, press the button to start the water flow.

  8. Point the floss tip at a 90-degree angle to the gumline, keeping a slight distance from the gum tissue to avoid irritation.

  9. Start at the back molars and slowly work your way forward, tracing along the gumline on both the inside and outside surfaces of each tooth. 

  10. Once you're finished, turn off the water flosser and empty the reservoir of any remaining water.

  11. Remove the nozzle and rinse it with hot water.

  12. Allow all parts to air-dry.

You can use a water flosser before or after brushing your teeth. Before might be best, though, because then the water won't rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste.

Best practices when using a water flosser

New to oral irrigation? Keep these water flosser tips in mind:

  • Go slow with the pressure. Water flossers typically have multiple water pressure levels. The first time you use one, it's best to start with the lower setting. Then as you get more comfortable, you can work your way up.

  • Make sure to cover all areas. Like traditional flossing, you want to get between each and every tooth, as well as your entire upper, lower, inner, and outer gum line.

  • Use warm water. Warm or lukewarm water is ideal for water flossing. Cold water pressure might irritate gum sensitivities or just not feel very good.

  • Clean after using. Don't leave leftover water in the reservoir, especially with the lid closed, as this can lead to bacterial growth and mildew. Be sure to wash the floss tip each time too.

Explore our range of flossers

Want to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level? Check out the collection of flossers and floss tip refills from quip. Our cordless water flosser has a magnetic charging cable and a battery that lasts nearly two months on a full charge. Other standout features include an extra-large water reservoir, a 360-degree rotating magnetic floss tip, two pressure levels, and two water flow settings.

Regular dental floss? We have that too. Browse the selection to find refillable floss string.

Our blog goes over more facts and myths about flossing.

 

 

Sources:

Abdellatif H, et al. (2021). Comparison between water flosser and regular floss in the efficacy of plaque removal in patients after single use. The Saudi dental journal, 33(5), 256–259. doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2021.03.005

Mohapatra S, et al. (2023). Comparing the effectiveness of water flosser and dental floss in plaque reduction among adults: A systematic review. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 27(6), 559–567. doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_597_22

Mancinelli-Lyle D, et al. (2023). Efficacy of water flossing on clinical parameters of inflammation and plaque: A 4-week randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Dental Hygiene. doi.org/10.1111/idh.12770

Jagals, P & Jagals, C & Bokako, T. (2003). The effect of container-biofilm on the microbiological quality of water used from plastic household containers. Journal of water and health. 1. 101-8. 10.2166/wh.2003.0012.

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