Do you brush your teeth before or after using a Waterpik?

Asked by: Derek Hoppe  |  Last update: December 31, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (18 votes)

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.

Do I need to brush my teeth if I use a Waterpik?

A water flosser doesn't replace your toothbrush or traditional flossing. You still need to brush your teeth twice a day, but you can use the water flosser before or after. Fill your water flosser's reservoir with lukewarm water, then put the flosser tip in your mouth. Lean over the sink to avoid a mess.

How many times a day should you use a Waterpik?

Best Way to Use a Water Flosser

Use twice a day for optimal results. It would help if you brush twice daily, once with your regular or electric toothbrush and toothpaste, then again with your Waterpik water flosser. Some people prefer to complete their routine using mouthwash after brushing or rinsing.

What is the correct order of brushing and flossing?

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.

Do you touch Waterpik to gums?

Place the tip in your mouth and start with your back teeth.

Hold the tip away from your teeth and gums rather than touching them directly. You may want to lean over the sink so you don't splash water on your countertop. You can start on either the inside or outside, but be sure to spray every interdental area.

Should you Floss or Brush First? The Answer Might Surprise You!

27 related questions found

Do you need to manually floss if you use a Waterpik?

Research has shown little difference in plaque removal between using floss versus the Waterpik. But why not do both! They each have their own benefits. For the ultimate clean and plaque removal, consider using both at least once a day.

What is the 3 3 3 rule brushing teeth?

The brushing method recommended to general persons in Korea is the 3-3-3 brushing method campaign, which involves only toothbrushing behavior (the time and frequency); 3-3-3 means brushing one's teeth 3 times per day, within 3 minutes after having a meal, for at least 3 minutes each time.

Should you floss or rinse first?

But if you are looking to follow the latest research, then start with flossing. If your dentist has recommended that a mouth rinse be part of your home care routine, then that should be the last step after flossing and brushing.

Do you floss up and down or back and forth?

Many people think all they need to do is quickly insert and remove the floss between each tooth, but that can leave plenty of plaque behind. Instead, once the floss is in place, curve the floss against each tooth surface in turn, using a gentle up-and-down motion to get rid of any debris.

Can you overdo Waterpik?

You can safely use a Waterpik as often as you like, it will only help to improve your oral care.

How long does it take for Waterpik to remove plaque?

Effectiveness of the WaterPik

The Classic Jet tip has been shown in studies to remove 99.9% of the plaque and biofilm from the treated area after a 3-second exposure. The Orthodontic Tip removed 99.8% of plaque and biofilm.

How much Listerine should you put in a Waterpik?

To prevent damage to the unit, add no more than a 1:1 ratio of antiseptic mouthwash to warm water to the reservoir. Water floss as described in the product instructions. Rinse the unit by partially filling the reservoir with plain warm water and running it with the tip pointed into the sink.

Can I put peroxide in my Waterpik?

The answer is yes. Hydrogen peroxide rinses with low concentrations are completely safe, and you can put hydrogen peroxide in your Waterpik water flosser.

Does Waterpik clean under gums?

For effective at-home care and to help heal periodontal pockets, many dental professionals recommend using a Waterpik® Water Flosser, such as the Aquarius Water Flosser, equipped with the Pik Pocket™ Tip, to deliver therapeutic mouth rinses deep into periodontal pockets.

Can you cut your gums with a Waterpik?

Can a Water Flosser damage teeth or gums? Though some may find that their gums bleed when they first use one, a Water Flosser does not damage teeth or gums. It is gentle on the oral cavity and acts similar to flossing.

What comes first mouthwash or toothpaste?

Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch.

Should I scrape my tongue before or after brushing?

Should you scrape your tongue before or after brushing? You should scrape your tongue once a day, and most experts recommend that you do it after brushing either in the morning or evening.

What is the correct way to brush your teeth?

Proper Brushing Technique

Sweep the brush gently back and forth over teeth and gums in soft strokes — or, if you prefer, use an elliptical (circular) motion to clean the teeth. Be sure to clean the spaces between teeth: You can use a sweeping motion to brush food particles away from the gums.

What does not brushing your teeth for 3 days do?

The First Few Days Without Brushing

Brushing your teeth helps to remove this plaque and keep it from building up. Within a few days of not brushing your teeth, the plaque on your teeth can start to harden into tartar. This can start breaking down the enamel of your teeth (the hard outer layer).

What is the 2 2 2 rule for teeth?

The 2-2-2 Rule Is A Simple Way To Keep Your Child's Teeth Healthy! Children should visit the dentist twice per year. Children should brush and floss at least twice a day (along or with supervision/help depending on age). Children should spend two whole minutes in brushing and flossing.

Can Waterpik remove tartar?

So, Can Water Flossers Remove Tartar? Now, let's answer the million-dollar question: no, water flossers can't remove tartar. Not even regular flossing can remove tartar. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar before it can damage your teeth or lead to infection.

Can water flosser cause gum recession?

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.

Why doesn't my Waterpik floss work?

The most common reason for little or no water flow is a clogged jet tip. You can troubleshoot this condition by removing the jet tip and observing if water bubbles up from the top when the device is powered on. To remove the tip, press the Tip Eject button (refer to your owner's manual if needed).