Waterpik Waterflosser Ultra - alternate to dental floss

[Julius Seeker]

So I got one of these for Christmas. Me being me, I tried it out at maximum strength and the results were numbing... Literally, my mouth was numb after a single 3-4 minute session.

The results were a lot better than standard dental flossing, far better in fact. I have some ugly coffee stains between my teeth that always seem to become noticible to me within 1-2 months after a dentist cleaning; daily flossing, and twice daily mouthwash & brushing don't seem to make a difference in that area - I've been using a mid range Oral B electric toothbrush for the last couple of years or so; the mid range toothbrushes tend to be as effective as the high end -$2-600 ones in their primary task and durability, it is just that they lack all the bells and whistles.

Anyway, after this single session with the waterpik set on max power, about 30-40% of the coffee stains were gone, and the area between my teeth felt thoroughly flossed. The major issues I encountered were the numbness due to the high pressure, and the gum bleeding. Other than that, I am impressed with the results.

And upon reading the box further, the water pressure is supposed to be high enough to strip off plaque.

[Don]

I use one and it does seem to be more effective than flossing, and I can't get flossing to work most of the time anyway but even when I do, it sure seems like running a jet of water ought to clean stuff up more effectively.

[Shrinweck]

From what I've heard about my dad's adventures in dental hygiene, high pressure cleaning in this form (or things like new 'sonic' toothbrushes) can lead to damage so be careful. I think it can contribute to gum recession? I'm not a dental professional, but my dad got talked to by the dentist about amateur use of high impact cleaning or some such. It's probably fine if you're removing food from gaps, but if you're futzing about with plaque and stain removal, I'd ask someone next cleaning you go in for. My dad also has really bad luck with dental hygiene despite decades of being meticulous about it, so there's a good chance that this kind of stuff had more of an impact on him than it would on someone else, just thought I'd say something.

[Don]

Well I'm not using the maximum setting like Seeker is doing!

[Eric]

Greatest modern invention of our time.

A water pick can help remove food particles from your teeth and might help reduce bleeding and gum disease, but it isn't generally considered a substitute for brushing and flossing.

[Julius Seeker]

Hahaha, it was just a test! I won't do it again for now and not very often...

I am not sure a lot about gum recession other than it is caused by gingivitis. It's something that can be repaired at least.

I have been using the Waterpik more frequently now, it is definitely a lot more thorough and easier than flossing; it's easy to reach areas that are very troublesome to reach. I was a little hesitant to get off floss completely, but when it comes to cleaning around the gums, there is a specific component specialized for that, and the pressure needs to be on low setting; I would say this is both more thorough and less damaging than floss. In other words, no need for the string.

Eric, I have tried those flossing picks in the past, but I didn't end up liking them very much because they are too taut. Admittedly though, I did pick a cheap and terrible brand.

[Eric]

Yeah you have to find a good brand, I've had ones where I'd have to go through 5 of the fucking things to get all my teeth, but I've found good ones that last for all my teeth.

[Don]

I remember my dentist telling me those new floss are for the weak, not that I was ever able to use the dental floss with any efficiency, or even the newer one, but still better than the old ones.

[kali o.]

I impulse bought it because of this thread...

I used it once, so I don't have much of an opinion...but the fuck is with the button pausing it instead of the button activating it. Counter intuitive...no?

[Julius Seeker]

I agree, seems a weird design choice. Anyway, despite warnings of gum recession, I sand blasted my teeth a few more times and the coffee stains are nearly gone, down to the point where they're just a few dim spots. I think I'm done with that now, I'll finish up with some crest bleaching strips.

Edit:

Actually, with a bit of thought, it's so the user has freedom of motion without having to have their finger on the button the whole time - that would be annoying. The pause is simply an easy access thing - alitho ugh it could have worked as a toggle as well.

[Replay]

I want a team of tiny gnomes armed with miniature hydrogen cannons that caress my teeth and blast infections with automated AI. (Admittedly I did get a vibrating toothbrush this year, and it's cooler. Just not that much cooler.)

[Anarky]

I think switching to an electric toothbrush was a contributing factor in me having to get a gum graft a few years ago. I brushed like normal when I was suppose to just let it glide. I've pretty much swapped back to normal tooth brushes because my dentist got me on these Nimbus brushes and none of the heads for my sonicare are as soft: https://www.nimbusdental.com/

[Don]

I want a team of tiny gnomes armed with miniature hydrogen cannons that caress my teeth and blast infections with automated AI. (Admittedly I did get a vibrating toothbrush this year, and it's cooler. Just not that much cooler.)

Whenever I read about how nanomachines are going to take over the world or destroy humanity I always figure something like this has to happen first before I have to worry about it.

[Replay]

Probably correct on that Don