Water Flossers: An Easier Way to Clean Between Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day is an important part of looking after your smile, but your toothbrush can't effectively clean every area between your teeth.
That's where interdental cleaning comes in.
Traditional dental floss is one option, but it isn't for everyone. Some people find floss difficult to use, uncomfortable or simply hard to fit into their daily routine.
A water flosser can provide another way to clean between your teeth and around the gumline using a targeted stream of water.
And if you've been thinking about giving one a try, there's currently an added incentive: Waterpik is offering $50 cashback on the purchase of any Waterpik Water Flosser from Chemist Warehouse, subject to the promotion's terms and conditions. The current offer is limited to the first 200 valid claims.
What Is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser is a home oral-care device that uses a stream of pressurised, pulsating water to clean around and between your teeth.
The water stream can help remove plaque, food particles and debris from areas that can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush alone.
Rather than pulling a piece of string between your teeth, you guide the water flosser tip along your gumline and between your teeth.
For some people, this can make interdental cleaning easier to incorporate into their everyday routine.
Who Might Benefit From a Water Flosser?
A water flosser isn't necessarily something everyone needs, but it can be particularly useful for people who find traditional floss difficult or who have dental work that makes cleaning between the teeth more challenging.
You may find a water flosser useful if you:
Find traditional dental floss awkward or difficult to use
Have braces or orthodontic appliances
Have dental implants
Have crowns or bridges
Have difficulty using string floss because of limited dexterity
Want another option for cleaning between your teeth
Waterpik specifically identifies orthodontics, bridges, crowns, implants and dexterity difficulties as situations where water flossing can be particularly useful.
If you have dental work or orthodontic appliances, your dentist can also advise you on the most appropriate interdental cleaning method and tip for your individual needs.
Does a Water Flosser Replace Brushing?
No.
A water flosser is designed to complement your oral hygiene routine, not replace toothbrushing.
Waterpik recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes, while cleaning between the teeth once a day. Water flossing can be used as an alternative to traditional string floss, interdental brushes or floss threaders, depending on your individual needs.
Think of your routine as having two important jobs:
🪥 Brushing: cleans the surfaces of your teeth.
💧 Interdental cleaning: helps clean between your teeth and around the gumline.
Both are important parts of maintaining good oral hygiene.
How Do You Use a Water Flosser?
Getting started is relatively simple.
1. Fill the reservoir
Fill the water reservoir with warm or lukewarm water and place it securely on the unit.
2. Choose your tip
Select the appropriate tip for your Water Flosser and make sure it is securely attached.
Different tips are designed for different purposes, including everyday cleaning, orthodontics and cleaning around dental work.
3. Start on a low pressure setting
If you're new to water flossing, start with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase it as you become comfortable.
4. Lean over the sink
Place the tip in your mouth before turning the unit on. Close your lips enough to minimise splashing while allowing the water to flow into the sink.
5. Follow your gumline
Guide the tip along your gumline and pause briefly between your teeth, allowing the water to clean around these areas.
6. Finish and clean the unit
Turn the unit off before removing the tip and follow the manufacturer's instructions for emptying and cleaning your Water Flosser.
Waterpik provides these six basic steps in its Australian usage guide.
Is Water Flossing Difficult?
For many people, one of the biggest advantages is simply ease of use.
If you've tried traditional floss and found it awkward to manoeuvre between your teeth, a water flosser can be an alternative worth discussing with your dentist.
The most important thing is finding an interdental cleaning method that you can use consistently and correctly.
After all, the best oral hygiene routine is one that you can maintain every day.
What About Braces, Implants, Crowns and Bridges?
Cleaning around orthodontic appliances and dental work can sometimes require extra care.
Waterpik offers specialised tips designed for areas such as braces and orthodontic appliances, as well as tips intended for cleaning around implants, crowns and bridges.
If you have any of these, it's a good idea to ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the best technique for your particular situation.
💰 $50 Waterpik Cashback Offer
If you've been considering trying a water flosser, there is currently a $50 cashback promotion on Waterpik Water Flossers purchased from Chemist Warehouse.
According to Waterpik Professional Australia, the current promotion works as follows:
Purchase any Waterpik Water Flosser from Chemist Warehouse.
Keep your receipt and take a photo or scan it.
Email your receipt and full name to waterpikpromo@tdirections.com.au.
The promotion is strictly limited to the first 200 valid claims, and terms and conditions apply.
Please check the full promotion terms before purchasing, as promotional conditions can change.
Is a Water Flosser Right for You?
A water flosser can be a convenient option for cleaning between your teeth, particularly if you find traditional floss difficult to use or have braces, implants, crowns or bridges.
However, everyone's mouth is different, and there isn't necessarily one interdental cleaning method that is right for everyone.
At Brighter Smiles Family Dental Care, we're happy to discuss your oral hygiene routine and help you understand the best way to care for your teeth and gums at home.
If you're unsure whether a water flosser would be useful for you, ask us at your next appointment. We can also help you with technique so you get the most from whichever interdental cleaning method you choose.
💙 Healthy smiles start with the little things you do every day.
Brighter Smiles Family Dental Care
📍 Ringwood | Mitcham
📞 Contact our friendly team to book your next appointment.
