Many of us despise trips to the dentist but I always enjoy them.  Maybe that makes me a glutton for punishment but honestly I think it’s actually in part to my keeping up with oral maintenance.  Each time I go I can see the progress from the new tweaks and improvements to my smile as a result of consistent oral hygiene.

Floss on Steroids

Most recently my dentist informed me of a neat little gadget called the Waterpik.  This is a dental water jet somewhat similar to the one they use during your routine teeth cleanings but for home use.

There’s some real merit to the device and solid evidence showing routine oral irrigation with a Waterpik is even more effective than flossing.

Why Use a Dental Water Jet?

Unlike floss the Waterpik penetrates deep down all along the gum line.  It flushes out harmful bacteria, plaque buildup, and food debris that routine flossing and brushing simply cannot get to.

Clinical studies have proven regular oral irrigation effective in reducing the risk of & vital in the treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease),  fighting gingivitis, strengthening gum tissue, and killing bad breath.

Making a Dental Water Jet Work for You

Dental Water Jets are very simple to use and only take a few moments a day.  In my opinion they are even easier than flossing.  Here’s a couple tips so you can get a little more bang for your buck out of your oral irritation.

• Add uncolored or golden (doesn’t gunk up machine as much) antibacterial mouth rinse in the reservoir along with your water.  This not only freshens your breath but also help the antimicrobial agents in your mouth rinse penetrate deeper in your gums.
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• Hydrogen peroixide has been shown to kill some of the bad bacteria.  Consult your dentist about rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide.  If they think you need the extra kick then add as much as 150ml hydrogen peroxide into the reservoir along with your water (and possibly mouth rinse).

I then run it using the latex tip over my entire gum line (where the gum meets the teeth) until the the reservoir is empty.  While moving the jet I point the it slightly downwards into the gum / pocket and focus heavily on the gaps between the teeth.

Tighten Gums & Discover Sexy Teeth

The effects are profound.  My gums never bleed anymore when brushing.  They are now tight and healthy looking.  My personal troubles with gum disease itself have been dramatically slowed resulting in the avoidance of more invasive procedures.

This saves me great deal of pain in mouth and the pocket book!  I now dread returning to the antiquated practice of flossing when away from my Waterpik or on business travel.

Simply put the Waterpik has become a permanent part of my oral hygiene.  It is so much easier and more effective than flossing.  There’s no doubt though it will take some time to adjust to when you get yours.

In the beginning you’ll have to keep the pressure down on the device until your gums strengthen themselves.  Plus you’ll have to use it routinely (recommended at least once a day) to get the maximum benefit.  But when you do, you are bound start enjoying those trips to the dentist as they compliment you on your new found smile!

Getting the Most Out of Your Water Pik Investment

I’ve had my Water Pik for over two years and use it every day.  It was starting to loose it’s ump and I was considering buying a new one.  But first I dabbled around a bit with it and to my surprise I was able to restore it to it’s original strength!  Here’s how:

• Fill reservoir about 1/3 full of water then remainder with distilled water.
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• Let soak for a day or two.
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• Run vinegar solution through Water Pik (you can collect it in a bottle).
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• Rerun solution through Water Pik again.  Repeat about half dozen times.