Can you use a Waterpik too much

Have you ever heard of a waterpik?

If not, it is about time that you do. A waterpik (or water flosser) is one of the greatest achievements of the oral hygiene industry.

This device has taken oral hygiene to a whole new level, and solved more problems than you can imagine.

What is a Waterpik?

The Waterpik water flosser is a device shaped like a pen, connected through a hose to a reservoir that can be filled with water or mouthwash. This handle has a pointy end designed to shoot a concentrated, pressurized water jet.

When this jet is directed between the teeth, it washes away plaque, food particles, and any other thing that could be stuck between your teeth.

This revolutionary point and click mechanism device has solved many problems that people faced while using string floss, such as:

• Ease of use: You simply cannot go wrong with “point and click”. Just place the handle with the nozzle aimed between the teeth and click, allowing the water jet to be directed in the shielded areas between the teeth.
• Solved manual dexterity issues: People who have minimized manual dexterity (such as the elderly and Parkinson’s patients) have struggled for years with using floss. The simple technique of water flossers has solved that problem for good.
• Higher efficiency: Studies have shown that the water flosser is more than 50% more effective in reducing gum disease and gum bleeding, as well as 29% more effective in cleaning plaque than traditional floss. So if you use a water flosser, expect your oral health to be significantly better.
• Less chances of injury: The main problem with string floss was that it could cause more harm than good if used incorrectly. When that piece of string is forced through the tight contacts between the teeth, it could strike the gums with such force that it causes their injury. This could lead to a whole plethora of problems, including pockets, gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.
• Solved flossing with braces: If you or someone you know have had braces (or any heavy dental work like bridges for that matter), then you know what a nightmare it is to keep good oral hygiene. The brush is simply not enough to clean the food particles and it is virtually impossible to use floss with the wires and brackets blocking all areas. No more worries with the Waterpik, where the jet of water can be directed easily under the wires and through the contact areas, and you would feel that your mouth became instantly cleaner.

Surely a question has just sprung into your mind by now: “If it carries all that benefits, why isn’t everyone using it .. what’s wrong with the Waterpik?”

While Waterpik water flosser is an incredible device, it is simply not for everyone.

You can imagine a device with this specific setting to be quite expensive so not everyone could afford it.

It also takes a large amount of space so not suitable for every house, and finally, it could make quite a mess with that strong water jet.

But the main concern on most people’s minds, the one that keeps them from using a Waterpik water flosser is that they are scared to use it, or in better terms, scared of causing harm and injury to themselves.

Most people think that the stream of water coming from a Waterpik nozzle is so strong that it could cut through their gums and teeth like cheese, and surely most of them watched a few videos online of “water cutters” that could cut through metal with a high-pressure water jet and thought this could happen to me if I use the Waterpik water flosser.

But rest easy, as the amount of pressure in a Waterpik (even at the highest setting) is nothing compared to that water cannon.

It is less than 1% of the strength of that water cutter, and it could virtually cause no harm.

In fact, that is the main reason that they got developed in the first place, as we explained before.

But another question is raised” What if I use it too much?

How many times should I use it to make sure no harm comes to my mouth?”

In theory, the incorrect use of Waterpik water flosser could damage your gums and could be the precursor to gum disease with all its sequel, but as we explained before, the Waterpik is so easy to use that you simply cannot do it wrongly.

Most manufacturers claim that you can use the water flosser 2 or 3 times a day without risk of injury, but we say that is a bit of overkill.

Most oral health organizations would recommend using floss only 2 or 3 times a WEEK, that is because our mouths start to form plaque (which is the mother of all evil when it comes to gum disease) within 3 days, so that cycle would inhibit plaque formation and prevent any problems from occurring inside your mouth.

Seeing that a water flosser is a replacement for traditional floss, you should follow the same instructions and use it 2 or 3 times a week at most, but that’s just our advice, and you may want to consult your dentist on the matter.

Judging by all that information, we could only assume that using water floss is very safe, and is highly recommended if you want t take care of your and your family’s teeth and gums.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should you use a Waterpik?

Manufacturers claim you could use it up to 3 times a day, but that is really not necessary as 2 to 3 times a week is more than enough.

Can Waterpik damage your gums?

Theoretically, it is possible with improper usage, but that is a very rare occurrence.

Can Listerine be used in Waterpik? 

Yes, any mouthwash can be used, but only under advisement from your dentist.

Will A Waterpik remove stains?

If the stain is fairly new to your teeth, and the pressure setting is high enough, then yes it could remove some stains, but be extra careful not to hurt yourself.