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How the water flosser works

Once you have the water flosser in your hands, these are the steps you should follow to clean your teeth with it:

How the oral irrigator works.

Countertop Water Flosser

A countertop water flosser works with electricity, so it must be plugged in.

When you’re ready to use it, follow these steps:

  1. Fill the water tank with warm water.
  2. Select the pressure level you want to use with the dial. We recommend starting with the lowest setting and gradually increasing the pressure.
  3. Attach the nozzle to the handle, applying a bit of pressure.
  4. Some countertop water flossers have different modes, which are selected by pressing a button usually located above the dial.
  5. Lean slightly over the sink, and place the nozzle in your mouth.
  6. Press the switch on the handle to start the water flosser.

Portable Water Flosser

How do you use a cordless water flosser? It’s similar to a countertop model, with the difference being that you need to charge the battery.

When it is fully charged (which usually takes about 4-5 hours), follow these steps:

  1. Fill the water tank; you can use the rear hole or remove the reservoir (not all cordless flossers have removable reservoirs).
  2. Press the ON button to turn on the flosser.
  3. Use the MODE button to select between the different modes (there are usually 2-3, but some flossers have up to 5 power levels).
  4. Attach the nozzle.
  5. Lean over the sink.
  6. Press the ON button again to start cleaning.

Faucet Water Flosser

Faucet water flossers are the easiest to use, as you can see in the following steps:

  1. Install the filter included with the flosser on the sink faucet.
  2. Connect the flosser tube to the filter.
  3. Turn on the tap so that water starts flowing, wait until it cools down a bit.
  4. Begin cleaning your mouth.

How to Use the Water Flosser to Clean Your Teeth

Now that you know how to use the water flosser, what steps should you follow to clean your teeth and achieve optimal results?

  1. Direct the stream towards your gums so that the water penetrates the periodontal pockets.
  2. Thoroughly clean each tooth for about 2 seconds (any longer may damage the tooth).
  3. When you have too much water in your mouth, stop the flosser and spit.
  4. When you finish the outside of your teeth, rotate the nozzle to continue cleaning the inside.
  5. If you are going to clean your tongue, do not scrape it for more than 20 seconds.

Using a water flosser is very simple, but it requires some practice. Little by little, you will get used to it. If children are going to use it, it’s advisable for an adult to supervise the first few times until they become accustomed to it.

If you are considering buying a water flosser, you may be interested in our comparison of the best models. Click here to see it:

Best Water Flosser