Water Picks/Oral Irrigator

[ClockworkOrange]

I have never heard of such a thing, until my partner mentioned them today!

So, can anybody offer advice, are these worth having, are they safe to use?

Perhaps you can recommend specific makes that you use yourselves?

Look forward to any comments, good or bad.

Cheers.

[Miranda]

http://www.waterpik-store.com/detail/WAT+WP-60

I own the classic version that is shown in this link above.

I own a Sonicare toothbrush (said to be the best electronic toothbrush) and floss... and the WaterPik will still get out things those two things can not. Especially meat.

Now I have * $ a $ lot $ * of dental work in my mouth. Thus all my tools are worth it to protect my investment.

Like string floss, it does take some getting used to. You can have some gum bleeding from the WaterPik until things toughen up. Which is actually a good thing. Strong tough healthy gums hold your teeth in your head for life.

My classic machine has a high and low setting. So that helps as you are getting used to the water pressure. And personally I think slightly warm water (vs pure cold out of the sink tap) is more comforatble to use.

Hope that helps.

[indysteel]

I used one when I had my braces (and frankly I should continue to use it). It is effective for removing plaque and debris and is more effective than floss There are better and worse ways to use it. It should be used gently. Don't aim it so that you end up driving things down into your gums. My model has a setting that allows you to regulate the force of the water from one to ten. To me, that's better than just high and low.

[ClockworkOrange]

Many thanks, exactly the help and information I was hoping for.

Now to pass this on to my partner but by the time he decides which to get, he will probably be wearing dentures by then!!!

[Red Rock]

Not only does TE encourage/enable the n + 1 rule when it comes to bikes...but crazy things like this to keep your mouth healthy. I went out and purchased one today after reading this thread.

As I have become older, I now have two crowns and a root canal. (I never thought I would have any of these when I was in my 20's.) I certaninly do not want any more work done on my mouth, that is for sure. Not only that, a friend of mine has dentures. The thought of that really scares me.

My first husband was a dental tech by trade, so he knew all about making crowns, bridges and things like that. I used one when he and I were married but have not since. I have been a regular flosser and all other good habits. I hope this tool willl be good for my mouth as well.

Thanks for the encouragement Clock and others.

To clean and healthy teeth.

Red Rock

[indysteel]

Good on you Red Rock! I really need to dust mine off. One of the biggest reasons I got braces at age 37 is that my teeth were too crowded in a lot of places to floss effectively. Well, that's fixed, but now I have the opposite problem in that I have a couple of larger spaces between a some back teeth where food really likes to get stuck. A water pik would help.

Root canals are awful or so I hear, but what's even worse--according to both of my parents--is the treatment for peridontal disease--and that's really what a water pik will most help with. And peridontal disease is linked to heart disease, so it's just bad all the way around.

[Red Rock]

Indysteel,

I came home and gave it it's inital go through. Wating for tonight to see what junk I get out of my mouth. That is where the excitement begins.

Peridontal disease does not sound fun. I can only imagine that -or not really, I've never been there. I hope your parents are handling it ok. Now to dust off yours....

Red Rock

[indysteel]

Be sure to read the instructions carefully. You might look to see if there are any resources on the Web (youtube, perhaps?) for videos on how best to use it so that you don't injure your gums or drive food and plaque under the gum line. Oh, and don't be surprised if you end up spraying yourself and your bathroom with water!

My parents have had a nightmare with their teeth and I know for my mom, it's a source of much shame. She has dentures now, but when I noted how nice her smile looked a few years ago (prior to that, it honestly and sadly looked pretty horrible), she flat out that she'd had anything done. I left it at that, and have never brought it up again.

[Red Rock]

Instructions were very good. So I had no problems. Believe it or not...having had prior usage actually helped. I did not spray the sink or mirrors. My technique was fairly good but getting better.

Red Rock

[indysteel]

I did not spray the sink or mirrors. My technique was fairly good but getting better.

Red Rock

That's good! I've managed to give myself a bath with my water pik more than once!

[badger]

my dentist said that I have periodontal disease, so he recommended I use an oral irrigator. I looked into the waterpic but didn't want a big, bulky thing on the counter so I got a battery-operated Panasonic

I've been very happy with it. My gums bled for a long time, but now I use the higher setting and they don't bleed anymore. My dental check up was much better the last time, too.

I was also told to floss after I brush, as there would be more chance for gunk to get under your gums before you brush.

[ClockworkOrange]

Thanks so much for all the advice and recommendations.

After hours of browsing the internet and checking out reviews, plus here, my partner has gone for the battery operated Panasonic, as we do not have an electric point in the bathroom and the thought of him using it elsewhere...........I think could be grounds for divorce (not that we are married)!

I dread to think of the mess of the bathroom mirror and anything nearby when we first use it.

[Red Rock]

Update....

Just wanted to let you all know that I went in for my 6 month checkup and the hygenist was very happy to see my mouth. Someone who actually takes care of their teeth.(!) Anyway I told her that I was using the Waterpik, brushing and then flossing. She/they were very happy : ) I have no major issues and happy teeth.

So I just wanted to let you all know the good news. And thank you so much for assisting me in the purchase of one of these items. N + 1 applies to other things other than bikes! Let's just hope I get a lot of long use out of my waterpik.

So here is to clean teeth. Also Happy Riding when you get the chance too.

Red Rock

[shootingstar]

A perpetual problem with gums and I should be more vigilant. Natural teeth are an asset for a life.

It is interesting the types of problems certain people do get. My partner's teeth seems to be more sensitive to acids, etc.

I have gum problems, but cavities have been incredibly rare for me...considering the fact that I eat more desserts now compared to first 30 years of life.

It must be body chemistry, diet, whether or not I take any oral medication (not yet) or has a drug abuse problem, that may affect tooth enamel.