Let me guess:
You hate string flossing, and you were excited when first heard of water flossing and Waterpik.
While water flosser is surely an excellent addition to your dental hygiene routine, there is a slight learning curve for beginner of this oral health appliance.
So how to properly use a Waterpik without making a mess or getting soaked?
Don’t worry, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide with 19 videos to help you out.
With practice, using a Waterpik water flosser will become second nature, and you’ll love it!
Just scroll down to read on, or jump to a specific category by clicking one of the links below:
– How to use Waterpik Aquarius Countertop flossers (8 steps guide)
– How to use a Waterpik Cordless water flosser (8 steps guide)
– Operating instructions of Waterpik Complete Care System (8 steps guide)
– Using Waterpik for Kids – easy and fun! (8 steps guide)
– The 2 Ultimate Tricks to use Waterpik without making a mess
– Understand different types of Waterpik water flosser Tips
– How often to use Waterpik? Do I need to floss if I use a Waterpik?
– How to use Waterpik with Braces
– Adding Hydrogen Peroxide, mouthwash, baking soda etc in Waterpik?
– Use a Waterpik for Tonsil Stones removal?
– How to Clean Waterpik flosser
1. How To Use Waterpik AQUARIUS Countertop Flossers
Here is a quick overview on how to use the Waterpik Aquarius 600 professional water flosser:
WP-660 is the popular Waterpik Aquarius, a compact professional countertop water flosser model which includes:
- Pulse-modulation technology for maximum plaque removal (Floss Mode), and
- Enhanced gum stimulation for improved circulation (Hydro-Pulse Massage Mode).
>> Check out 13,000+ User Reviews of this Waterpik Flosser
Let’s continue with a superb informative video from Dr. Paul Rubin.
It not only covers instruction on gum tissue irrigating with a Waterpik for periodontal health —
but it also comprehensively explains oral care, dental floss, and why water flossing is needed.
If you are specifically looking to better understand how to properly use a Waterpik Aquarius dental oral irrigator for teeth, then you can watch the video below starting from 5:40 for Dr. Paul’s recommended techniques on how to use water flosser effectively for oral health:
As shown in the videos above, here are the steps to use Waterpik Aquarius without getting soaked:
Step 1: Remove the reservoir, fill it with warm water, then place it firmly back to base.
Step 2: Select a tip that is right for you, insert the tip firmly until it clicks. (To remove or change Waterpik water flosser tip, slide the tip eject switch located at the side of handle.)
Step 3: To begin water flossing, place the tip into your mouth, and lean over the sink.
Step 4: Press the power button to turn the unit on.
Step 5: In floss mode, start from the lowest pressure setting and increase it to your liking.
Step 6: As you floss, close your lips enough to prevent splashing. Look into the sink (not the mirror) and let water flow into sink.
Step 7: For best results, aim tip at the gumline at 90 degree angle. Start flossing from back teeth, follow the gumline and pause between teeth.
Step 8: After flossing, you may select the ‘Massage’ mode to for enhanced gum circulation.
In the interesting video below, dental hygienist Whitney shares her experience on how to use Waterpik Whitening Professional Water Flosser correctly without making a mess:
2. How To Use A Waterpik CORDLESS Water Flosser
WP-562 features an ultra quiet operation, 4-hour rapid charging system, waterproof design, and global voltage.
Perfect for small spaces, travel, and use in the shower.
Beautifully designed and available in 5 colors of brilliant black, classic blue, pearly white, radiant orchid, and rose gold.
>> Learn More about this popular Waterpik Cordless Flosser
As shown in the video above, here are the operating instructions of Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser series:
Step 1: Plug the charging cord, and place the magnetic charger on the front of the unit. The Cordless Advanced will rapidly charge and be ready to use within 4 hours.
Step 2: After the unit is fully charged, fill the reservoir with warm water.
Step 3: Select the flossing tip that is right for you.
Step 4: Insert a tip firmly until it clicks into place. (To remove or change the tip, press the Eject button located on the top of the water flosser.)
Step 5: Press the Mode button to adjust the water pressure. Start with the lowest setting and increase to your liking.
Step 6: To start flossing, place the tip in your mouth, lean over the sink, and turn the unit on.
Step 7: As you floss, close your lips enough to prevent splashing. Look into the sink (not the mirror) and let water flow into sink.
Step 8: For best results, aim tip at the gumline at 90 degree angle. Start flossing from back teeth, follow the gumline and pause between teeth.
The video below shows how to use the WP-450 Waterpik Cordless Plus water flosser.
As you can see, the operating procedure is similar as the above, just that the designs are different (eg. charging cord) among the various Waterpik cordless handheld models.
3. Operating Instructions of Waterpik Complete Care System
which offers flossing and brushing in one convenient device.
The WP-900 care system is equipped with 10 pressure settings and 5 unique water flossing tips, while the sonic toothbrush comes with 2 brush heads and 2 different brushing speeds.
Discover how to use the Waterpik Complete Care 5.0 system correctly in video below:
Step 1: Charge the Triple Sonic toothbrush by placing it in its docking station; Fill the reservoir with warm water then place it firmly on the base.
Step 2: Select the tip that’s right for you, insert the tip firmly into the handle until it clicks into place.
Step 3: For your first use, you will need to prime the pump. Turn the pressure setting to high, the point the tip into the sink. Turn power and water switches on until the water flows, and then turn the unit off.
Step 4: To start water flossing, turn pressure to lowest setting. Place the tip into your mouth, lean over the sink, and turn the power and water switches on. Turn up to the pressure setting that feels most comfortable to you.
Step 5: As you floss, close your lips enough to prevent splashing but still allow water to run freely from your mouth into the sink. To avoid mess, don’t look in the mirror while water flossing. Look into the sink.
Step 6: For best results, aim the tip at the gumline at a 90-degree angle. Starting with the back teeth, follow the gumline and pause briefly between teeth. After completing the front side, spin the tip around and clean the back side in the same way.
Step 7: Once you finish flossing, use the Triple Sonic toothbrush to complete your oral care routine. Push the power button and select Clean mode. Brush teeth for two minutes, working on all surface areas.
Step 8: You may also select the Whitening mode which helps remove surface stains, or the Massage mode for enhanced gum stimulation and circulation.
This video shows more details on how to use Waterpik WP900 Complete Care Water system with water flosser and sonic toothbrush:
4. Using Waterpik For Kids – Easy and Fun!
WP-260 is a customized model for children ages 6+, with a small and simple design.
This is a good oral care tool for boys and girls to maintain healthier teeth and gums.
>> Find out what Parents Say about Waterpik for Kids
So how do you use a Waterpik flosser for kids?
Step 1: Load the reservoir with lukewarm water and attach it to the base. Decorate with stickers.
Step 2: Select either the Classic Jet Tip for general use, or the Orthodontic Tip for removing plaque around braces.
Step 3: Insert the tip into the unit and make sure there is no gap between the handle and the colored ring.
Step 4: Set the intensity to the lowest setting for first time use, and increase it to the kid’s own comfort level.
Step 5: Lean over the sink and insert Waterpik into the mouth. Keep the lips partially closed and let water run into the sink.
Step 6: Turn the unit on and water will begin to flow.
Step 7: Direct the stream at a 90 degree angle to your gumline, starting with your back molars and moving along the gumline to the front teeth, pausing briefly between each tooth.
Step 8: Once finished cleaning, turn the unit off and dispose of any remaining water. Flip the reservoir over and use it as a cover for easy storage.
5. Ultimate Tricks To Use Waterpik Without Making a Mess
Here are 2 easy recommendations you may try:
1: Get a portable waterproof Waterpik Cordless water flosser and use it in the shower!
2. Watch the demo video below which recommends the following — brilliant idea!
The instructional guide in the Waterpik unit discusses about leaving the mouth ajar open, and let the water fall under the sink.
We find that’s when you get incredibly messy and everything gets wet.
So what we recommend doing is keeping your lips pursed around the tip like a straw.
As you’re moving around your mouth, the water is building up in the mouth, simply just move the tip off to the side inside your mouth —
it does not really matter where it goes, just move it to the side, open quickly, spit out, and close your lips again.
Continue water flossing until the reservoir is completed.
6. Understand Different Types of Waterpik Water Flosser Tips
Here is an overview of 5 different water flossing tips and the video illustration of how they work:
Plaque Seeker tip: For implants, bridges, crowns, and other restorations.
Classic Jet tip: For general use to clean deep between teeth and below the gumline.
Orthodontic tip: For cleaning around braces, orthodontic brackets, and wires.
Pik Pocket tip: For gentle, low-pressure delivery of therapeutic rinses below gumline.
Water Flosser Toothbrush tip: For brush and water floss at the same time.
7. How Often To Use? Do I Need To Floss If I Use a Waterpik?
With the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people should floss at least once per day and brush teeth at least twice per day to maintain good oral health —
You should use Waterpik water flosser at least once per day.
While many people achieved great results in maintaining good oral health by just brushing and water flossing their teeth, a Waterpick is not generally considered a substitute for flossing and brushing, says Mayo Clinic, as it may not be enough to remove all plaque from the surface of teeth.
Most oral health experts recommend to use the water tooth flosser and traditional string floss together to achieve the best result. However, as long as you are using water flosser for teeth cleaning every day, you should be fine.
So should you brush your teeth before or after using a Waterpik? How about string floss?
Dr. Florian recommends ‘hand flossing first to get the food debris out, then brushing to remove stain and plaque, and then water flossing to finish the clean’.
8. How To Properly Use Waterpik With Braces
The Waterpik Orthodontic tip with tapered brush helps to remove hard-to-reach plaque around orthodontic brackets and wires. It also helps to flush out bacteria and food debris from under the gums and around teeth with braces.
As indicated in the operating guides of all water flossers above, aim the tip at the gumline at a 90-degree angle for best results. Starting with the back teeth and follow the gumline, pause briefly between teeth for 4 to 6 seconds timeframe.
After completing the front side, spin the tip around and clean the back side in the same way.
And here is how you can utilize the Waterpik flossing tip for teeth with braces – watch the tip movement around the braces and integrate this best practice into your water flossing routine:
The video below shows the braces cleaning routine of Emma Louise, who uses Waterpik flosser and its classic jet tip, Orthodontic tip and Pik Pocket Tip to maintain her 5 stars oral health.
9. Adding Hydrogen Peroxide, Mouthwash etc in Waterpik?
While baking soda and bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide have long been touted as teeth whitening home remedies, mouthwash like Listerine has been used by many to promote oral health and good hygiene.
The question is, can we add these additives into Waterpik tooth flosser?
According to the manufacturer:
- Standard mouthwash and antiseptic mouthwash (eg. Listerine) are safe for Waterpik water flossers. You can add a small amount of mouthwash to a reservoir filled with warm water, but do not exceed a 1:1 ratio of mouthwash to water, to prevent damage to the unit. After water flossing, rinse the unit by partially filling the reservoir with plain warm water and running it with the tip pointed into the sink.
- It’s not recommended to add other items (eg. baking soda, essential oils, iodine etc) for use with Waterpik water flossers, else the flosser’s performance and lifespan can be reduced.
10. Use a Waterpik for Tonsil Stones Removal?
For men and women who are keen on tonsil stones removal without gagging, most of them get a proper tonsil stone removal tool with LED light pick.
However, some people want to know how to use waterpik for tonsil stones.
People like Johnny Smash em seems to have good results:
But not for the guy in video below, who does not recommend using a Waterpik water flosser to get rid of tonsil stones, because the power of Waterpik is too strong. Try at your own risk.
11. How To Clean Waterpik Flosser
Properly maintain your water flosser is important —
not only to prevent bacteria or mold in waterpik, but to help get rid of mineral collected in your tooth flosser that may cause water pressure loss and adversely affect its effectiveness.
To clean a Waterpik water flosser and ensure optimal performance, clean it every 1 to 3 months by referring to the video guide below:
1: Clean the outside of water flosser by wiping it down with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleanser.
2: Remove water reservoir from the unit before cleaning it. If your reservoir has a black valve, remove the valve before cleaning the reservoir. Put the reservoir in the top rack of the dishwasher, make sure to air dry or turn off the heated dry cycle. Reservoirs can also be hand-washed with warm, soapy water.
3: Clean the internal parts. Based on your model, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a full reservoir of warm water and run it through the unit until the reservoir is empty. When complete, run a full reservoir of clean warm water through the unit.
4: For countertop models, clean the handle by removing the tip from the unit and soaking the water flosser handle in a mixture of two parts water, one part vinegar for 5 to 7 minutes. Rinse the handle under warm water.
5: To clean waterpik tips, remove the flosser tip from the unit and soak it in a container of two parts water, one part hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for 5 minutes. Rinse the tip under warm water.
6: For maximum effectiveness, it’s recommended to replace water flosser tips every 3 to 6 months. You can check out this popular package deal for 6 Waterpik replacement tips.
Here are additional WaterPik maintenance recommendations:
