Water flosser

I requested and got one for Christmas some years ago, but did not find it particularly useful. Both my dentist and hygienist told me not to bother and would not recommend them.

Here is one of the threads asking this question.

Most of the points have already been covered in this thread though.

www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1302576-Water-glosser-for-gum-disease

And here's another one

www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1288448-Water-Flossers

I don't like waterpiks but get on fine with the TePe interdental brushes. Maybe you could try the long-handled ones?
I also like their rubbery EasyPick­­s but don't think they come with long handles.

My dentist is always very happy with my routine which is regular and diligent but with a manual toothbrush (Oral -B Pro Expert Vibrating Toothbrush). You use is as an ordinary manual one (not like an electric which is a different technique) but it has an added vibration in the head. Unfortunately it has a regular battery in the handle. I'm afraid I just accept this.

After reading this thread, just been out shopping and bought one in Boots had 30% off.
My DH is at the Hygienist twice a year, going to give him it as one of his Christmas present!

I use a waterpik from time to time and it does dislodge bits of food and plaque but it is a bit splashy as others have said. Not a substitute for a powered toothbrush.

Thanks everyone. I think I'll put one on my Christmas list.

I’ve been using a Waterpik for years. It’s good at blasting out food particles, and leaving your mouth feeling clean, but it won’t prevent tartar from forming, I’m afraid. Tartar forms as a result of plaque on and between your teeth and a Waterpik isn’t powerful enough to completely remove it, so flossing with Tepe brushes is better in the long run.

I did find that when I went low-carb and sugar-free some years ago, that I get very little plaque (as plaque is the result of sugars we eat), and consequently hardly any tartar. Bonus!

I think they’re really good at removing the little bits that brushing misses.

A word of warning! Make sure that you have the nozzle in your mouth before you switch it on! If it hits you in the eye, it really hurts!

I echo FlexibleFriend except I bought my water flosser in T K Maxx.

Gumline .... Not timeline

I cannot bear the vibration of an electric toothbrush. Two months ago I paid £70 to the dentist for a below the timeline deep clean. It was over in about 3 minutes.
I'm reading about these water flossers with interest.

You need to listen to the programme Sliced Bread (think it is a podcast too). Someone posed this exact question. The outcome was if you can’t clean your teeth properly for whatever reason they were good but not a necessity! The programme might be called SB or BS, it’s on BBC Sounds.

I use both an electric toothbrush and a water flosser, no matter how well I brush the water flosser still manages to flush the odd piece of food out. I bought mine from Amazon for 29.99 it's absolutely brilliant.

I bought one last year but I must confess I don't use it very often. It works well to flush out bits of cereals and nuts. I agree that you need to use fairly warm water and that it takes a bit of practice. I find it easier than Tepe brushes, but my new electric( sonic) toothbrush does an excellent job.

PamelaJ1

My dentist congratulated me on my totally wonderful cleaning ability only this week.
I have a cheapish electric toothbrush.
If I can do it so can you!

Agree with this too. When I first bought my electric toothbrush I used a tablet that discloses plaque and the toothbrush got it all fairly easily. I think it makes you feel cleaner too. Combined with a water pick and a good anti plaque mouthwash, it’s a really good hygiene routine.

Yep. I got a water pick from Amazon - Oral B. It’s really good once you get the hang of it. I’d advise using over the sink before you get dressed as the first few times you do get drenched. Also use lukewarm water and not cold if you have any sensitivity. I find it much better than flossing to be honest.

My dentist congratulated me on my totally wonderful cleaning ability only this week.
I have a cheapish electric toothbrush.
If I can do it so can you!