How to Use Water Picks to Clean Your Teeth and Gums

A water pick is a piece of dental equipment that is used to clean the gums and teeth. It works to get areas of the teeth and gums clean by releasing a pressurized stream of water or cleaning solution. The pressurized water is able to remove plague and bacteria from hard to reach places as well as the tiny crevices between the teeth and around the gum lines.

Some people prefer to use water picks over dental floss to remove lodged particles or plague build-up in between the teeth and gums. People with braces and other dental fittings like crowns may find that water picks are much easier to use than dental floss to remove particles from their teeth.

There are professional water picks that dentist use in the office and then there are scaled-down versions that can be used at home. There are different styles and brands of water picks, but most of them work in the same manner.

Water picks designed for at home use are rather easy to use. They are no more difficult than using an electric toothbrush and some may even be easier.

The water pick will have a reservoir which needs to be filled with lukewarm water. Simply fill the reservoir with as much water as you need and then replace it securely back into place on the water pick. If your water pick comes with different tips, choose the best tip for the area you are trying to clean. Just like an electric toothbrush, you simply insert the tip and make sure that it is locked into place.

For people who are new to using water picks, they will want to set their equipment to the lowest pressure setting to get used to the device. If you want, you can gradually increase the pressure on the water pick if you need to get a better cleaning or if you want more pressure.

Make sure that you are standing above a sick before you start using the water pick. Insert the tip of the water pick into your mouth before you turn the device on or you may have water squirting all over the bathroom. Lean over the sink and close your lips enough so that the water doesn't squirt from the mouth.

Turn the water pick on (this is will vary from model to model on how to do this). Aim the tip at a 90 degree angle at the gums. If you are cleaning your entire mouth, start with the back teeth and follow the gum line all the way around the mouth. Do the same thing for the upper and lower teeth and gums. Make sure to stop the device before you remove it from your mouth.

A water pick is an effective way to remove particles and plague from your gum line and in between your teeth. It is not hard to use and can be really handy for people who have braces, crowns, or other dental fittings.