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Tips For Your First Time Using A Water Flosser

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It can be exciting to use a water flosser for the first time. Water flossers are one of the best at-home tools you can add to your arsenal to help combat oral disease. However, how you use it is just as important as using one at all. Here are some tips to make your first time using a water flosser more effective and comfortable.

Easing into It

It can be tempting to crank up the dial on a water flosser. Most water flossers have plenty of options for how much pressure you want to apply, and you're probably thinking that higher water pressure will clear away more bacteria and plaque. While a higher water pressure is effective, that doesn't mean you should jump there right away.

It's best to start on the lower levels of a water flosser. Going too hard too soon can leave you with sensitive teeth and painful gums, especially if you currently have gingivitis or another form of gum disease. Start with the very lowest level and gradually build your way up. If you start experiencing sensitivity or pain, turn it back down.

Early Side Effects

If you have gum disease right now, you should expect to experience some side effects when you start using a water flosser. This is because you likely have gums that are covered in built-up plaque or tartar, and removing it can irritate your gums.

For your first few uses, you may have some mild bleeding from the gums and sensitivity. However, once the plaque and bacteria have been blasted away, your body will have an easier time beating the gum infection. That means the healing process will start shortly, and your side effects should go away, too.

Warning Signs

Unfortunately, there are some cases where using a water flosser is a bad idea. You should immediately stop using your water flosser if you ever experience loose fillings, a cavity, or a cracked or damaged tooth. The strong pressure of the water flosser could potentially worsen existing damage.

Furthermore, if you don't see an improvement in your side effects, you should stop using the water flosser and contact a dentist. This is a likely sign that your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, which can't be treated at home.

Water flossers can help improve the health of your gums and teeth, and these tips will make it easier to get used to the process. Reach out to a dental clinic if you have any questions or concerns about your dental health.


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