thumbwaterpikI hate going to the Dentist and I’ll do almost anything to avoid it.  I didn’t grow up in the age of gentle Dentists.  I grew up in the dig it out, drill it down, and fill it with hazardous chemicals; it’s no wonder I hate going.  Add to that I was one of five kids and short of yelling at us occasionally to go brush our stinky mouths, teeth were not a priority in our household.

As an adult I became aware that I could actually make a difference in my dental care and in 1987 I bought my first Oral B electric toothbrush.  It lasted for years and I bought a new one some time in the last 90s.  My checkups improved greatly, but I still sucked at flossing and while the kids were little we had a Waterpik.  Turns out it was one of the first they put out, about 1995, and I loved it.  We used it on the boys and they have great teeth.  Unfortunately, something happened to it. I don’t remember if it broke or if the hubby just tucked it away somewhere after the kids moved out, but I kept thinking I’d get a new one soon.

Well, that day has finally come and I have the newest Waterpik on my counter now!  The Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser WP 100 is definitely an upgrade from the old one. It has more heads for different cleaning purposes, holds more water, has a separate cover that stores the extra heads, and lots of options for the amount of water pressure it uses (1-10).  After using it for a week now, I wonder why I didn’t get one sooner!

For someone like me who has a bridge or two, it’s a godsend.  I generally use Super Floss (floss and threader in one) or Floss Threaders but since I floss twice a day (yes, I may be obsessive), it gets expensive.  With the Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser WP 100 it’s a one-time outlay of about $55 and I’m set.  The heads don’t wear out (except for the toothbrush head but I won’t likely use it as I still have my Oral B (which I highly recommend – not the cheap battery operated ones though) and unless I break this one or the hubby makes it disappear, it should last for years.

Waterpik water flosser periodonto tip

Pik Pocket tip

My favorite tip is the Pik Pocket tip. When you get old or don’t floss, your teeth can develop pockets.  This tip goes down into the gum along the tooth line.  For me it also blasts out the junk from beneath my really tight bridge.  Gross, huh.  I find I use this tip the most, but the regular tip works great for me, too.

Tips for Use

You will get wet.  I’ve not figured out how to use it without making a mess, but I consider it way of keeping the sink and faucet clean because I have to give them a wipe down after use.   Add a tablespoon of mouthwash for more fun (it foams).  Start at the lowest setting and work your way up.  I went right to a 10, but could because I’m an everyday flosser and use an electric toothbrush .  If you’re not, you’ll likely bleed and experience some swelling.  That’s to be expected, your gums are telling you that you’ve been ignoring them!  Starting on level 1 will help prevent anything excessive.  If you haven’t flossed in awhile or have any other unusual dental needs or appliances, you might want to check with your dentist before starting.

Waterpik Adult water flosser

Ten speeds – start low and work your way up.

More Effective and Comfortable Than Floss

Why upgrade to a Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser WP 100 if you’re fine with floss?  Because it is said to be twice as effective at improving your gum health.  And if you have braces, it’s three times better than floss.  Plus, it removes up to 99.9% of plaque from the treated areas. Plus it cleans where string floss can’t get to.

What’s in the Box

One Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser WP 100; reservoir lid; six unique tips: one Plaque Seeker Tip, one Classic Jet Tip, one Orthodontic Tip, one Pik Pocket Tip, one Toothbrush Tip, and one Tongue Cleaner; Owner’s Manual; and Quick Start Guide.

What about the kids?

There’s a kids Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids model made for small hands and with safety features especially for them.  It’s sized for kids ages 6-12 and comes in a fun color with removable cling-on stickers.  There are just three water choices so you don’t have to worry about your child harming her gums by turning up the system too high.  Right now we’re giving away one on our sister blog – enter before May 12, 2011 to win the Kids Waterpik Water Flosser.

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