Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser

This review is in two parts. The brief version at the top is for people who want a very quick overview, and the longer version is for people who love to read and learn as much as the can someone else's experience of a product. In the longer version I will share numerous tips on how to get the most out of your Waterpik and from your dental routine in general.- << IN BRIEF >>To revolutionise your dental health, use a water flosser. Add in the suggestions I make below and you might be saying goodbye to your dentist. I have.I highly recommend using a water flosser. I only have experience with the Waterpik device, but I am sure some of the other brands are just as excellent (in terms of results) if one is not currently water flossing. However, my research indicated Waterpik was the best one to get for the price.I have used a Waterpik for a few years. I had one fault with my Waterpik in that time, and the guarantee was honoured in a timely fashion.If you want a clean, fresh mouth and healthy gums, go for it. I am sure you'll be happy with the decision. I literally can't imagine being without one of these devices. When I travel the #1 thing I miss is my water flosser!!- << MY FULL REVIEW AND INFORMATION >>I have never been into flossing (with the various types of floss tape and strings, etc.) because I have ALWAYS found it would make my gums bleed. I also found it messy (splattering on the mirror when trying to get the floss unstuck from the tight clearance between some of my teeth), time consuming, and not particularly enjoyable. What's more, my mouth never felt any cleaner - - I just had to assume it was making a difference.With the Waterpik that changes completely. My mouth feels fantastic, fresh, and clean after I use the Waterpik. My gums are noticeably healthier, even after less than a week of using it daily the results were noticeable. After less than 7 days, brushing and even traditional flossing ceased to make them bleed. My gums had receded somewhat over the years, and I can't yet say whether Water flossing has stopped or is reversing that. But they certainly feel much healthier and happier.I like the fact the head swivels independent of the handle. This makes it easy to maneuverer around the back of the teeth and from one direction to the next (as you move from one side of the jaw to the other, or from upper to lower behind the teeth).I see some reviews saying it comes with 8 tips. Mine came with 6, and that's what the product description says it should come with. They are: 2 Classic Jet Tip, Plaque Seeker Tip, Orthodontic Tip, Pik Pocket Tip and Toothbrush Tip.I don't use the toothbrush tip as I have a Oral-B orbital brush. Even without that, I doubt I'd use the Waterpik brush. It's small and circular, and I think it would be a nuisance to use effectively. The various Oral-B (manual) toothbrushes (the Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Pro-Flex for instance) have been clinically shown to be superior to most standard brushes, so I'd go with one of those if manually brushing. I can see how the orthodontic tip would be very useful for someone with braces. A must have, I'd say. The Pik Pocket tip is great for getting in under the gum-line, especially if you want to deliver medicaments there (like herb extracts, or Periogen Deep Cleaning Tartar Dissolving Oral Rinse, etc.) I see on reviewer said it was not much use, but that's not been my experience. I have to turn the pressure down to 1 (usually I have it at 10) because it's very pointy and powerful. My gums will hurt if using the Pik Pocket tip at more than 2 or 3 pressure setting, because it really gets in there.The other tips might be handy, although I don't use them at all. Let's just say, there are plenty of options to suit pretty much every water flossing requirement.<< WATER RESERVOIR >>Is plenty large enough. When filled to the top, and using the flosser on the 10 setting (which gets through the water quite quick) I have enough time to give my teeth and gums a thorough going over. If you want to use essential oils in your flosser, note that they will likely damage the plastic (see my "Warning" below).<< NOISE >>I've not tried any other brand of water flosser. I can say, however, that this device is not loud. I have quite sensitive hearing, and have no issues with the low amount of noise it produces.<< MAJOR ISSUE (RESOLVED) >>I did have one issue with this device. There is a button on the handle which is intended to stop the flow of water (temporarily, whilst depressed). After a few months the action of the button went stiff and spongey. It kind of locked in place, and water would not come out. It was quickly replaced under warranty, without question. So no complaints there, just a minor inconvenience being without my water flosser for a week or so.<< MINOR ISSUES >>I find the lid to be a bad design. The many tips are stored in the lid, and I think it would have been better to not do it that way. The lid knocks off easily. It also doesn't have enough slots for all the tips they provide, which seems silly. As I never use a few of the tips, I just store them elsewhere.I also find the coil plastic hose less than optimal. It is rather short so I find I have to bend over more than I would prefer.<< SUGGESTIONS FOR HEALTHY TEETH >>Perhaps my favourite thing about water flossing is I can use it to delivery various goodies to my teeth and gums. For plaque reduction I suggest trying out Periogen Deep Cleaning Tartar Dissolving Oral Rinse. It will likely save you trips to the dentist. It has a money back guarantee, so there is nothing to loose. I have used it and can say it worked for my beloved and I.Other things I add to the water, individually or in various combinations are:- Baking soda (neutralises acids from the gums and teeth)- Baking soda and ascorbic acid (Ratio of 1:2. Vitamin C is reported to be great for gum health. Mixing it with baking soda buffers it [brings it to a neutral pH], and makes it fizz.)- Unrefined sea salt (1/2 teaspoon dissolved in warm water. Cleansing and a potential source of ionic minerals)- Atomodine (recommended by Edgar Cayce for gum health) - Heritage Store Atomidine, 2 Ounce- 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide - 35% H2o2 Hydrogen Peroxide Food Grade (for example)- Cayenne extract (source of vitamin c, and stimulates blood circulation in the gums) - Cayenne Extract (200,000 h.u.) 1 Ounces<< OTHER DIY DENTAL HEALTH SUGGESTIONS >>If you are keen to take your dental health into your own hands here are a few suggestions. These are based on the research I have done into DIY dental health over the past few years.1) If you don't already have an electric toothbrush, I HIGHLY recommend it. The one I am using is a Oral-B Professional 5000 (made by Braun). As far as I can tell, ANY model of Oral-B electric toothbrush will be an oral hygiene revolution for someone who brushes manually. Each model up in the line simply adds more bells and whistles. Buy whichever model you can afford. I've gone from being a resistant once or twice a day brusher, to an enthusiastic 3x a day brusher. I almost can't get enough of it!! As a said... a revolution. See my Oral-B Professional 5000 review for more details.2) If you're super serous about DIY dental health (and relatively competent), I recommend spending $30 on a basic dental tool kit such as this: Dental Tartar Scraper and Remover Set, SS. With the mirror and pick you can keep an eye on the your teeth and check on cavities (whether the are appearing, disappearing, or staying as is). The plaque scrapper is great for clearing away any plaque that is resistant to the water flosser and brushing (especially around the gum line, which is where it typically builds up).3) Dr John Christopher's Herbal Tooth+Gum Powder is wonderful. I brush with it once a day, and use various other substances the other two times a day. It makes the mouth and gums feel amazing. My partner and I love it.<< WARNINGS >>If you're heavily into DIY health routines, you may be tempted to put essential oils into the water. For instance, I know many people who love to use Thieve's Oil as part of the dental routine. Be warned that many essential oils (especially Thieves Essential Oil) will damage the plastic of the water holder, and may also damage the plastics elsewhere in the device.Oregano, cinnamon, and clove oil will all do this. All three are great for dental health, but not via the Waterpik.<<< CONCLUSION >>>In conclusion please start water flossing. With this brand or another, just go for it. I am certain most people will just love water flossing. For me it has been revolutionary. Waterpik seems like a great brand based on my experience and what I have read.Despite the few minor ways it could be improved, I happily give this product a full 5 STARS *****I wish you all the best of health,Jonathan Evatt- Traditional Naturopath, health consultant, and award-winning author of Peace, Power, and Presence.

> > > Very Beneficial As Part of a Total Oral Hygeine Plan < < <> Can I really say more than the 2500 positive Amazon Reviews establishing this oral hygeine tool as a most beneficial part of one's total oral hygeine plan. Expect a learning curve and each day focus at getting your technique better. Messy (water everywhere) in the beginning and better in time. Increase your pressure gradually and focus on gentle, yet thorough cleaning. This comes with several different tips including a "tongue scrapper" to remove accumulated "oxygen hating" bacteria that work their way into one's tongue crevices - a "tongue scrapper" whether this tip or a standard "tongue scrapper" will help clear out a great many of these "oxygen hating" bacteria, the ones that contribute to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.> WaterPik BRP-2 Pik Pocket Replacement Jet Tips (Pack of 2) Consider at least checking out these Water Pik Ultra Pik Pocket Tips especially if your dental check ups are showing gum pockets in excess of 3 mm. As a suggestion consider asking your dentist for a copy of your gum pocket chart so you can give careful attention to areas of your gums and teeth that need special attention.> I used the original waterpik and then there was a concern about the pressure injecting bad bacteria/virus into the gum and blood stream and reaching the heart. From what I have studied and reviewed this is no longer a concern and the newest version (here) of the waterpik is beneficial. Some now indicate that good oral health equates to good body health. You will have to be the judge for yourself about this.> F L O S S - GUM Expanding Floss 2030 and Dr. Tung's Smart Floss 30 yards (Pack of 12) Clipstrip and Reach Dentotape Floss, Waxed, Wide Spaced Teeth, Unflavored - Expanding floss helps removed debris from the sides of one's teeth and Dentotape (wider in diameter) has a similar affect along if one's teeth are really tight together then likely you will want a floss that will slip through easily like Glide Comfort Plus Dental Floss, Mint, 43.7-Yard Dispenser (Pack of 6)> > > A D D E N D U M < < <If you really want to enjoy the best you can in oral health then you will need more than just a waterpik.Healthy Teeth - Healthy Body This is my guide book and work book that most dental patients will benefit from. Here's the contents outline:Chapter 1 - Know Thy Enemy; the Truth about Tooth DecayChapter 2 - Gum Disease; the Biggest Cause of Tooth LossChapter 3 - Oral Self-Examination; it is easier than you thinkChapter 4 - The Tools of Your Trade; Free Tools and a Few Affordable Tools to HelpChapter 5 - Your Personal Home Care Program; if it is to be it is up to meChapter 6 - Working with the Dental Hygienist; how to get the best benefit> While this may seem a little gross to some, Dr. Tom recommends doing your own periodic dental exam, and he has the only special dental mirror with built in LED flash light I could find on the world wide web. Guess what? The teeth you need to check on most are the ones in the back, especially the sides next to your tongue. You will also need a hand held mirror, one with double magnification is good, and the LED light will light up your mouth. His statement about oral health is that you only have to take care of the teeth you want to keep. He is not an advocate of flouride even though the ADA (American Dental Association) only endorses products that contain flouride. My thought is if you use flouride products don't swallow them; spit them out.> Along with spitting out and not swallowing flouride there appears to be evidence about also avoiding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and alcohol.> Alcohol can traumatize tissue in the mouth as well as other parts of one's body it comes into contact with. Alcohol also "dries" and "Dry Mouth" is something that needs attention and possible treatment.> Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an ingredient in many personal care products, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and mouthwash. It is relatively inexpensive and foams up easily. It is often described as a detergent or degreaser, but it functions primarily as a surfactant, so that oil-based ingredients can combine more easily with water-based ingredients. A secondary function of SLS is to provide the foaming action that makes it feel like something spectacular is happening in your mouth. There is little scientific proof that SLS removes tartar, plaque, or biofilm.> You will likely benefit from seriously considering not using SLS containing products in your mouth. SLS has been blamed for a number of different conditions, including canker sores and bad breath. The harshness of this detergent can aggravate existing oral problems, and cause some new ones.Rembrandt Premium Whitening Mint Toothpaste with Fluoride (For Canker Sore Sufferers) - 3 oz This product from Johnson & Johnson works good for helping canker sores (the sores in your mouth and gums; not the sores on the lips). It does contain fluoride; I use it at times and it makes my gum tissue and any sores get better. The very fine light gray print on the back of the tube includes this: "If more than the amount used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away." My thoughts again are don't swallow and spit it out after use.The new generation US patented, non-nylon, tapered, soft, and ultra fine bristles - Yorum 5 manual toothbrushes --- for people with larger-sized mouths, please buy our AFT Multiple Pattern 5 Manual Toothbrushes and bc OralCare New Generation Toothbrushes, Sensitive Medium, Ultra fine bristles, Deep Penetration I like to use both the white and black to color code so each brush gets more time to dry out. These are manual brushes made of a material that is softner than the usual nylon and have special tips that help clean the gum pockets. Ionic Toothbrush - 1 Brush This toothbrush also has special tips and according to the manufacturer it uses ion technology to help remove biofilm and plaque.> > > S U M M A R Y < < <> Don't throw away your dental floss use it and also use the Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser. Use a good combination of manual toothbrushes that are gentle and help you get at your back and inside teeth and gumline. Use a power toothbrush for scrubbing most of your tooth surfaces to make them smooth and clean. Consider using Alcohol and SLS Free oral products and don't swallow them when you are done instead spit them out. Consider brushing, flossing, and water flossing more than two times daily - if you can after each time to eat a meal or have a sweet snack.Check out the products on Amazon for oral health - there is a lot more on Amazon than in your local drug store. Do you best to save your teeth and gums; you'll be glad you did!