Dental professionals recommend flossing as part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. Flossing removes plaque and helps prevent gum disease. But what if there was another way to get rid of the bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease? A waterpik has been shown to be more effective than traditional flossing at cleaning the pockets between teeth and along the gumline.
But if you’re going to invest in a waterpik, it’s important to understand how to clean it. In this article, we’ll walk you through a few easy steps to keep your waterpik clean and free of bacteria.
Before starting, make sure the unit is unplugged. You’ll also want to have a soft cloth and a glass of warm water nearby to rinse the flosser when you’re done.
First, drain the water from the reservoir. Then, pour a mixture of warm water and white vinegar into the reservoir and swish it around. After about 20 minutes, empty the reservoir and run a full tank of warm water through your flosser. This will flush out the remaining vinegar solution and leave your waterpik fresh.
Next, you’ll need to clean the handle and flosser tip. Mix warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid to create soapy water. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and wipe down the exterior of your waterpik, including the handle, base, and connection between the handle and flosser head. Rinse the cloth and wipe again to make sure all of the soapy residue is removed. Finally, soak the handle and tip in a container of hydrogen peroxide for five to seven minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly and let the waterpik dry completely.