Do You Use a Waterpik Before or After Brushing? Get Expert Tips

Do you use a water flosser before or after brushing?

The short answer is:

It's best to use a Waterpik before brushing your teeth. This is because it will help you to clear food particles and plaque from your teeth. Brushing your teeth becomes more effective when you use a Waterpik before doing so.

We all know how important oral hygiene is. Taking care of your teeth may help avoid cavities, and gum disease, and contribute to a healthy set of pearly whites, in addition to fighting bad breath.

But, if you're like most people, you may not think about flossing and brushing your teeth in the appropriate order.

This post explains why it's best to use a water flosser and brush in a certain order. We'll also discuss:

• When to use a Waterpik
• Do you use a Waterpik before or after brushing?

Why to use a Waterpik

Brushing your teeth is just part of good dental care. It is an effective technique to clean your teeth and gums, eliminate plaque, and prevent cavities. But it's also important to floss your teeth to ensure optimal oral health.

Using a Waterpik to supplement your oral hygiene routine helps to maintain proper dental health by loosening and removing plaque and food from between your teeth. Brushing also eliminates plaque and food particles, but toothbrush bristles can't reach deep enough between teeth to remove everything.

Why is it better to use the Waterpik before brushing?

Many people brush before they use their Waterpik water flosser. The problem with this method is that any food, plaque, or germs released by flossing between your teeth stays in your mouth until you brush again.

The brushing movement eliminates these released particles from the mouth when you floss and then brush. As a consequence, your mouth will have less dental plaque and you will have lower risk of getting gum disease.

It's also very useful to use a Waterpik with braces since it can get under the archwire and in smaller cracks.

The ideal sequence for good oral health

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Periodontology, flossing before brushing is the best way to ensure you're getting rid of dental plaque.

When compared to the brush-then-floss group, individuals who flossed before brushing had much less plaque on their teeth and in their mouth after finishing their oral hygiene routine.

Don't be alarmed if you've always used the brush-then-floss method. Flossing and brushing your teeth together every day is still an effective way to keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Benefits of using a Waterpik before brushing your teeth

Flossing before brushing has been shown to have some long-term advantages on your oral health. Simply switching the sequence in which you brush your teeth may influence your dental health.

• Deep cleaning: Flossing is a good technique to get rid of germs, food debris, and other particles lodged between your teeth. If plaque bacteria is allowed to form for only 24 or 36 hours, it may swiftly damage or destroy your teeth, posing a health danger. Using a Waterpik water flosser before brushing your teeth removes plaque from all of the tight areas in your mouth.

• Increase the fluoride impact: If you want the toothpaste‘s fluoride to remain in your mouth for as long as possible to get the benefits from it, consider using a Waterpik before brushing your teeth. Your teeth are more able to absorb fluoride since plaque and bacteria have been largely eliminated by flossing.

• Avoiding gum disease: When there's an immense amount of germs on the surface of your teeth, gum disease may develop. This is often the consequence of neglecting dental cleanings and practicing poor daily dental care, such as not brushing or flossing on a regular basis.
  Gum disease may cause bleeding gums, loose teeth, sore gums, and bad breath, among other things. Flossing before brushing helps to remove more germs and, in the long term, lowers your risk of gum disease.

• Identify areas that need attention: If you use a Waterpik before brushing your teeth, you may notice a few more details about your teeth. Flossing can often help you notice some bigger pieces of debris or a spot that needs extra attention when you brush your teeth according to the American Dental Association.

What dental professionals think about using a Waterpik before brushing

Watch this video to see what dentists say about whether you should water floss or brush first.

Conclusion

If you've always used the brush-then-floss approach, don't be concerned. No matter in what order you do it, flossing and brushing your teeth together every day is still an excellent strategy to maintain a healthy mouth. However, research shows that using a Waterpik before brushing comes with some benefits.

FAQ

Should you use a Waterpik before or after brushing your teeth?

It’s more beneficial to use the Waterpik before brushing your teeth. Flossing before brushing lets you get rid of debris and any food particles stuck between your teeth.

Should I brush before using a Waterpik?

It’s recommended to water floss with your Waterpik before brushing your teeth. Brushing will be more efficient if you remove debris from your teeth first by flossing.

Should I brush after using a Waterpik?

Yes, it's recommended to first water floss and then brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth after using your Waterpik is the right sequence. However, both are essential for good oral health.