Waterpik Solutions for Periodontal Disease and Receding Gums

If you have gum disease or receding gums, you may be looking for Waterpik solutions for periodontal disease. Waterpiks are a brand of water flosser, which are recommended for use especially when it comes to gum-related problems.

In this article, we'll discuss the following:

• The best Waterpik for gum disease
• How the Waterpik perio tip works
• Waterpik Pik Pocket tip instructions

We hope that this information helps you tackle your periodontal problems for better overall oral health.

What is a Waterpik?

Waterpik is a brand of water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator. This handheld device delivers a stream of water that cleans along your gumline and between your teeth. Much like flossing, it removes plaque, bacteria, and leftover food debris.

There are various models of water flossers, but the main difference is whether they are countertop or cordless models. Either way, they all have a reservoir that holds the water, a motor that powers the water stream, and a tapered nozzle to help aim the water exactly where it needs to go.

Waterpiks are especially beneficial to people who have a hard time combating bleeding gums, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Many dentists recommend their patients add a water flosser to their oral hygiene routine — not to replace flossing, but to supplement it.

How to use a Waterpik

At first, getting used to a water flosser can be a bit tricky, and definitely messy, but here are some basic instructions to get you started:

• Fill the reservoir with room-temp water
• Make sure to close the reservoir cap securely
• Select the tip you want to use and insert it into the handle
• Place the tip in your mouth, aim it at the gum line, and lean over the sink
• Turn the water flosser on, keeping your mouth partly closed
• Move the water stream along your gumline, pausing in the spaces between teeth, and let the water flow out of your mouth into the sink
• Turn the device off while it's still in your mouth

Don't try to take the tip out of your mouth while the water flosser is still turned on — water will get everywhere, and honestly, if that concentrated stream of water hits you in the wrong place, it can hurt!

Waterpik tip types

The following Waterpik tips are specific to the Waterpik brand, but most brands of water flossers will have a similar selection.

• Classic Tip: The classic tip is meant for everyday use and cleans between your teeth and below the gumline
• Ortho Tip: Use this tip if you have braces — it has a tapered end that is specially designed to remove plaque from braces
• Plaque Seeker Tip: This tip is especially good at removing plaque from the hardest to reach areas — it even has bristles that gently scrub to encourage plaque to get out
• Pik Pocket Tip: If you're struggling with gum problems, this is the tip for you. It is designed to stream water or special antibacterial solutions deep into periodontal pockets
• Tongue Cleaner: This tip isn't meant for your gums or your teeth — it has a special shape that removes bacteria from your tongue, for a cleaner tongue and fresher breath
• Toothbrush Tip: This isn't an electric toothbrush tip — rather it's a regular toothbrush that lets you brush your teeth while you water floss
• Implant/Denture Tip: This tip has a hooked design that provides optimal cleaning underneath the length of your dentures or implants

Best Waterpik for gum disease

Any Waterpik model can be used to help with gum disease, as long as you use the Pik Pocket tip mentioned above. One of the most popular Waterpik models is the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser.

This is a countertop model that comes with 7 different tips, including the Pik Pocket tip for periodontal pockets. It has a built-in timer and 10 pressure settings and is dishwasher safe so it's easy to clean.

Another water flosser that isn't from the Waterpik brand, but that comes highly recommended, is the cariPRO water flosser. It is cordless and has a reservoir that holds 155 mL of water for 45 seconds of continuous flossing.

It also has three modes — normal, soft, and pulse and an impressive 28-day battery life.

Most importantly for our purposes, however, it comes with four floss tips: Standard, Ortho, Brush, and the Pocket Tip, for periodontal pockets.

It also comes with a full 2-year warranty and a 60-day trial meaning that if after two months you aren't satisfied, you can return it for your money back.

Gum stimulator vs Waterpik

A gum stimulator is not a water flosser. It's actually a metal handle with a silicone or rubber tip attached to the end. You use it to massage your gum tissue and gently clean between your teeth since it has a tapered form and a pointed end.

They are also meant to increase the blood flow in your gums, letting more oxygen come into contact with your gum tissue and any infections. Oxygen can help treat gum disease in some cases, but the evidence is still coming out on that.

If you do struggle with periodontal disease or gum pockets, in general, it's more likely that your dentist will recommend a Waterpik than a gum stimulator, but each case is different, so it's definitely worth asking.

Conclusion

Waterpiks in general are beneficial for your gum health and can help in the treatment of periodontal disease. But, they also come with specific Waterpik perio tips — actually called the ‘Pik Pocket' — which is meant to clean deep into gum pockets, removing bacteria and cleaning infected areas.

Waterpiks are not meant to replace brushing or flossing, but instead, are meant to supplement your oral hygiene routine. If you have problems with your gums, first of all, head to the dentist. And while you're there, ask your dentist if you could benefit from a Waterpik for gum disease treatment.

FAQs

How do you use a Waterpik periodontal tip?

Without turning the water flosser on, set it to the lowest pressure setting. Then place the tip against a tooth at a 45-degree angle and slide it gently under your gumline and into the pocket. Then turn the power on.

What are the best Waterpik solutions for periodontal disease?

For periodontal disease, you may want to try the Waterpik Aquarius, which is their best-selling countertop model. It comes with a special periodontal pocket tip.

Why use a periodontal tip?

Not everyone needs to use a special periodontal pocket tip with their water flosser, but your dentist may recommend this if you have gum disease and gum pockets, for deep cleaning in the pockets.

What is the best Waterpik for periodontal disease?

The best Waterpik for periodontal disease is the Waterpik Aquarius with the Pik Pocket tip. You can also try another brand, cariPRO, which also comes with a gum pocket tip.