FAQs
General Oral Health & Benefits
Water flossing provides a deeper, more effective clean than brushing alone. A Waterpik™ Water Flosser removes plaque, bacteria, and trapped food from between the teeth and below the gumline, areas traditional brushing and string floss often miss. Regular use supports daily oral hygiene, fresher breath, and a cleaner mouth. Water flossing is easy to do, making it a convenient addition to your everyday oral care routine.
Many people find water flossing easier than traditional string floss. A Waterpik™ Water Flosser uses a targeted stream of water to help remove plaque and debris from between teeth and along the gumline.
- It can be particularly helpful for people with: braces or orthodontic appliances
- bridges, crowns, implants, or veneers
- limited dexterity or discomfort using string floss
Water flossing helps deliver a more comfortable, thorough clean with less effort.
A water flosser is suitable for everyone, but especially helpful for:
- people with orthodontics
- those with dental implants, crowns, or bridges
- anyone experiencing gum inflammation
- individuals who find string floss difficult or uncomfortable
- people wanting a fresher, cleaner mouth with low effort
It’s an easy, effective way to upgrade your daily oral hygiene routine.
No, a water flosser removes plaque, not hardened tartar.
Once plaque calcifies into tartar, only a dental professional can remove it. However, daily water flossing can help prevent tartar formation by effectively clearing plaque before it hardens.
It can. Water flossing helps remove food debris and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline — areas where odour-causing particles can build up.
Many Waterpik™ Water Flossers also include a tongue cleaner tip designed to help clean the surface of the tongue, which can further support fresher breath. This flossing tip can also be purchased separately here.
Yes. Water flossing helps remove plaque and debris along the gumline and between teeth — areas that brushing alone may miss.
When used daily as part of a complete oral care routine, it supports good oral hygiene and helps maintain healthy gums.
A Waterpik™ Water Flosser cleans along and just below the gumline to help flush away plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas. Specialised tips, such as the Pik Pocket™ Tip, are designed to deliver a gentle water flow along the gumline for targeted cleaning.
Yes. Water flossing is an effective way to clean around implants, crowns, veneers, and bridgework. It removes debris from hard-to-reach areas without putting stress on dental restorations.
Using Your Water Flosser
Using a Waterpik™ Water Flosser is simple:
- Fill the reservoir with warm water.
- Select and insert your preferred tip.
- Lean over the sink and place the tip in your mouth.
- Close your lips slightly to prevent splashing.
- Turn the unit on and follow the gumline, letting water flow into the sink.
- Switch off the device when finished.
This ensures thorough cleaning around each tooth and along the gumline.
Using a water flosser before brushing is ideal, as it removes debris and plaque, allowing fluoride toothpaste to reach more areas. It can also be used after meals to dislodge trapped food.
Daily use is recommended for optimal gum care. If you wear braces or have active gum concerns, using it twice a day can provide additional benefit.
A full session should take about 1 minute. Spend around 3 seconds per tooth or per area, following the gumline and moving methodically around the mouth.
Yes. Start with the lowest pressure setting to allow gums to adjust. You can gradually increase pressure as sensitivity improves.
Water floss before brushing for the most effective clean. It removes plaque and food debris first, helping fluoride toothpaste to reach more surfaces and stay in contact with the teeth for longer.
Brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, while water flossing cleans between teeth and below the gumline. Plus, brushing alone misses 33% of the tooth. Together, they create a more complete oral hygiene routine, reducing plaque, and supporting gum care and fresher breath.
Many dental professionals recommend water flossing as part of a complete oral hygiene routine.
A Waterpik™ Water Flosser helps remove plaque and debris along the gumline and between teeth, supporting daily oral hygiene. If you have specific oral health concerns, your dentist or hygienist can advise on the best routine for your needs.
Some people may notice mild bleeding when they first begin cleaning between their teeth, particularly if their gums are sensitive or if they are new to interdental cleaning.
Starting with a low pressure setting and using a Waterpik™ Water Flosser consistently as part of your daily oral hygiene routine can help gums become more comfortable over time. If bleeding continues, consult your dentist or hygienist.
For braces, retainers & orthodontic bars
- Orthodontic Tip — best for cleaning around braces, wires, and fixed orthodontic appliances.
- Plaque Seeker™ Tip — ideal for cleaning around permanent retainers, crowns, bridges, and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Precision (Classic Jet) Tip — useful for general cleaning along the gumline and between teeth.
For implants, bridges & dentures
- Plaque Seeker™ Tip — designed to help clean around implants, crowns, and bridges.
- Pik Pocket™ Tip — ideal for gently cleaning under the gumline and around implants when recommended by a dental professional.
- Implant Denture Tip — designed specifically for implant bridges and dentures (coming soon).
Yes. You can use warm water, diluted mouthwash, or dentist-recommended solutions in the reservoir. After using mouthwash, run a full reservoir of clean water to keep the device free from residue.
Start on a low pressure setting if you’re new to water flossing or have sensitive gums. Gradually increase the pressure over 1–2 weeks as comfort improves. Most users find that medium to high settings provide the most effective plaque removal.
Keep your lips slightly closed around the tip to control splashing and lean over the sink. Always point the tip toward the gumline at a 90-degree angle to maintain a steady water flow.
Yes — it’s an excellent way to remove food debris, especially around braces, bridges, and implants. Daily use is recommended but using it after meals can boost freshness and reduce plaque build-up.
Children should only use a Waterpik™ Water Flosser with adult supervision and according to the product instructions.
Using a lower pressure setting is recommended when children first begin using the device.
Maintenance & Cleaning
You can clean the reservoir:
- in the top rack of the dishwasher, or
- by hand with warm water and a small brush
Regular weekly cleaning prevents residue build-up.
For hard water areas, run a mixture of white vinegar and warm water through the system every 1–3 months to remove limescale, followed by a full rinse with clean water.
- Remove the tip from the handle.
- Soak the tip in hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for 5–7 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
- Allow to air dry before reattaching.
This maintains hygiene and prolongs tip performance.
Yes — the device can be shared, but each person must use their own tip. Replacement tip packs include colour rings to differentiate users. For hygiene reasons, sharing a single tip is not recommended.
Fill the reservoir, set the pressure to high (for countertop units), and run water through the device until it flows smoothly. This removes trapped air inside the pump and ensures consistent performance.
Priming helps the device reach its correct pressure level by clearing air pockets. Without priming, the device may sputter or produce an inconsistent water stream.
Check the following:
- The reservoir is seated properly
- The tip is not blocked
- The unit is fully charged (for cordless models)
- No debris is caught inside the handle or valve
If the issue continues, consult customer support for further diagnostics.
Device & Technical Info
Battery life varies depending on the Waterpik™ model, pressure setting, and frequency of use.
For exact battery specifications, please refer to the product page or packaging for your specific model.
Cordless models typically require 4–24 hours for a full charge (model dependent). To prolong battery health, avoid allowing the battery to fully discharge repeatedly.
Yes — most cordless Waterpik water flossers include a battery indicator. The light typically blinks while charging and becomes solid (or turns off) once the device is fully charged.
Waterpik™ water flossers deliver around 1,400–1,500 pulsations per minute, depending on the model, with pressure ranges typically between 80–160 PSI. This pulsation rate is one of the reasons Waterpik is clinically proven to be highly effective.
Use the original charger provided with your device. If replacing, ensure the charger has 100–240V input and the correct output recommended for your model. Incorrect voltage can cause charging issues or activate safety shutoff.
Yes — check whether your cordless model is dual-voltage. Many cordless designs accept global voltage (100–240V) and can be used with travel adapters. Countertop models are generally not dual-voltage and should be used only in regions with compatible voltage. You can also charge it fully before you travel, and the battery should last for the length of your trip.
Increased noise often indicates trapped air or limescale build-up. Running warm water through the system or performing a vinegar rinse typically resolves this. For countertop models, ensure the reservoir is firmly locked into place.
Tips & Accessories
Press the Tip Eject button to release the current tip, then insert a new one until it clicks securely into place.
Most tips rotate 360° for easier access to all areas of the mouth.
- Bristled tips (Plaque Seeker™, Orthodontic, Toothbrush, Pik Pocket™): every 3 months, or sooner if worn
- Non-bristled tips (Classic Jet, Tongue Cleaner): every 6 months
Replacing regularly ensures the best cleaning performance.
Replacement Waterpik tips are available at:
Prices vary depending on the tip type and retailer.
No whitening devices are currently available in the UK. However, Waterpik Whitening Tablets (compatible with selected models) are available on waterpik.co.uk to help remove stains and brighten the smile.