Dragging string floss between your teeth can be, well, a drag. As reported by participants of a 2017 survey on flossing, most people don’t floss daily because it’s too time consuming. Other reasons cited for skipping the flossing were that it’s too painful or just plain gross.

Enter the water flosser.

Water flossers give you the benefits of flossing and then some, minus the tediousness and, let’s face it, the ick factor.

What it is and how it works

A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays high pressure pulses of water at your teeth. The stream of water gets into all the nooks and crannies that hold bacteria and food particles even after traditional brushing or flossing.

Food and bacteria left to stew between your teeth can contribute to bad breath, plaque buildup, and gingivitis.

Healthy teeth and gums are important for your smile and your overall health, but while you’re straightening your teeth with your SmileDirectClub aligners, consistent and thorough flossing is especially important.

Bacteria thrive in moist and slightly acidic conditions. Plaque that forms from trapped food particles releases acids. Wearing your aligners over your teeth and gums (and acids and food debris) creates just the sort of environment that bacteria need to grow. In other words, the less gunk between your teeth and under your aligners, the better.

The benefits of using a water flosser

Flossing is good for your oral health and your overall health. Water flossing, however, offers several benefits and perks over traditional string flossing.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of using a water flosser:

• They remove 99% of the plaque between your teeth and below the gumline.
• They’re 50% more effective than string floss when it comes to improving your gum health.
• They’re especially great for people with braces and other dental work, and people with misaligned or crowded teeth.
• They offer different pressure modes to accommodate your varying flossing needs (hello everything bagels!), preferences, and comfort level.

How to use a water flosser

Water flossers come with different features but are similar when it comes to the basics of how to use them. It may take a few uses to get the hang of it, but it’s definitely worth it for a cleaner and healthier smile!

Here’s how to use a water flosser:

• Attach a tip to the water flosser if not already attached.
• Open the water reservoir cap and fill with lukewarm water, and close the cap.
• Select the mode/speed of your choice.
• Lean over the sink and hold your water flosser in an upright position with the tip pointed toward your teeth.
• Keep your mouth almost completely closed; opened just enough to let water flow out.
• Turn on the water flosser. The water jet will start as soon as you turn it on so be ready!
• When finished, turn off the water flosser, remove the tip.

Not all water flossers are exactly the same and some include extra features.

The SmileDirectClub Water Flosser is easy to use. It is cordless and water resistant so you can use it over the sink or in the shower. You can also choose from three pressure modes — normal, soft, and pulse. You won’t have to worry too much about it running out of battery as a single charge lasts a full month when used for one minute twice a day. It also comes with two flossing tips.

A water flosser is the perfect companion on your Smile Journey™ and can help keep your smile cleaner and healthier, no (floss) strings attached.