A water flosser can improve a patient's oral health when combined with brushing twice a day and string flossing daily. However, it is a little-known fact that water isn't the only solution that can be used in a water flosser. Though many solutions will damage or destroy a water flosser, some are both safe to use and beneficial to the user.
Mouthwashes that are suitable for use
Most water flossers are safe to use with standard mouthwashes as long as you rinse the reservoir after each use and use a 1:1 ratio of warm water to mouthwash. Though not the best choice due to their effects on beneficial bacteria, alcohol-based mouthwashes are acceptable for water flosser use, as long as the 1:1 ratio and reservoir cleaning are followed. Patients with periodontitis can use therapeutic mouth rinses with their water flossers, but they must follow specific instructions from our professionals on how to add the mouth rinse to the water flosser correctly and how to clean the water flosser after the session. Patients should never use essential oils, iodine, or saline solutions in their treatments.
The Advantages of Adding Mouthwash to Water Flossers
Using standard mouthwash in a water flosser helps to freshen the patient's breath, fight plaque buildup, remove food debris, and prevent cavities. As an added bonus, using fluoridated mouthwash strengthens the enamel of the teeth. Water flossing with an alcohol-based mouthwash is effective at neutralizing bacteria in the mouth, both harmful and beneficial. Patients who use therapeutic mouth rinses in conjunction with their water flossers can control the harmful symptoms of periodontitis in ways other than swishing.
Email our office today for a consultation if you have any questions about what solutions are safe to use in your water flosser. We would be delighted to assist you in learning.