Brushing with a toothbrush is not enough, since that only reaches 60% of a tooth’s surface. For those wearing fixed orthodontic appliances, full oral hygiene is essential, since the brackets and arch wires build up more biofilm, and interproximal cleaning becomes more difficult. 

Thanks to the direct application of a pulsating stream of water or other solutions (mouthwash), water flossing is indicated for these patients as a complement to brushing, thus ensuring optimum daily oral hygiene results. 

Some studies show that thanks to the introduction of water flossing with Waterpik^®, periodontal parameters in orthodontic patients improve^(1-2): 

• Gingivitis reduced by 24.1%. 

• Plaque levels reduced by 38.9%. 

• Gum bleeding reduced by 84.5%. 

In addition, Waterpik^® water flossers have orthodontic tips specifically designed for cleaning appliances and braces, and removing hard-to-reach biofilm from between brackets and wires. They also help clean bacteria and food debris from teeth and gums. 

By using the orthodontic tip it is possible to eliminate up to 99.84% of plaque after three seconds of ex vivo application, in addition to eliminating significant amounts of calcified biofilm in vivo⁽³⁾. 

This all means a significant improvement in the gum health of orthodontics patients, and can be further complemented by water flossing with a mixture of water and a specific mouthwash like VITIS^® orthodontic, thus increasing the benefits and reducing the discomfort that orthodontic appliances can cause during treatment.

Waterpik^® Water Flossers with orthodontic tip included 

•  Waterpik^® Ultra WP-100

•  Waterpik^® Traveler WP-300 

•  Waterpik^® Cordless Plus WP-450 

Waterpik^® Ultra WP-100, Waterpik^® Traveler WP-300 & Waterpik^® WP-450 Include an orthodontic tip for greater user comfort. 

Waterpik® Water Flossers adapted to fit orthodontic tips 

•  Waterpik^® 2in1 WP-700 

•  Waterpik^® cordless Express WP-02 water flossers 

Waterpik^® 2in1 WP-700 & Waterpik^® cordless Express WP-02 water flossers Have been adapted to fit these tips, which may be purchased separately.