Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser

I have a permanent lower retainer which I've had in my mouth for 10 years now. For the longest time, I was considering getting it removed because I hate how difficult it is to floss around it using the threaders and such. I looked around online long enough to realize that the risk of removing my retainer was that my teeth would revert back to their overcrowded, shark-like jaggedness. Anyway, I heard a lot of good things about this Waterpik as an easy and effective solution for flossing between and around permanent retainers, not to mention that it is very healthy for the gums so I gave it a shot.Let me tell you, I LOVE MY WATERPIK! I'm not sure how durable it is, as I've only had it for a few months, but it makes cleaning my gums an easy part of my daily routine instead of a chore (which is how I used to feel about it). The Waterpik seems like it is decent quality, and I would guess that it should last a little more than a year before it breaks. Time will tell, but if it lasts 10-12 months, I would still be satisfied. This product works very well and it was a savior for me as a solution to threading/flossing the frustrating permanent retainer in the bottom of my mouth.The water blasts/pulses are very powerful and you'll be amazed at the kind of gunk/food you'll see fall out of your mouth and into the sink. It is important to keep your lips semi-closed to prevent water from splashing all over the place. If you're not careful, this machine can be messy.Also, be careful not to move up to full power (level 10) too quickly because you might get a little bleeding as my girlfriend quickly found out, but for those of you who floss quite regularly, I had no problem moving to level 10 right away. One complaint that I have is that the water tank runs out too quickly, but it's really not that big of a deal to turn it off, remove the tank, and fill it back up with water. Takes about 10 seconds... no sweat.I have already convinced another friend of mine to buy this and he said that he loves his Waterpik too.In closing, I can honestly say that if I didn't have my lower retainer, I would have never bought this. I don't mind flossing one bit on my teeth that do not have the permanent retainer, but I could imagine that if you don't like flossing at all in the first place, this would be a great alternative to not flossing at all.So I recommend this product to two types of people in particular:1. People with permanent retainers/other devices in their mouth that are difficult to floss around and through.2. People who do not like to floss in the first place and are having a difficult time making it a regular part of their hygiene routine.*****UPDATE***** 05/13/2010:For a long time now, I've actually been using my Waterpik to blast the hairs out of the three, four, and five-blade shavers when hair gets stuck in them and the running water from my faucet doesn't do the trick. I haven't checked through other reviews to see if other people are doing this, but the Waterpik is worth it for this function alone. If you're tired of having hairs stuck in between the blades of your Mach 3, Quattro, or Fusion razors (or other manual razors), get this Waterpik and blast those hairs out (in addition to getting yourself an excellent device for keeping your mouth/gums clean).Please be aware that you'll get a little bit of splashing, but it's great because you can use those blade cartridges longer and get better results from them by having the hair cleared out of them. I can't believe that I didn't include this in my original review. Perhaps, I'll find another use for my Waterpik over time, but this is one of my favorite purchases EVER. I'll buy another when this one breaks.*****UPDATE***** 6/8/2011About a month ago, I plugged this Waterpik in and it finally broke after 2.5 years. I already miss it (mostly for blasting water from between the blades of my Gillete Mach3, Fusion, and Schick Quattro razors. I plan to buy another Waterpik soon, and I still give it 5-stars despite breaking after a solid 2.5 years of regular usage.

> > > Very Beneficial As Part of a Total Oral Hygeine Plan < < <> Can I really say more than the 2500 positive Amazon Reviews establishing this oral hygeine tool as a most beneficial part of one's total oral hygeine plan. Expect a learning curve and each day focus at getting your technique better. Messy (water everywhere) in the beginning and better in time. Increase your pressure gradually and focus on gentle, yet thorough cleaning. This comes with several different tips including a "tongue scrapper" to remove accumulated "oxygen hating" bacteria that work their way into one's tongue crevices - a "tongue scrapper" whether this tip or a standard "tongue scrapper" will help clear out a great many of these "oxygen hating" bacteria, the ones that contribute to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.> WaterPik BRP-2 Pik Pocket Replacement Jet Tips (Pack of 2) Consider at least checking out these Water Pik Ultra Pik Pocket Tips especially if your dental check ups are showing gum pockets in excess of 3 mm. As a suggestion consider asking your dentist for a copy of your gum pocket chart so you can give careful attention to areas of your gums and teeth that need special attention.> I used the original waterpik and then there was a concern about the pressure injecting bad bacteria/virus into the gum and blood stream and reaching the heart. From what I have studied and reviewed this is no longer a concern and the newest version (here) of the waterpik is beneficial. Some now indicate that good oral health equates to good body health. You will have to be the judge for yourself about this.> F L O S S - GUM Expanding Floss 2030 and Dr. Tung's Smart Floss 30 yards (Pack of 12) Clipstrip and Reach Dentotape Floss, Waxed, Wide Spaced Teeth, Unflavored - Expanding floss helps removed debris from the sides of one's teeth and Dentotape (wider in diameter) has a similar affect along if one's teeth are really tight together then likely you will want a floss that will slip through easily like Glide Comfort Plus Dental Floss, Mint, 43.7-Yard Dispenser (Pack of 6)> > > A D D E N D U M < < <If you really want to enjoy the best you can in oral health then you will need more than just a waterpik.Healthy Teeth - Healthy Body This is my guide book and work book that most dental patients will benefit from. Here's the contents outline:Chapter 1 - Know Thy Enemy; the Truth about Tooth DecayChapter 2 - Gum Disease; the Biggest Cause of Tooth LossChapter 3 - Oral Self-Examination; it is easier than you thinkChapter 4 - The Tools of Your Trade; Free Tools and a Few Affordable Tools to HelpChapter 5 - Your Personal Home Care Program; if it is to be it is up to meChapter 6 - Working with the Dental Hygienist; how to get the best benefit> While this may seem a little gross to some, Dr. Tom recommends doing your own periodic dental exam, and he has the only special dental mirror with built in LED flash light I could find on the world wide web. Guess what? The teeth you need to check on most are the ones in the back, especially the sides next to your tongue. You will also need a hand held mirror, one with double magnification is good, and the LED light will light up your mouth. His statement about oral health is that you only have to take care of the teeth you want to keep. He is not an advocate of flouride even though the ADA (American Dental Association) only endorses products that contain flouride. My thought is if you use flouride products don't swallow them; spit them out.> Along with spitting out and not swallowing flouride there appears to be evidence about also avoiding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and alcohol.> Alcohol can traumatize tissue in the mouth as well as other parts of one's body it comes into contact with. Alcohol also "dries" and "Dry Mouth" is something that needs attention and possible treatment.> Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an ingredient in many personal care products, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and mouthwash. It is relatively inexpensive and foams up easily. It is often described as a detergent or degreaser, but it functions primarily as a surfactant, so that oil-based ingredients can combine more easily with water-based ingredients. A secondary function of SLS is to provide the foaming action that makes it feel like something spectacular is happening in your mouth. There is little scientific proof that SLS removes tartar, plaque, or biofilm.> You will likely benefit from seriously considering not using SLS containing products in your mouth. SLS has been blamed for a number of different conditions, including canker sores and bad breath. The harshness of this detergent can aggravate existing oral problems, and cause some new ones.Rembrandt Premium Whitening Mint Toothpaste with Fluoride (For Canker Sore Sufferers) - 3 oz This product from Johnson & Johnson works good for helping canker sores (the sores in your mouth and gums; not the sores on the lips). It does contain fluoride; I use it at times and it makes my gum tissue and any sores get better. The very fine light gray print on the back of the tube includes this: "If more than the amount used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away." My thoughts again are don't swallow and spit it out after use.The new generation US patented, non-nylon, tapered, soft, and ultra fine bristles - Yorum 5 manual toothbrushes --- for people with larger-sized mouths, please buy our AFT Multiple Pattern 5 Manual Toothbrushes and bc OralCare New Generation Toothbrushes, Sensitive Medium, Ultra fine bristles, Deep Penetration I like to use both the white and black to color code so each brush gets more time to dry out. These are manual brushes made of a material that is softner than the usual nylon and have special tips that help clean the gum pockets. Ionic Toothbrush - 1 Brush This toothbrush also has special tips and according to the manufacturer it uses ion technology to help remove biofilm and plaque.> > > S U M M A R Y < < <> Don't throw away your dental floss use it and also use the Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser. Use a good combination of manual toothbrushes that are gentle and help you get at your back and inside teeth and gumline. Use a power toothbrush for scrubbing most of your tooth surfaces to make them smooth and clean. Consider using Alcohol and SLS Free oral products and don't swallow them when you are done instead spit them out. Consider brushing, flossing, and water flossing more than two times daily - if you can after each time to eat a meal or have a sweet snack.Check out the products on Amazon for oral health - there is a lot more on Amazon than in your local drug store. Do you best to save your teeth and gums; you'll be glad you did!