Waterpik Classic Countertop Water Flosser, WP-60

I bought this to replace a similar system made by a different mfr, after that one developed an irreparable leak following many years of use.There is no doubt the WaterPik is far more effective than its predecessor. I began using it at mid-power, because I have been a dental water jet user for years and had used my other one at just a bit above mid-power. The WaterPik cleans thoroughly, as the WaterPik Website video illustrates. It removes irritants below the gum line. I can vouch for this because (to my surprise) I had some minor bleeding of the gums during the first few days of use.Not that such bleeding is a good thing, but its importance will be clear in a moment. Please note that I don't have any peridontal disease or gum recission. Just a little inexplicable bleeding that comes with any vigorous dental cleaning. I get good numbers on the gum measurements at each exam, so this issue has just been a "keep an eye on it" thing for a long time. But the WaterPik appears to have solved it.After regular use of the WaterPik for a few weeks, I experimented by trying a few passes at nearly full power. No bleeding. At full power, the WaterPik is quite vigorous, and I'd guess that anyone with any gum issues would not be able to tolerate it. Mid-power works just fine for me, so that's what I use. I tried the higher setting as a test and can't reproduce the bleeding gum problem that the WaterPik appears to have cured in a few weeks of regular use.So apparently, my previous personal dental hygiene--which included brushing, flossing, and irrigating six times per day (once after each meal)--wasn't sufficient to keep my gumline free of irritants and to properly stimulate my gums. Dentists have recommended digitally (finger) rubbing my gums as a remedy, but I've never been able to stick with it--too easy to invoke the gag reflex. The WaterPik, however, has proven to be a solution I can stick with.Because this cleans so well, I now floss only twice a day (meaning I buy 2/3 less dental floss) and yet still have clean teeth and gums.During my semi-annual dental cleaning and exams, I sometimes had the same minor gum bleeding that I experienced upon first use of the WaterPik. The reason for this has always been a mystery, until now. It was a mystery because I did everything right--brush, floss, irrigate. What I didn't know was there is a huge difference in irrigators (dental water jets). From now on, it's the WaterPik brand for me. I will accept no substitutes.

I bought this because I just cannot use the string floss. I find this unit to be easier to use, and, if other reviews are to be believed, it provides nearly the same benefits as string flossing.The product consists of the base unit with its hose attached hand unit, and storage area for four pik units, and a cover that inverts to become the water storage tank during use. You have to be sure to make the connection between the drain on the inverted cover and the water input on the base unit so that water does not leak out but that's not difficult to do and I've had no leak problems.I have found it easy to use and it seems to do its job. The instructions say you can add mouthwash to the water and I found that to be nice. It does give a fresher feeling after use. All in all, I think it's doing its job and pretty well at that.That being said, this is a messy product. You have this little stream of water that is guided around your mouth to do its job but that water has to go somewhere. Lean down over the siink as the instructions state so that you don't get water all over the sink, the walls, the mirror, yourself. It's also a very noisy product. The pump in the base sounds like a miniature jack hammer. It's not unbearable and you only have it on for a couple of minutes, but, just be aware of the issue.Be careful of two things. 1. The handle has a pressure control. I have found that the second level is more than enough. 2. Use warm water. If you have any cold sensitivity, and you use cold water, this will intensify the cold and may be difficult to bear.

I started using a waterpik about fifteen years ago after a horseback riding accident resulted in numerous caps/reconstructive work. Some caps were so tight and even joined in spots that regular flossing was difficult to impossible. I tried using other things like floss picks but saw a deterioration in overall gum health. Once I made the switch to a waterpik the results were outstanding. Regular flossing doesn't begin to compare to a waterpik in reults.My last waterpik died a few months ago and with one thing or another I didn't get a new one until this week. My mouth felt cleaner and healthier again after the first use. Don't know why I waited so long to replace. Other than a change to the weight/color of the resevoir, I can't tell any difference between this and others I've used in the past. Yes, waterpiks can be a little messy (spray) but it is well worth it for the results.I'm a little hesitant to add the following because this is NOT a recommended use for the waterpik and want to emphasize that it may shorten it's life. But it works for me, my dentist hasn't objected and whenever I get my teeth cleaned the hygenist invariably says I have the cleanest mouth she has ever seen, So: Since I am extremely paranoid about dental/gum health (that reconstructive work was very expensive) I usually add a small amount of salt and hydrogen peroxide to the water in the resevoir. That way I feel confident that those natural antibacterials are getting into the tight spots. As I said, it works for me. Haven't needed more than routine cleaning in 15 years.

My dental hygienist recommended I use one of these. You think you are good at brushing your teeth? Use this after brushing, and you will be surprised how many food particles were left in your teeth after brushing.Although dental floss is probably better for cleaning teeth, it is waaaay harder to use.

It was shipped very late and I received a defective one. So I had to ask for return.