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This Device Flosses Your Entire Mouth In 7 Seconds (& Even My Dentist Was Impressed)
While I'm not the only one who struggles to floss regularly—only 20% of adults floss daily1—its long-term impact goes beyond an increased risk of cavities. Both dementia2 and Alzheimer's3 have been linked to poor oral health thanks to the connection between the oral and gut microbiomes (and that's not even talking about periodontal disease3).
Although I've been able to build a more holistic oral care routine over the last couple of years, with both tongue scraping and oil pulling, flossing has always been my Achilles heel. Or at least it was until I started using the Proclaim Custom-Jet Oral Health System nearly six months ago.
The customized water flosser uses a personalized mouthpiece to clean your entire mouth in just seven seconds. And for the first time in years, my dentist didn't end my appointment by telling me to floss better.
The benefits of a water flosser
Many people floss incorrectly or inconsistently, which is why Karla Solis, DDS, previously recommended a water flosser or oral irrigator as part of her perfect oral hygiene routine.
Research shows a water flosser is just as effective as floss4 for removing interdental plaque—and some studies show it's actually more effective than regular floss at reaching "inaccessible interproximal areas," i.e., between the teeth.
And while I've tried water flossers in the past, no design has left me impressed like the Proclaim Water Flosser.
What you need to know about Proclaim
While most water flossers release a single stream of H20, the Proclaim takes a 360-degree approach. It disperses water through up to 60 jets at the same time—so flossing your mouth can take as little as seven seconds.
The custom-jet mouthpiece is key to this unique approach. Each user goes to a dental professional to get a free 3D oral scan, which takes less than 15 minutes.
Proclaim uses these scans to create a custom mouthpiece that releases streams of water directly into the spaces between your teeth. This design is essential to Proclaim's clinical results, which show a 34% reduction in plaque on average for participants after 30 days.
Every Proclaim system comes with one custom mouthpiece and a Hydro Station, but you can purchase additional custom mouthpieces for $399. If you're sharing with family, I'd recommend this approach to save money.
How to use the Proclaim
When your Proclaim arrives, the mouthpiece and station will be in two separate boxes. Connecting the mouthpiece to the Hydro Station base is super easy; there's even an audible click that lets you know the two pieces are secure.
Per the recommendation of the brand, I opted to start with the lowest pressure setting. It's gentler and takes about 30 seconds to empty the 22-ounce water container. This allowed my gums to get used to the sensation of water propelling forward from all angles.
By the end of the first week, I successfully worked my way up to the highest pressure setting (5). This slow ramp-up ensured my gums never felt irritated by the Proclaim, and I didn't deal with any bleeding or irritation.
Once I got used to the feeling of the Proclaim, I started adding the brand's minty Oral Infusion Concentrate. The minty rinse is fluoride- and alcohol-free, instead combining ingredients like zinc, aloe vera, castor oil, and xylitol with a natural minty flavor (all shipped in a BPA-free bottle).
I quickly discovered the Oral Concentrate only further elevated the water flossing process—and makes your mouth feel as fresh as it does when you leave the dentist's office.
My results with Proclaim
For the first time in my adult life, I'm actually religiously (water) flossing every single day. Using the Proclaim only takes seven seconds out of my night routine, so I can never justify skipping it.
While I've learned a few tips and tricks over the last six months—make sure the water is always room temperature!—I'm most impressed by my dentist's response at my recent appointment.
Most dentists recommend a combination of water flossing and manual flossing, so I expected her to still have feedback about my oral routine. Instead, my dentist commented on how impressed she was by my flossing (and my gum check confirmed her feedback).
Is the Proclaim worth it?
I won't beat around the brush; $799 for a water flosser is an investment. And prior to experiencing the Proclaim system firsthand, I likely would've argued it was simply too expensive.
But when I think about the eventual costs of other pricey gum concerns, like periodontal disease or a root canal, I realize it's saving me money in the long term. Plus, I know an investment in my oral health is an investment in my overall health.
Ultimately, it comes down to whether you can stick to a flossing routine. If you're also someone who already flosses regularly, the Proclaim is not a necessity. But if you don't floss daily or struggle with dexterity, I can't recommend this device enough.
P.S. If you're going to stick with manual flossing, opt for a nontoxic floss without PFAS (or "forever chemicals"). Our beauty director swears by this one.
The takeaway
Over the last seven years, my dentists have regularly told me that I need to improve my flossing. But after just six months with the Proclaim Oral System, my dentist (and gum check) showed the power of water flossing nightly—and it helps that the entire process takes only seven seconds.
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