CLL / Dental Pre-Meds / Waterpik Usage

[Guest guest]

Hi Guys -

I would appreciate any feedback you have on this subject.

I have CLL (w/w) so I practice serious dental care (to

minimize the risk of infection) since my dentist tells me I

am someone who builds up plaque easily.

I have dental cleanings every 3-4 months, floss 2x daily and

use a SoniCare toothbrush 2x daily. And I still have plaque

buildup. At my last dental visit they recommended I buy a

Waterpik Water Flosser (and use daily) to help reduce the

plaque buildup. The Waterpik cleans deep between teeth and

below the gum-line. This can activate bacteria. The Waterpik

does have 10 adjustable water settings from a gentle

pressure 10 PSI up to 90 PSI.

I got a Waterpik Model WP-100 and while reading the

instructions I saw this paragraph -

" If your physician or cardiologist has advised you that you

receive antibiotic premedication BEFORE dental procedures,

you should consult your dentist before using this Waterpik

or any other oral hygiene aid. "

My dilemma is this -per my primary care physician and local

oncologist I do take antibiotic premedication (4 capsules of

amoxicillian - 500 mg each) one hour before dental

procedures due to -

1. a very mild congenital heart murmur

2. CLL which compromises my immune system

None of my doctors has run across the question of whether

someone with CLL should use or not use a Waterpik flosser.

I was hoping I could use the Waterpik at the lowest (gentle)

PSI of 10 without stirring up a lot of bacteria that could

be a problem.

Do any of you CLLers have any experience using a Waterpik

that you could share with me. Your feedback will be much

appreciated.

Thank you - Patti Kruse