How do I use a water flosser without spraying water everywhere? Fill the reservoir with water, lean over the sink (you should be looking down, not straight ahead), and keep your lips mostly closed around the tip so water can drip out instead of spraying. Start on the lowest pressure, turn it on only after the tip is in your mouth, and trace along the gum-line-pausing briefly between teeth-then turn it off (or wait until it automatically turns off) before removing it from your mouth.
Dr Lauren Stennis is a New Orleans-born general dentist and the owner of Smile Philosophy Dental Care, a Black-owned practice serving the Bayou St John and Mid-City areas. Her career reflects a steady focus on building trust, improving access, and running a people-first healthcare business. She spent her early childhood in Atlanta before returning to New Orleans, where community and culture played a central role in her upbringing. That background continues to shape how she approaches leadership and patient care.
One night about four months ago, I was doing my evening skin care routine and noticed a change in my face so subtle, it could have been an illusion. My jawline appeared more sculpted, my face more symmetrical than usual. I leaned toward my mirror to get a closer look and scanned the contents of my vanity, wondering which product in my regimen could be credited with this sudden glow-up - and, to my confusion, found none.
