High-quality and proper oral hygiene is the key to healthy teeth and a beautiful smile at any age.
alone cannot provide proper cleansing, so experts additionally recommend using an irrigator .
The compact unit will help you quickly remove dirt with a powerful jet of water, as well as carry out a light healing massage of the gums to prevent dental diseases.
Page navigation:
Oral irrigator – what is it?
An irrigator is a device in which a stream of liquid solution is delivered into the mouth. Under pressure, this liquid easily washes away small food residues, dirt and bacteria from areas that cannot be reached with a regular brush. This device can easily clean the inner and lateral surfaces of our teeth, as well as the spaces between them.
Before using the device, you need to pour liquid into a special container, which will be supplied by the nozzle under high pressure. Using ordinary water in an irrigator is ineffective. Therefore, in most cases, special solutions are used that have a bactericidal effect and are capable of destroying pathogens.
For diseases of the oral cavity, for example, caries, periodontitis and others, antibacterial liquids and antiseptics are used. Also, such remedies can be effective in getting rid of bad breath. If you want to use an irrigator to prevent caries and other diseases or strengthen tooth enamel, use special solutions with a high content of calcium and fluoride.
Most of these devices are used both as a device for cleaning the oral cavity using a strong jet, and as a massager. Using an accessory operating in “spray” mode, you can effectively massage the gums and oral mucosa, thereby improving blood circulation in them. In addition, each person will be able to choose the pressure that suits them - soft or intense - in order to brush their teeth without experiencing discomfort.
What types of irrigators are there?
To know which oral irrigator is best to choose, you need to have a good idea of the different types they come in.
Hemorrhoids kill the patient in 79% of cases
Based on their operating principle, these devices are divided into 3 categories:
- mono-jet, in which the therapeutic agent is supplied in the form of a strong jet under high pressure;
- pulsed - the solution is supplied in the form of a pulsating jet;
- microbubble irrigators are equipped with an air pump. The working solution in them is saturated with small air bubbles, which burst upon direct contact with the surface being treated.
Based on the method of use, there are 3 types of irrigators:
- stationary, which must be connected directly to a source of electricity;
- portable, powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries. These devices are great for people who spend a lot of time on the road, as they are light in weight and have small overall dimensions, which allows them to be taken with them without any hassle;
- The least popular type is irrigators that can be connected to a water supply.
By purchasing absolutely any device, you will receive several additional attachments in the kit. In most cases, they are exactly the same and are intended for different family members who will use the device. Often, for ease of use, such attachments are painted in different colors. At the same time, more expensive devices may also come with special attachments designed for use in the presence of certain problems, for example:
- nozzle for cleaning the surface of the tongue. It helps not only to get rid of unpleasant plaque, but also to freshen your breath;
- attachment for special gentle care of implants;
- a brush for more effective cleaning of teeth, which also massages the gums well;
- nozzle for cleaning bracket systems. People who wear special devices to correct their bite especially need an irrigator with such an “assistant.” It is impossible to clean the surface of the teeth under braces with a regular brush, despite the fact that a huge amount of dirt accumulates underneath them and needs to be removed. This is exactly what a special device will help with.
Equipment
The kit includes an irrigator, a water container, a handle, replaceable nozzles, which are sealed in a sealed package and a case for storing them. The model is equipped with all types of nozzles produced by Waterpik Inc:
- Two classic ones with markings in different colors, so that all users have their own accessory. Designed to supply a jet.
- Lingual in the shape of a spatula. Designed to remove plaque from the tongue. Can be used without water.
- Orthodontic round shape with villi. Helps in cleaning braces, staples, fillings, crowns.
- Periodontal with soft tip. Gently cleanses gums without damaging them.
- Plaque - to get rid of plaque.
- Multi-bundle round shape (similar to an electric toothbrush). Performs the function of dental floss. Suitable for veneers, bridges, crowns.
Who needs an irrigator?
Having found out what an oral irrigator is, you should decide whether you personally need it. By and large, the device would be useful to absolutely all people. After all, as you know, any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Regular use of an irrigator can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing caries and other oral diseases and strengthen the enamel, keeping teeth healthy for as long as possible.
However, such devices are quite expensive, and most people purchase them only if they have certain medical indications. In particular, this device is recommended for use in the following situations:
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding to prevent gingivitis;
- people who constantly smoke;
- those suffering from diabetes and other endocrine diseases;
- with decreased immunity;
- people experiencing discomfort and pain during the eruption of wisdom teeth;
- if there are crowns, implants, dentures and braces in the mouth.
In some cases, you should consult a doctor before using such devices, for example:
- in the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- within 24 hours after fixing the prostheses;
- with exacerbation of oral diseases.
The first time after using this device, your gums may bleed a little. If this phenomenon does not go away within 10-14 days, you should stop using the device and consult a doctor.
Choosing an oral irrigator
First of all, you need to evaluate in what conditions you are going to use this device. If you practically never leave home, give preference to a stationary irrigator, which must be plugged into an outlet, as it is more reliable and durable. For those people who constantly move from place to place, it is better to purchase a portable device and take it with them.
Next, you should pay attention to the fluid reservoir. The more people in your family are going to use the irrigator, the larger its volume should be. It’s the same with the number of attachments: each household member must have their own. People suffering from certain dental problems should buy a device that comes with appropriate attachments to get rid of them.
conclusions
When choosing an irrigator for thoroughly cleansing the oral cavity, you need to remember several points:
- a stationary device is more suitable for home use, and a portable battery device is more suitable for use on business trips and trips ;
- the basic criteria for choosing a good irrigator are the volume of the water tank, the number of operating modes and the maximum jet pressure ;
- also to take into account the time of spraying the liquid, the ability to rotate the nozzle 360 degrees and the total number of replaceable nozzles in the set ;
- Ideally, the device should be light in weight, fit comfortably in the hand and have a long power cord (for stationary models) or a capacious battery (for portable devices);
- If a device is purchased for a child, it is better to opt for a model designed specifically for children. For example, WaterPik WP-260 For kids.
Reviews of the most popular models
“What is the best oral irrigator to choose?” - this question can often be found on the Internet. Men and women who have already used this interesting device are happy to share their reviews and recommendations.
One of the best oral irrigators, judging by the reviews of Internet users, is the German device Oral-B OxyJet. Its cost in most stores is more than 5,000 rubles, but it fully earns the money spent on it. The effect of its use can be seen the first time, and, in addition, it is quite reliable and durable. In the event of a breakdown, even after the end of the warranty period, the device can be easily repaired at any Braun service center.
The second most popular is the Russian-made irrigator Donfill. Despite the quite reasonable cost - the price of this device usually does not exceed 3,000 rubles, it successfully copes with the functions assigned to it and helps maintain the oral cavity in excellent condition.
Finally, the most unflattering reviews can be found about the Waterpik WP-100 E2 Ultra irrigator model. Included with this device you will receive 7 different attachments, each of which is intended for a specific purpose. However, the effect of using this device is almost invisible. In addition, such irrigators very often break down, and repairing them is extremely difficult: not all service centers undertake this work. Many people who purchased Waterpik WP-100 E2 Ultra for a fairly large sum - about 4800 rubles - regret the money they spent.
Thus, an oral irrigator is an extremely useful “gadget” and has virtually no contraindications. The use of this device is indicated even for young children and pregnant women for the prevention of various diseases. Meanwhile, the device is not cheap, so before purchasing it you should carefully weigh everything, read the reviews and choose the model that is right for you.
WaterPik irrigators: advantages and disadvantages
Devices manufactured under the WaterPik brand are in demand due to their following advantages:
- Several levels of liquid supply.
- Large tank volumes.
- Several attachments in the set: standard and special.
- Suitable for cleaning dentures, braces and crowns.
- Available in a wide variety.
WaterPik irrigators also have disadvantages:
- Does not connect to the water supply system.
- Most of the devices are stationary.
- The nozzle does not rotate around its axis.
The devices from this manufacturer have more advantages than disadvantages, which is why they are popular among buyers. In addition, they are sold at very affordable prices.
