Each of us dreams of a healthy and snow-white smile, but in the world of modern technology, an ordinary toothbrush and toothpaste, even the most sophisticated ones, are no longer enough. Dentists never tire of repeating: for proper oral care, you should have dental floss, rinses and an irrigator in your arsenal, which will replace a whole range of procedures that previously could only be obtained at a dental clinic.
The main task of the irrigator is to maintain oral hygiene. A thin jet of water or special therapeutic solutions, supplied under pressure, perfectly cleans the interdental space (especially in hard-to-reach places), the teeth themselves, gums and tongue, removing food debris, plaque and pathogenic microorganisms. Depending on the selected mode, the water jet can be sprayed, pulsed or continuously. There are practically no contraindications for the use of the irrigator, with the exception of one: children and adults suffering from periodontitis, bleeding and looseness of the gums cannot use the irrigator. Also, you should refrain from using it if you have recently had a tooth extraction operation or installed a prosthesis.
– The main advantage of the irrigator is that its use prevents inflammation of the gums due to massage, helps to eliminate bad breath and plaque. This is a good prevention of periodontal disease and caries, – says dentist Eliza Safarova. – Cleaning with an irrigator helps to restore healthy microflora in the mouth, it is also indispensable if you wear orthodontic constructions, or if you have a non-standard dentition. There are no contraindications to the use of an irrigator. But with great care, they need to be used (or denied for the duration of an exacerbation) by people with rosacea, an acute form of periodontitis, with recently installed implants or extracted teeth. It is best to use the irrigator in the evening, before going to bed, and also do not forget to use an individual nozzle. It is also worth remembering that the irrigator is not a complete replacement for a toothbrush.
A wide variety of irrigators on the market allows you to choose exactly here a model that will meet your needs: portable and stationary, with basic nozzles or a bunch of additional options and modes.
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1. ACleon TF600
The main difference between this model and others is the built-in ultraviolet lamp, which reliably disinfects all nozzles. The set includes seven nozzles for jet cleaning of teeth, tongue, periodontal (for gums) and orthodontic (for braces, implants and crowns). The pulsating jet is good for massaging the gums, improving blood circulation and reducing bleeding.
The irrigator itself operates from a conventional power supply, while the maximum jet pressure reaches 900 kPa, and the number of pulses reaches 1700 per minute. The irrigator operates in 17 modes, which allows you to choose the most comfortable mode for yourself. The only negative is that you can use this stationary model only at home; you won’t be able to take an irrigator on a trip.
2. So Wash Family
This unique irrigator model works without electricity and batteries, connecting directly to the faucet. At the same time, even the most inexperienced can connect the device without much effort, and after the procedures it does not need to be disconnected every time. You can independently regulate the water temperature, and the power of such an irrigator is 30% more than that of electric models. Also, you do not need to constantly fill in water, which significantly saves time, but it will no longer be possible to fill in medicinal solutions and rinses. The irrigator itself is very compact, so it is easy to take it with you when traveling. The model is equipped with a patented safety valve, so you should not be afraid of surges in water pressure. The set includes 4 single-jet nozzles and 4 three-jet periodontal nozzles (microbubble technology is used when water jets are saturated with air bubbles).
3. Revyline RL 700 white/black
The modern model of the irrigator with a stylish laconic design is presented in two colors – white and black, so it will become an adornment of any interior. The irrigator is made of durable plastic and is equipped with touch controls, as well as a capacious liter tank that turns into a protective case. The kit includes six nozzles – two standard, orthodontic, for the care of implants and for cleaning the tongue.
The maximum jet pressure reaches a power of 860 kPa, which is very convenient when cleaning braces. The irrigator is equipped with a hydromassage function, a useful prevention of periodontitis and gingivitis. The portable model is easy to carry with you in your bag, going on a long trip.
4. WaterPik WP-660 Aquarius Professional
This model, despite its high cost, is in great demand among buyers. This impulse irrigator operates in two modes – pulsating and constant, and water is supplied by a jet or spray, which allows not only to treat the entire oral cavity, but also to gently massage the gums without injuring them. The set includes seven attachments, including a tongue attachment and an orthodontic attachment, while the attachments themselves rotate 360 degrees. A plus is the volumetric tank with a capacity of 650 milliliters.
5. Panasonic EW 1211 A
This irrigator model boasts micro-bubble technology: unlike a conventional jet, small water jets are saturated with air bubbles, so plaque and dirt are removed without residue, while providing a bactericidal effect. The model has three modes: Jet, which knocks out food debris from the interdental space, Regular AirIn for massage and cleaning of the gums, SoftAirIn, which provides a comprehensive massage of the oral cavity. Also, the irrigator is equipped with two rotating nozzles and wireless charging, and the rubberized body fits comfortably in the hand. The compact model fits easily even in a small bag, so it is convenient to take the irrigator with you on a trip.
6. Philips AirFloss Ultra HX8432
A compact and stylish model that not only perfectly cleans every millimeter of the oral cavity, but also massages the gums, and is also recommended for sensitive teeth. A distinctive feature of this model is the use of the latest Microburst technology (a jet of air is mixed with the smallest drops of water and is supplied under high pressure), which does not damage the enamel and mucous membranes. There are three modes of operation, while the entire mouth can be cleaned in just a minute.
The design is well thought out: the body of the irrigator lies comfortably in the hand, and it is convenient to pour the liquid through a wide opening. The built-in battery, although it takes a long time to charge, holds a charge for more than a week.
7. B.Well WI-911
This light and compact, yet powerful irrigator model has three modes: Normal (effective cleansing), Soft (for sensitive teeth) and Pulse (healing gum massage). Rotating nozzles remove food particles even in the most hard-to-reach places, only there are only two replaceable nozzles in the kit, and orthodontic nozzles for the care of braces and crowns have to be purchased separately. The lithium-ion battery lasts up to 70 minutes of continuous operation, and the charging itself is wireless.
8. Rio Water Flosser & Oral Irrigator 2
This portable irrigator model with a built-in rechargeable battery is in great demand among buyers due to its price-quality ratio. Stylish and ergonomic design, high power, capacious battery – these are the main advantages of the irrigator. The model works in three modes: Normal (for removing food particles and plaque), Soft (for sensitive teeth and gums) and Pulse (for gum massage and washing gum pockets). The manufacturer promises in 10 days to improve the condition of the gums, reduce bleeding.
9. Aquajet LD-A7
In this irrigator model, a jet of water is supplied with a pulsating stream, which not only provides maximum cleansing, because plaque and food particles are literally broken under the pressure of water, but also a delicate massage of the gums. The manufacturer has provided four operating modes: soft (suitable even for sensitive and children’s teeth), standard, intensive (for stuck food particles) and massage. The set includes 4 interchangeable tips, including orthodontic, and in order not to confuse them, each is marked with a separate color.
10. F.F.T. (Favorite For Teeth)
This mechanical irrigator is ideal for those who are used to thoroughly cleaning their mouths after each meal and are often on the road. This light and compact irrigator can be taken with you to work, on a visit or a restaurant, and you can always be sure that your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh.
A simple and inexpensive model is equipped with one jet nozzle, while the jet power reaches 510 kPa, which is very good for such a “crumb”. The volume of the water tank is expectedly small, but it is enough for a full cleaning of the entire oral cavity.
How to choose an irrigator
Before you buy an irrigator, decide where and how often you are going to use it. For home use (especially if the family is large), it is better to choose stationary irrigators – although of impressive size, but with a capacious water tank, a large selection of nozzles and operating modes. As a rule, such models are more expensive, but they also have a longer service life.
If you plan to take an irrigator with you on trips and travels, or you live alone, then choose compact portable models that are charged not only from the mains and batteries, but also have wireless charging.
If you wear braces, crowns or have gum problems, then choose irrigators with different modes of operation and a choice of nozzles, as well as the ability to adjust the pressure power. If you were advised in dentistry an irrigator for the prevention of periodontitis, then turn your attention to models with innovative microbubble technology and special massage nozzles. If you are going to use the irrigator only for its intended purpose, it is not necessary to choose expensive fancy models. A simple mono-jet irrigator will perfectly clean the entire oral cavity from food debris and plaque. The main thing to remember is that the irrigator is not a replacement for a toothbrush, but is used as an additional hygiene procedure.