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There are many ways to maintain good oral hygiene. The classic methods include toothbrushes, dental floss, various types of toothpaste and mouth fluids. Tooth irrigators are more modern and very effective in cleaning the oral cavity. How do they work? We decided to check what is worth knowing about modern methods of cleaning the mouth.
A tooth irrigator is a device for cleaning not only the teeth, but also the entire oral cavity with a fluid that is fired under pressure. Thanks to this, it reaches all corners of the interdental spaces, including the most problematic in maintaining hygiene.
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The dental irrigator looks like an electric toothbrush, but instead of a standard tip, it has a thin tube. The focal point of the device is a small electric motor that drives a pump connected to the water tank. At the outlet of the irrigator there is a so-called jet nozzle through which compressed air flows. The stream is so narrow that it does not damage the gingival tissues.
The irrigator resembles a pressure washer, which uses water and air to clean the space between the teeth, reaching inaccessible places that cannot be cleaned with a brush. The irrigator is able not only to remove food debris from the interdental spaces, but also works well for cleaning orthodontic appliances.
In addition, it is worth mentioning the additional function of the irrigator, which massages the gums, thus improving their blood supply.
The tooth irrigator was designed for patients who have problems with bleeding gums and tight interdental spaces. Tooth irrigator also works for people wearing orthodontic appliances. However, they can be used by everyone who wants to take care of the cleanliness of the oral cavity in the best possible way. In addition, the indications for cleaning teeth with an irrigator include:
- dentures;
- crowns on the teeth;
- periodontitis.
The effects of using a tooth irrigator
Among the noticeable effects of using a dental irrigator, it is worth mentioning:
- improving the condition of gum teeth;
- removing plaque from the interdental spaces where inflammation most often develops;
- protection against caries.
Types of tooth irrigators
There are several types of tooth irrigators:
- stationary irrigator,
- wireless irrigator;
- irrigator with a special connection to the tap.
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The stationary version of this device provides the maximum possible pressure, but must be constantly plugged into a socket. The model set includes a liquid container, a liquid container cover, an on / off switch for the current flow, a handle, a flow control knob and a power cord. Due to its size (especially the size of the fluid container), the stationary irrigator is not suitable for traveling. On the other hand, filling the container once may be enough to clean your mouth thoroughly.
The mobile version of the irrigator is equipped with a rechargeable battery that provides up to 2 weeks of daily use. In the case of the cordless irrigator, the pressure is correspondingly lower. Instead of a large container for liquid, here we have a container placed in the handle of the device. Usually, a charging station is also included in the kit. On the other hand, the camera connected to the tap requires neither a battery nor a power connection. In this case, the pressure depends directly on the water supply in the tap. Both models are handy, so they will prove themselves during holidays or a business trip.
Depending on your needs, you can choose the version of the device that will best meet your expectations. Irrigators differ mainly in size. Desktop models are larger and less handy than wireless ones. In addition, the capacity of the water tank is very important.
In stores, you can find irrigators with a capacity ranging from 450 to 600 ml. The fluid used is also a characteristic feature of the device. Replaceable nozzles are also important.
Currently, manufacturers encourage the purchase of special tips for various types of teeth (including crowns or orthodontic appliances) that require proper hygiene.
It does not necessarily have to be a special fluid. You can always replace it with plain water. There is no perfect answer to that, but if you want fresh breath in addition to clean teeth, it’s a good idea to use a cleansing fluid. Often these types of devices are sold in a set with a mechanical brush for maximum oral cleanliness.
It is also worth adding that a given device can be used by several people thanks to interchangeable nozzles. Depending on the model, it may have smaller sizes and different operating modes.
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Water stream in the irrigator – types
When cleaning teeth with a dental irrigator, we can choose a selected type of water jet:
- continuous stream – a straight stream of water is best for cleaning interdental surfaces;
- swirling stream – air microbubbles make the swirling stream lighter and more delicate than the continuous stream. It works best for people who have sensitive teeth;
- pulsating stream – changing water pressure allows the irrigator to massage the gums.
Before you start cleaning your teeth with a dental irrigator, pour water or a special liquid into the device. At this point, it is worth mentioning that the water should be filtered, not straight from the tap, so that there is no limescale on the teeth.
Otherwise it is best to pour warm water into the irrigator, not cold one – thanks to this, teeth cleaning will be more pleasant and we will not make them hypersensitive. The irrigator should be held perpendicularly, which may be difficult at first. The device must not touch the gums or teeth, so as not to damage them. In the case of tooth pockets, the tip of the irrigator should be changed to a smaller one. Too strong a stream of air mixed with water can be too strong and cause sore gums.
People who wear braces have to clean their teeth with the irrigator longer, so as to carefully care not only for the teeth, but also for individual elements of the braces. The duration of the treatment at home should not exceed 2-3 minutes. After cleaning, thoroughly wash the devices.
Tooth irrigator will not replace a traditional toothbrush, let alone a sonic toothbrush. It can only complement their action by reaching hard-to-reach places. For this reason, it should be remembered that although the operation of the irrigator is very desirable, it is not necessary for everyday oral hygiene. However, if we combine its action with the action of a sonic toothbrush, we will be sure that our teeth are cleaned.
Regardless of the version you have – stationary, mobile or connected to the tap, you should regularly clean the irrigator. If the model has interchangeable nozzles, you will have to change them within the time limit specified in the instructions for use, usually from 1 to 2 months. Systematic descaling is very important, especially if you have an irrigator connected to the tap. The build-up of limescale on the nozzle can lead to deepening of the inflammation in the mouth. Last but not least, it is important to use the device with dry hands to avoid electric shock.
The price of a tooth irrigator
The price of a tooth irrigator usually ranges from PLN 200 to PLN 500. The cost depends not only on the brand of the selected model, but also on its parameters, especially the size of the container and pressure.
The price of the irrigator is also determined by the number of replaceable nozzle tips included in the set. The much smaller travel irrigators will be cheaper, while the more expensive – large stationary models that can be used by several people (if each household member has their own nozzle).