What is an oral irrigator? How to deal with irrigators? How to choose an oral irrigator?

What is an oral irrigator?

Portable irrigators battery operated, the charge is enough for a week of use (depending on the frequency of use).

To the disadvantages of any portable irrigator can be attributed to the impossibility to vary the body of the irrigator, because, lifting the irrigator upside down, the liquid does not enter the pump.

Does the volume of the tank matter? This parameter should not be put in a number of main ones. The reservoir is very easy to fill.

Portable irrigators more comfortable, but they have less power.

Portable irrigators- these are road irrigators, they cannot be used every day!!!

Choose a trusted manufacturer with an official guarantee.

Appreciate the opportunity to choose in the online store and do not deny yourself the pleasure of touching the goods you like with your hands!!! Happy shopping!!!

From this article you will learn:

• oral irrigator: how to choose,
• irrigator - reviews, rating of the best models,
• irrigator - price for 2019.

The article was written by a dentist with more than 19 years of experience.

An oral irrigator is a device that forms a thin jet of water, which, under pressure, washes the interdental spaces from food debris and plaque, as well as periodontal pockets. In different models of irrigators, the water jet can be pulsating, contain air microbubbles, or be a regular mono-jet.

The price for budget models of irrigators from well-known manufacturers, for example, Donfeel OR-820M or Waterpik WP-70, starts from 4,500 rubles (for 2019). Thus, for relatively little money, you can get a higher level of oral hygiene.

How to choose an oral irrigator -

Below we list the main points that it is desirable to pay attention to when choosing an irrigator for the oral cavity. Pay special attention to the cleaning technology, i.e. what kind of water jet forms the irrigator, as well as the possibility of repair and the availability of a service center in your city.

• Cleaning technology (water jet features) –

  1) Mono-jet - the irrigator forms a continuous thin stream of water. An outdated technology that is inferior to the other two in terms of efficiency.

  2) Pulsating jet - the irrigator forms a thin pulsating jet of water. The pulsations are so short (typically 1200 micropulses per minute) that they are not noticeable. The pulsation creates micro-hydraulic shocks that remove food residues and soft microbial deposits more effectively than a single jet.

  3) Microbubble technology is an advanced technology that allows the mixing of water flow and air bubbles. As a result, the water jet will contain a large number of microbubbles. Firstly, during the explosion, microbubbles create microhydraulic shocks, which also contribute to more efficient removal of food residues and plaque. Secondly, micro air bubbles saturate the water with oxygen, which has a bactericidal effect on pathogenic microflora. This is especially important if you have periodontal pockets.

  
  
  

• Types of interchangeable nozzles –
  some irrigators have universal nozzles, others have whole sets of nozzles for all kinds of cases. In addition to universal ones, there are nozzles for cleaning the tongue, for washing periodontal pockets, nozzles for cleaning orthodontic structures (braces), nozzles for cleaning artificial crowns and bridges, nozzles for cleaning implants.

  Also, some models have special nasal nozzles that allow you to rinse the nasal cavity with an irrigator, which is necessary in the treatment of rhinitis (including allergic origin) and sinusitis.

  Most manufacturers produce nozzles that have different color indicators. This is very convenient, because each member of the family will have a nozzle of his own color, and will never confuse it with other people's nozzles.

  

• Possibility to regulate the pressure of the water jet –
  in principle, almost any oral irrigator has such adjustments. This is necessary because you need to start using the irrigator with a small pressure, gradually (from time to time) increasing it. The lower water pressure also makes it easier for children and people with sore gums to use the irrigator (higher pressure can increase bleeding gums).

• Possibility of service after the expiration of the warranty period –
  reviews on the oral irrigator are often negative precisely because of the non-repairability of many cheap models. It's not scary if a marriage is found during the warranty period (in this case, the broken device is simply replaced with a new one).

  But if the irrigator breaks down immediately after the expiration of the warranty period, then the non-repairable model can be immediately thrown away, because. the service will simply refuse to repair you. At this point, you should pay close attention, because. power surges and too hard water (both of which are the norm for Russia) can affect the operation of the device.

Oral irrigator: price 2019, rating

Below we have compared the 3 most popular oral irrigators in Russia at the beginning of 2019.

Donfeel OR-820M Irrigator, Waterpik WP-100 Irrigator, Braun "Oral-b OxyJet" Irrigator - Comparative Specifications

Price: from 4 400 rubles. Production Russia. Warranty 1 year. Microbubble technology for cleaning the mouth. Adjustable water pressure from 0 to 620 kPa. 4 levels of water supply power. 4 nozzles included. Nose wash function. Wall fixing included.	Price: from 6 300 rubles. Manufactured by Waterpik Inc, USA Warranty 2 years. The number of pulsations of the water jet is 1200. Adjustable water pressure from 35–620 kPa. 10 levels of water supply power. 7 nozzles included Lack of service after the end of the warranty period. A small network of service centers (in the absence of a service in your city for replacement and repair during the warranty period, a faulty irrigator is sent by the buyer by mail at his own expense).	Price: from 10,500 rubles. Made by Braun, Germany. Warranty 2 years. 2 modes of operation: microbubble cleaning technology or mono jet. 5 levels of water supply power. Includes 4 nozzles. Wall fixing included. Service is provided even after the end of the warranty period. Wide network of service centers.

conclusions: Of the indicated popular models of irrigators, we would put the Oral-b OxyJet irrigator in the first place, and the Donfill irrigator in the second. We put the Waterpeak irrigator (with some of its advantages) in last place - because of their non-repairability and lack of service after the warranty period expires.

Donfill and Waterpeak irrigators belong to the middle price category. If the price of an oral irrigator matters to you, then in addition to the indicated budget model Donfeel OR-820M, you can consider the Waterpik WP-70 model, the price of which will be from 4700 rubles.

Indications for the use of irrigators -

Oral irrigator - patient reviews indicate the highest efficiency of this hygiene method for the following group of diseases ...

• Prevention and treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, bleeding gums –
  gum inflammation occurs against the background of insufficient oral hygiene, in which a large number of pathogenic microorganisms accumulate on the teeth in the form of soft plaque and hard tartar. The irrigator helps to remove soft plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity, and it is good hygiene that is the main method for preventing gum disease.

  If you have already developed, then first of all you need to remove dental deposits from the dentist, after which the use of an irrigator will never allow this disease to happen again. Unlike gingivitis, it is an irreversible disease, and periodontitis can only be stopped at one level. With periodontitis, deep periodontal pockets are formed, in which a large amount of infection accumulates, which is the basis for the progression of periodontitis.

  The use of an irrigator for periodontitis will allow washing periodontal pockets from infection (including with antiseptic solutions), which will slow down the further progression of periodontitis, the appearance of tooth mobility. Remember that the appearance of bleeding gums indicates that you have developed either gingivitis or periodontitis.

• Prevention of caries –
  this happens due to the removal of food residues and soft plaque from hard-to-reach areas for a toothbrush, for example, from the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe last teeth, from under the middle part of bridges, interdental spaces. However, you need to understand that the use of an irrigator cannot completely replace the use.

• Prevention of caries and stomatitis in children –
  the use of an irrigator in children is recommended from the age of 6. When using an irrigator by children, softer irrigation modes with a lower pressure of the water jet are selected. Good oral hygiene reduces the risk of developing.

• Washing the sinuses in the treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis –
  only some models of irrigators have such an opportunity, which have special nasal nozzles in the kit, as well as sparing irrigation modes. With constant washing of the nose and its sinuses, it will help prevent exacerbations of chronic inflammation.

• Recommended for pregnant and lactating women –
  the use of an irrigator will prevent the development or significantly reduce its symptoms.

• For bad breath –
  the cause of the smell, as a rule, are carious teeth, dental deposits, inflammation in the gums, chronic diseases of the throat, lungs. First you need to establish the cause of the smell, after which it is already assigned. Unfortunately, most people only mask the unpleasant odor with rinses, chewing gum, without fighting its causes. The irrigator will improve oral hygiene, which is the prevention of caries, gum inflammation, dental plaque.

Oral irrigator: reviews of dentists

Irrigator - reviews on use in patients suffering from bleeding and inflammation of the gums, in patients with bridges and orthodontic structures - only positive, but on condition that you do not build unjustified expectations. For example, many patients find that the irrigator can replace flossing and brushing and flossing. The latter is a delusion.

The irrigator is very helpful in washing hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity, cleaning crowns and braces. In case of inflammation of the gums, the irrigator is generally an indispensable tool, because. allows you to wash periodontal and gingival pockets at home, just like your dentist would do. So in most models of irrigators, you can use antiseptic solutions, for example,. Also, many manufacturers produce a special liquid for the irrigator (for example, "Donfeel" with herbal extracts and fluorine), which is added to the water tank.

An oral irrigator is an excellent tool as part of the complex treatment of gum disease. However, it must be remembered that the basis of the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, bleeding is the removal of dental plaque at the dentist and anti-inflammatory therapy. The irrigator allows you to quickly cope with inflammation and prevent new cases of inflammation and bleeding.

As a dentist, I want to once again draw your attention to the fact that the irrigator is not an independent hygiene product, but a great addition to dental floss and a toothbrush. For information on how to properly brush your teeth, read the article:. We hope that our article: Oral irrigator reviews - turned out to be useful to you!

Sources:

1. Add. professional ,
2. Based on personal experience application of electric brushes Oral-B,
3. The European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (USA),
4. National Library of Medicine (USA),
5. American Academy of Periodontology (USA),
6.https://oralb.com/,
7. https://www.realself.com/.

If everything is more or less clear with a toothbrush, then not everyone knows how to use an irrigator so as not to harm yourself and get the maximum effect. General practice dentist Tigran Grigoryan answers the most common questions about this device and dispels the myths that surround it.

1. Can I use the irrigator every day?

In my opinion, this hygiene item should be in every home today. They need to be used daily, since the irrigator is an ideal tool for the prevention of caries and periodontal disease. They can be used by both adults and children. However, special attention to this device should be paid to smokers, patients with diabetes and those who wear braces or crowns.

2. When should I use the irrigator: before or after brushing my teeth?

Naturally, after brushing your teeth. It is also possible to use the irrigator after a meal. But in this case, I recommend not to abuse it, otherwise you will achieve the opposite effect.

Too much use of the irrigator can lead to the formation of even larger pockets between the teeth, because it works under pressure. Leftover food will begin to clog there, which will inevitably lead to the growth of infection.

3. Can I use an irrigator if my gums bleed?

Bleeding gums are not a contraindication. Do not forget that with the help of an irrigator, on the contrary, we massage them and clean the oral cavity even better. Refuse to use the device (or use it with caution) should people with heart disease, rosacea, acute form periodontitis, as well as those who have recently installed an implant or simply underwent some kind of surgical intervention in the oral cavity.

4. Can I replace the irrigator solution with regular mouthwash?

Certainly. Moreover, you can pour ordinary water there without adding anything, and still the effect will be: good oral hygiene is provided to you. But I note that herbal infusions, rinses, special solutions for irrigators provide prevention of diseases of the teeth and gums.

5. How often should I change my irrigator head?

If it is normal, then you do not need to change it! As a rule, the following tips are included with the irrigator: for daily care (simple), orthodontic (with tiny bristles), periodontal (for cleaning periodontal pockets), plaque remover (similar to a toothbrush) and tongue cleaner (with spoon).

6. Is it necessary for each family member to have their own irrigator nozzle?

It is desirable that everyone has their own nozzle. Do not forget: the irrigator is still a personal hygiene item, it comes into contact with the gums and mucous membranes. You do not brush your teeth with one toothbrush as a whole family.

7. How to choose an irrigator?

In fact, at the moment, the quality of irrigators from different companies is approximately the same. Therefore, when buying, I would pay attention to the goals that you are pursuing. If you have big family, you need a stationary device with nozzles. If you travel often - a portable device. The main thing is that there is a guarantee from the manufacturer.

8. What power should be set on the irrigator?

The basic rule when using an irrigator is "do no harm". Do not choose the highest power, otherwise you may injure your gums. Better to use an average. Irrigators have different modes: 1-5/1-10. Choose for yourself a level from 3 (1-5) to 5 (1-10). For children, one is enough.

9. When is it better to use the irrigator: after brushing your teeth at night or in the morning?

In principle, you can use it twice a day: after brushing your teeth in the morning and after brushing your teeth in the evening. But if you use it once a day, then it is better to postpone the procedure for the evening in order to completely clean your teeth and oral cavity before going to bed from plaque and food debris in the interdental space and not give a single chance to develop infections, caries and periodontal disease. It only takes 3-5 minutes to process.

To keep your teeth healthy, brushing them is no longer enough. The ideal option is mouth sanitation, but running to the dentist’s office every day is problematic. The way out of the situation was proposed by the creators of an excellent apparatus, which was already popularly called a personal dentist. His real name is irrigator. The benefits of this invention are obvious, but it is important to take into account a number of contraindications.

When are irrigators used?

The irrigator was developed as a device for oral care, dentists advise using it for the prevention of caries and the treatment of gums. The principle of operation is simple: the surface is treated with a strong jet of water, which cleans food residues from hard-to-reach places.

It is applied for:

• disinfection and refreshment of the oral cavity;
• gum micromassage;
• cleaning braces and crowns;
• treatment of bleeding gums.

There are models where a new microbubble cleaning method is introduced, it is more effective. Many devices operate in the pulsation mode, when microparticles of dirt both between the teeth and on them get off easier.

The irrigator does not replace a toothbrush, but complements its action.

Benefits of the device

How useful the device can be judged by the effectiveness of its impact. People who used the irrigator say that the condition of their teeth improves significantly. Customers with crowns in their mouths solved the problem of cleaning these fixtures instantly. Treatment with an irrigator helps to prolong the life of dental products, and health - areas of the oral cavity under the crowns. After all, if an infection or food particles get there, inflammation may occur in the root of the tooth over time.

Doctors note that the irrigator:

• helps to identify periodontitis,
• improves the microflora of the mouth;
• eliminates unpleasant odor, which is especially important for smokers;
• diagnoses periodontitis;
• solves the problem of cleaning the mouth in people with a non-standard structure of teeth;
• sanitizes not only the enamel surface, but also gum pockets and interdental spaces;
• heals the mucosa and promotes better survival of implants, but it can only be used some time after installation.

Is there any harm from the irrigator?

For all its advantages, the irrigator is not a tool suitable for absolutely everyone. Like any device, it also has a list of contraindications that are important to consider. Therefore, before buying a miracle remedy, you should consult your dentist. This permission does not depend on the manufacturer. The products of Aquajet, Waterpik, Braun, Oral-B, Donfeel are in deserved demand on the goods market, but contraindications do not depend on the capabilities of the device, but on the state of health.

Contraindications for use:

1. An implant has recently been installed or a tooth extraction or gum surgery has been performed.
2. Periodontitis is fixed or there are suspicions of it.
3. Couperose, a disease of fragile vessels, was diagnosed.

There is another little trick. Many manufacturers advise using the irrigator daily, but this is not entirely true. This position is understandable, because the faster the device fails due to constant use, the more often customers will buy a new one. In fact, it is enough to use a miracle novelty 3 times a week. If you do this more often, there is a risk not to reduce, but to increase the sensitivity of the teeth, bleeding may begin at the sites of damage. You need to process your mouth no more than 15 minutes.

To freshen your breath, it is better to buy flavored solutions.

Advantages and disadvantages in application

The creators of the model provided 2 options for irrigators: stationary and portable.

1. Stationary. Designed for the home, powered by the mains, the water flow is supplied under pressure, which is pumped by the compressor. The pressure power can be adjusted. It is profitable to buy for a family, since the device includes different nozzles.

• you can choose the pressure of the jet;
• pressure is easily adjustable over a wide range;
• providing quality oral care.

• strong vibration;
• big sizes;
• produces a noticeable noise;
• works only from the network;
• high price.

1. Portable. Work from the built-in power source. The composition includes containers for liquid, a pump, removable nozzles. Some models are easy to assemble, you can always carry them with you. Designed for individual use.

• light weight, mobility;
• convenient to take on trips;
• produce little noise.

• jet pressure is difficult to adjust due to a weak current source;
• need to change batteries or accumulator frequently;
• fragile, easy to damage;
• holds little water, it may not be enough to completely clean your mouth.

Like any device, the irrigator can harm if used incorrectly, ignoring the instructions. What should be considered in order not to worsen the condition of the teeth?

A few tips:

• The device cannot be used if less than a day has passed since the installation of any orthodontic structure.
• Children are allowed to use from the age of 6.
• If you have had dental surgery, you should consult your doctor before using the irrigator.
• It is necessary to start cleaning in a gentle mode, gradually increasing the pressure. If you start doing it intensively right away, it is easy to damage the tooth enamel.
• When choosing a device for a family, it is worth buying a product with a volumetric tank.
• If the device is bought for children or patients with problem gums, it will not be superfluous to study the possibilities of adjusting the pressure.
• Dentists call 1200 the best number of pulsations per minute.
• For an irrigator, you need to take only purified or boiled water.

The device is also very convenient for the use of medical solutions. Perfectly handles the mouth. The most useful in the application will be if you use:

• furatsilin;
• chlorhexidine;
• calendula;
• decoctions;
• chlorophyllipt.

Irrigator - good remedy for treatment, if used correctly, then no problems will arise. It is important to take into account contraindications, in case of problems with teeth and gums, it is better to beware and use the device very carefully. It is best to buy goods in salons that guarantee service in the event of a breakdown.

In contact with

Oral hygiene is a necessary procedure for every person. Sick teeth cause not only bad breath and ugly appearance, but also carry more serious problems in the area of ​​the gastrointestinal tract.

But brushing your teeth with ordinary and even expensive toothpaste is not always effective. After all, it is impossible to qualitatively clean hard-to-reach areas (the inside of the teeth and the spaces between them). For this, an irrigator comes to the rescue.

A toothbrush will not help to most effectively remove dirt, clean food debris from teeth and clean plaque on them. An oral irrigator will help with this like no other. This device for home use allows you to perform hygiene procedures without much difficulty.

The essence of his action: thanks to the pulsation of water, plaque and food debris are removed, and the gums are massaged, which should not be forgotten. If everyone knows how to choose good irrigator many problems and diseases of the teeth can be prevented.

Use this device very much.

It is necessary to pour liquid directly into the irrigator itself, which enters the mouth under pressure and cleans plaque on the teeth, cleans the interdental gaps from unwanted food residues, and removes microbes from the mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue and gums.

For massage and prevention of the oral cavity and gums, the “shower” mode is used. It is not recommended to pour water into the device, as in this case all bacteria and microbes will not be completely removed.

For irrigators, special liquids and solutions should be used that have a therapeutic and prophylactic effect. Which one to use? When choosing a solution, you should pay attention to personal needs.

For example, if a person has caries, periodontitis, or bad breath, then antibacterial and antiseptic solutions are better suited. In the case when there are no diseases, but there is a need for prevention, then liquids containing calcium and fluorine should be used.

Types of irrigators

It is better to choose an oral irrigator referring to its types. There are 3 varieties.

1. Stationary These devices are powered by electricity.
2. Portable- run on batteries. A very convenient device that you can take with you on the road (to the country house, on vacation, on a business trip, etc.).
3. Irrigators connect directly to the water supply.

The purchase of an irrigator should be approached with full responsibility, because the health of each person should come first. What do you need to pay attention to? First of all, you should study the reviews of customers who often use this device.

You need to consult with your doctor (if you have diseases or contraindications of various kinds, possibly allergies), find out the pricing policy and determine for yourself the amount that you are willing to spend on the device.

You should also determine the type of irrigator, where you are going to use it to a greater extent, study the work itself and what the device consists of, how to use it. Key points when choosing:

• Are there replacement tips and how many are there? If the whole family will use the purchase, then in this case you should buy a device with many attachments and preferably different colors to avoid confusion. The nozzles have different functions, some models are even equipped with a nasal rinse applicator;
• you need to pay attention to the features of the water jet and consult with your doctor what is better to choose (mono-jet, pulsating or with air bubbles);
• is it possible to regulate the pressure of the jet. Situations in life are different, teeth can hurt, and at the same time, weaker pressure is needed. This is also an important factor when choosing an irrigator;
• compact device or not. If you are constantly on business trips or travel a lot, you need to pay attention to compactness so that you can take it with you on trips;
• the presence of a service center in the city in case of a breakdown or more accurate advice on operation.

Possible nozzles and why are they needed?

Any irrigator is equipped with nozzles. They are the same in their properties, the difference is only in color (this is due to the fact that each family member chooses the color he likes and there is no confusion), and they can also be specific.

Overview of additional special attachments:

Efficiency of using the irrigator

The selected irrigator must be effective, and this is what this device is purchased for. What effect can be obtained when using an irrigator?

The disease should not only be treated, but also prevented. This is exactly what the device does.

A person is able to clean only 25% of dirt with a regular toothbrush, and the remaining 75% remain on the teeth and in the oral cavity. Such an environment is an excellent place for the development of pathogens. The irrigator is able to prevent the reproduction of microbes and, as a result, the development of many diseases of the oral cavity and teeth.

According to the advice and feedback of professionals, irrigators should be used by people with braces, implants, crowns, bridge systems. It is also recommended to use for people with reduced immunity, patients with diabetes, pregnant women, smokers, patients with erupting wisdom teeth.

In principle, there are no contraindications when using an irrigator, but a doctor's consultation is still necessary. Particular attention should be paid to this for people with vascular and heart diseases, with an artificial heart valve, during a period of special exacerbation of dental diseases.

If after using the irrigator the gums bleed within 2 weeks, then you should consult a specialist.

Features of Device Modes

Any irrigator has two modes of operation: jet and spray. The mode of operation depends on the method of spraying the liquid and is intended for various kinds of oral cleaning.

The jet gives cleaning between the teeth, penetrates into hard-to-reach places, the space under the braces. The spray, in turn, is intended more for massage and general cleaning of the mouth and breath.

The operating mode of the device may depend on the water pressure. Distinguish between soft and intense. Each family member can choose their own regimen, which is convenient or prescribed by the attending physician.

Using it is quite easy and simple, even a child will be able to cope with the device. If the purpose of using the irrigator is therapeutic, then the rules need to be discussed with the doctor, he will give more accurate advice and recommendations.

If the purpose of the purchase is preventive action, then you should remember the following points:

The results of using the irrigator

The results of use will be obvious and may please you. Naturally, everything will depend on the correct use of the irrigator, the frequency of use and the solution.