Why You Need an Oral Irrigator for Optimal Oral Health

Many people who care about the health of their teeth, gums, and oral cavity in general often wonder what an irrigator is for and whether it is so effective. In functional terms, the device practically does not differ from ordinary and electric brushes, as well as special hygienic threads that are necessary for cleaning. The device removes plaque and rids the oral area of food debris.

Externally, the unit looks like a regular handle connected to a small tank. When you press the activation button, water (or an antiseptic mixture) is supplied to the nozzle, after which it flows directly into the area of the incisors, canines, molars, or premolars. You can get acquainted with such a device for the first time at a consultation at the dental center “Dentika”. Of course, professional models are slightly different from the options presented in free sale, but the functionality of the devices is the same.

Who needs an oral irrigator?

The device is used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. Experts recommend using it to solve such problems:

• Organization of high-quality hygiene;
• Prevention of caries and other pathologies of a similar type;
• Care of orthodontic structures (braces and prostheses);
• Treatment of chronic gingivitis and periodontitis.

With various modifications of the apparatus in question, most likely, people suffering from diabetes mellitus, non-standard arrangement of dentition, unpleasant odor, and so on are familiar.

The answer to the question of whether an oral irrigator is needed or not, each person is looking for himself. In the absence of significant and interfering with the normal existence of problems, the device is most likely not needed. However, patients suffering from microbes and plaque cannot do without such an aggregate. However, dentists recommend it both as a preventive measure and as a measure to help establish the process of treating a particular disease.

Please note: diabetes mellitus is a separate case that needs a detailed analysis. The fact is that people suffering from pathology often have problems with their gums. Such symptoms lead to the formation of severe periodontitis. An Oral Irrigation unit, releasing pulsating jets of water or medical solution, becomes a kind of “masseur”.

Is there any point in an oral irrigator

Dental studies have helped to establish that the device in question removes up to 90% of all germs and bacteria from the oral cavity. A device equipped with a special periodontal brush head is about twice as effective as an ordinary or electric toothbrush.

To determine how useful such a unit is, the list of its advantages helps:

• The easy cleaning process in hard-to-reach places, including gum pockets;
• Soft massage of the gums, which improves blood circulation and prevents the appearance of periodontal disease;
• Painless removal of food debris stuck between incisors, canines, molars, and premolars;
• Simple care for orthodontic structures – braces, prostheses, implants, veneers;
• Prevention of caries, reduction of risks associated with the formation of gingivitis and periodontitis;
• A significant reduction in unpleasant odor and a feeling of freshness after application.

Why do I need an oral irrigator for teeth and oral cavities, and how to use such a device? Find answers to the questions presented as soon as possible. Of course, many people still use only an ordinary or electric brush in everyday life, sometimes adding hygienic threads to it. However, the dental field does not stand still. Specialists invent and release for free sale a huge number of simple and effective devices. Each of them helps to build a good defense against various pathologies: from gingivitis and caries to periodontitis and periodontal disease.

Can an oral irrigator be harmful?

There are practically no contraindications to the use of the corresponding device. Experts do not recommend using it for:

• Exacerbations of certain periodontal pathologies;
• Severe and persistent bleeding of the gums;
• Consequences of recent surgery.

Absolutely all possible negative effects are leveled by competent and correct handling. The irrigation installation is activated according to the following simple instructions:

1. The first cleaning is done with the lowest jet pressure. Subsequently, the pressure can be increased to a comfortable and efficient level.
2. The nozzle is directed from the gum to the edges of the dentition, at an angle of 60-90 degrees.
3. The whole procedure takes no more than 10 minutes. During the specified time, food remains are washed out, and a high-quality soft tissue massage is also performed.
4. An ordinary electric toothbrush acts as an addition to the device.
5. Cleaning should be done every day at least once a day.

Every dentist can tell you about the pros and cons of cleaning your mouth when using an irrigator for your teeth. There are practically no drawbacks to such an operation. Its result is high-quality hygiene, which is a reliable protection against all kinds of dental diseases. True, in certain situations, the oral irrigator installation can cause the opposite effect. It is strictly contraindicated for people suffering from soft tissue bleeding and exacerbations of periodontal pathologies. In addition, the unit should not be used by people who have undergone surgery.

Are all oral irrigators the same?

New devices appear on free sale every month, each of which easily replaces the usual brushes and hygienic threads. Even ordinary devices for irrigation are divided into three large groups:

• Stationary – they work from the electrical network, therefore, they are connected only in rooms with sockets;
• Portable – operate thanks to replaceable batteries, the charge is enough for 15-30 sessions, depending on the specific brand and model;
• Flow – connected to an ordinary water tap, and does not require electricity or batteries.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Certain models, for example, are suitable to take with you on a long trip, while other units are always ready to use, regardless of the presence of the mains.

The benefits and harms of an oral irrigator for teeth and oral cavity: what is the difference between devices of this format

A person who wants to purchase an irrigation installation should pay attention to a whole list of basic properties and characteristics. The most important parameters of a future purchase are:

1. Jet pressure – the more the better, but without too much fanaticism. Too much flow causes discomfort and also causes mechanical damage.
2. The presence of special settings and additional functionality. Modern devices can work, for example, in a pulsating massage mode or using microbubble technology.
3. Possibility of replacement of nozzles. Dental arches, tongues, braces, and veneers should be treated with different “output” designs.
4. Tank volume. Plain tap water or a specialized medical solution is poured into the presented container.
5. Battery capacity – relevant only for portable options powered by a built-in battery.

Is there any benefit to gums from an oral irrigator? Of course! Moreover, the staff of the dental center “Dentika” recommend a similar installation for the purchase of almost every client. A simple, but the most effective unit, provides high-quality hygiene and becomes the main reason for the absence of all kinds of diseases.

How difficult is it to use

Even a small child can understand the rules for using the device in question. In addition, complete sets with the corresponding devices always have detailed operating instructions. The whole cleaning procedure is performed as follows:

1. We clean the dentition with an ordinary or electrified brush and then carry out a quick rinse.
2. Pour water or an antiseptic mixture into the tank of the module designed for this.
3. We activate the unit by clicking or pressing the functional start key.
4. We select the desired mode, adjust the pressure of the jet, if necessary, turn on additional functions.
5. We place the nose of the nozzle perpendicular to the gums and begin a thorough treatment.
6. We clean the entire oral cavity, including molars, canines, incisors, premolars, and hard-to-reach places.
7. We carry out rinsing, not forgetting to deactivate the cleaning device.

How often should I brush my teeth with an oral irrigator and how many times a day should I use the device? Experts say that it is desirable to carry out such manipulation at least once a day. The presented guide is suitable for using stationary models, but portable and flow-through counterparts should be used a little differently.

However, each design comes with a functional and detailed instruction manual, which contains all the necessary information. If you have any problems, it is better to consult a dentist.

Is it possible to use the oral irrigator with the whole family?

Any modern irrigation installation is equipped with a set of interchangeable nozzles. Each member of a large family who wants to perform regular cleaning procedures should have their own, individual replacement head design. Children should be especially closely monitored. Experts do not prohibit the use of such a unit by kids, but they can carry out functional cleaning only in the presence of adults. Such rules are associated with the following risks:

• Spasm of the trachea, which occurs due to the direct jet of water or a special medical solution;
• Non-compliance with the regulations for handling electrical appliances that represent a source of potential danger when in contact with moisture;
• Damage to the tender and vulnerable milk rows due to the use of too-powerful pressure, and so on.

Troubles can be avoided only if one of the parents or older brothers and sisters is next to the child.

Do I need a special liquid for an oral irrigator?

As a rule, plain water is sufficient for oral irrigation cleaning. However, in certain situations, dentists advise paying attention to antiseptic and anti-inflammatory solutions:

• Nitrofural;
• Gluconate;
• Herbal infusions;
• Purchased means for rinsing.

Before you start using the listed substances, it is important to consult a specialized doctor. It is possible that the patient’s body will react negatively to such solutions, for example, due to individual intolerance.

Is it expensive to have an oral irrigator?

The cost of construction varies depending on various factors:

• The popularity of the manufacturer and its reputation in the market;
• Range of functionality;
• The presence of various modes of operation;
• A number of nozzles are included.

But a high price does not always indicate proper quality. There are enough simple and truly worthy analogs on the market, which can be purchased even from people who do not have a large budget. In addition, it should be understood that timely and competent prevention of dental pathologies is always cheaper than full-format therapy.

How often should I use an oral irrigator: the effectiveness of the device

The principle of operation of the unit is extremely simple. He is responsible for the processes associated with mechanical removal:

• Pathogenic microbes;
• Pathogenic bacteria;
• Particles of leftover food;
• Plaque and so on.

Just one unit easily replaces a whole group of specialized instruments, which include all kinds of orthodontic brushes, electric brushes, and specialized scrapers. Adjustable pressure allows you to customize the device for yourself, which also becomes the reason for the high-quality performance of procedures that relate to personal hygiene.

you can also get  A Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Removable Dentures Oral Health

Should I even buy a home irrigator for teeth and oral cavities, and how often should I use it? Every person who does not want to suffer from gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease, or caries should purchase such a module. Of course, the unit has its own contraindications. However, in most situations, it shows only a positive effect, providing additional protection against a variety of pathologies.

How to care

All the rules for operating the device are prescribed in its instructions. Small inserts include detailed recommendations on exactly how to clean the unit after its direct use:

1. Turn off the equipment from the outlet or disconnect the battery.
2. We drain the remaining water or a special medical solution.
3. Rinse the tank with running liquid.
4. We wipe all components of the structure with a soft cloth.
5. Dry the device by placing it in a ventilated place.

Summing up

In this article, we tried to tell you as clearly as possible about how to use an irrigator for cleaning your teeth and oral cavity, and what exactly it is for. For more information, it is best to contact any qualified dentist.

Devices of this format are gaining more and more popularity today. According to statistics, they are already present in the house of about every 8-10 residents of the Russian Federation. Appropriate devices perfectly cope with the organization of hygiene procedures – they perfectly remove pathogenic microbes and pathogenic bacteria, as well as reduce the risks associated with the formation of periodontitis, periodontal disease, caries, and gingivitis. But remember that they do not replace toothbrushes, but are used only as additional hygiene.

To find out which device you need for your individual needs and characteristics, please contact the specialists of the Dentika medical center. Competent highly professional dentists will certainly advise you on all issues and help you choose a high-quality irrigator for the prevention and hygiene of the oral cavity.