The irrigator as a home dentist

Bacteria live in large numbers in the oral cavity. As a result of their activity on the tooth enamel and at the base of dentures plaque is formed. Poor oral hygiene lead to bad breath, gingivitis, and periodontal disease and causes rejection of implants. Daily toothbrushing and flossing are not enough to keep your mouth healthy. Therefore, dentists recommend using an oral irrigator.

What is an irrigator, and why do you need it?

An oral irrigator is a device that uses a pulsating jet of water under pressure. It cleans the oral cavity, massages the gums and flushes the interdental spaces. 

The irrigator is used for:

1. Caries prevention. It helps to get rid of plaque on the teeth and tongue. It also cleans hard-to-reach places. For example, wisdom teeth, molars, interdental spaces and orthodontic structures.
2. Prevention and treatment of gum disease. The irrigator improves blood circulation to the gums and accelerates the regeneration process. It helps reduce bleeding.
3. Care of implants, braces and other structures. The irrigator washes them and the cavities behind.
4. Eliminate the causes of bad breath. 
5. Prevention of gingivitis. The disease can occur in pregnant and lactating women due to impaired blood supply to mucous membranes.

There are no contraindications to using an irrigator.

Which water irrigator to choose

The jet comes in several types, depending on the model and manufacturer of the device:

• Monojet (classic, slightly outdated technology, in which the irrigator produces a single stream of water); 
• Pulsating jet. The device emits micro pulses, which produce the effect of micro-hydraulic shocks. It allows you to clean teeth more efficiently, removing even mild bacterial plaque from the surface of the teeth.
• Jet by microbubble technology – is a technology in which water under pressure mixes with the air. Formed microbubbles create a pulsating effect as in devices with a pulsating jet. 

Similarly, oral irrigators differ not only in their design but also in the presence of additional replaceable nozzles, such as:

• nozzles for cleaning the tongue;
• nozzles for gums;
• nozzles for cleaning orthodontic structures;

As a rule, the nozzles have a light indication on their body, for different family members.

Terms of use

Each family member should have a personal nozzle.

It is necessary to choose the most gentle mode at first, gradually increasing the force of pressure.

First, the most accessible areas are processed. It is necessary to cover the outer and inner sides of the teeth and gums.

Maintain a distance of 2-3 mm between the nozzle and the surface of the teeth and gums, while directing a stream of water in the mouth. When cleaning the gums, use light water pressure.