What is an irrigator and who needs it

Miscellaneous / by admin / March 25, 2022

We understand why only a toothbrush with toothpaste is not enough for a complete cleansing.

What is an irrigator

The irrigator is a home gadget for dental hygiene. The principle of operation of the device is quite simple: a directed jet of liquid under pressure washes away food debris, bacteria and soft plaque. The gingival area, hard-to-reach places behind the sevens and eights, the details of the braces - everything that the toothbrush cannot reach is perfectly washed by the irrigator.

You can pour ordinary water into it, the main thing is that it be filtered or boiled. For solving specific dental problems, such as disinfecting the oral cavity or combating unpleasant odors, ready-made irrigator fluids are suitable. But the usual rinses are not friendly with the device: they foam a lot in the tank and can disable the irrigator.

Can an irrigator replace a toothbrush, floss and professional cleaning

The short answer is no, it can't. The microbial biofilm that forms on the teeth, tongue and gums is actively

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absorbsOral Health / World Health Organization carbohydrates from food and converts them into acid. Therefore, unnecessary love for sugar and insufficient hygiene can lead to the “burning” of the enamel by pathogenic bacteria and the development of caries. The toothbrush penetrates the soft mass of plaque and destroys it mechanically. The irrigator is not capable of this.

However, during brushing, “dirty” areas still remain on the teeth, because the bristles of even the most expensive brush cannot perfectly follow the shape of the jaw. In addition, the brush brushes some of the plaque under the gums and into the space between the teeth. And here you can not do without additional means of oral hygiene. And the cleaning dentist has another important function that is not provided in the irrigator.

Maxim Vinokurov

Dentist, surgeon.

Dental floss, brush or irrigator - each device has its own purpose. The most effective, in my opinion, brushes and irrigators, but the thread is also needed. For example, when large pieces of food get stuck between the teeth. Whatever you use, professional hygiene at the dentist still needs to be done regularly. The same irrigator has almost no effect on the tendency to form tartar or plaque from tea and coffee.

Who can use this gadget

In fact, everyone who has teeth. A study by a group of scientists published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, confirmedCaren M Barnes, Carl M Russell, Richard A Reinhardt, Jeffrey B Payne, Deborah M Lyle. Comparison of irrigation to floss as an adjunct to tooth brushing: effect on bleeding, gingivitis, and supragingival plaque / PubMed the effectiveness of irrigators in the fight against plaque. In addition, the representatives of the focus group who used the device had a significant improvement in the condition of their gums within 2 weeks. First of all, irrigators should be looked at by those who wear crowns, veneers, bridges, dentures or dental implants. In general, any orthodontic and orthopedic structures that a specialist has installed.

Maxim Vinokurov

In such cases, the condition of the periodontal border differs from the natural one. For example, there is always a transition line between an artificial crown and a tooth root. It is not as smooth as a natural tooth and tends to accumulate more plaque. That is, this zone is more prone to decay and the formation of subgingival tartar. Implants generally do not have connective tissues that would attach them to the gum. Therefore, a small pocket is formed between the tooth and the gum. The irrigator is able to effectively clean such places. Do not be afraid that the jet will damage the structure. If it is installed qualitatively, nothing will break and fly out from washing.

In addition, the irrigator will be useful for people suffering from gum problems. Bleeding, sensitivity, and even already established diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis requireC H Drisco. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy / PubMed especially meticulous oral hygiene. But before you buy the device, you should still consult with your doctor.

Maxim Vinokurov

We introduce a temporary "moratorium" on the use of the irrigator, as a rule, only after surgical interventions - tooth extraction or implant placement. A jet of water can harm a fresh wound, so we advise the patient to refrain from using this device for several days or weeks.

What to look for when buying an irrigator

First of all, decide where you will use it. If you often travel or wear bracesthat need to be cleaned throughout the day, choose portable devices. They are quite compact and run on a rechargeable battery. If the irrigator is required only for home use, then you can purchase a stationary one. Such models, as a rule, have a large reservoir volume compared to portable options, and they also do not need to be charged - stationary gadgets are connected to the network.

Another important characteristic is power. Pay attention to the minimum and maximum pressure of the jet, which is measured in kilopascals (kPa). It is good if the irrigator has a wide range - for example, from 200 to 900 kPa. Gradually increasing the power, it is easier to get used to the device.

Before buying, study the number of operating modes at irrigator. The more of them, the easier it will be to choose a comfortable one for yourself. And if you need a device for the whole family, be sure to check if there are individual attachments in the kit.

What to buy

Battery-powered portable irrigator from AliExpress, 541 rubles →
Irrigator for use with a water tap from AliExpress, 1,737 rubles →
Stationary irrigator with 10 pressure levels and 8 nozzles from HASTEN, 3,800 rubles →
Portable irrigator with 4 nozzles and 3 modes from Oral, 1 889 rubles →
Stationary irrigator with 10 pressure levels from Revyline, 5,190 rubles →