Irrigators

The arsenal of oral hygiene products remained relatively small for a long time: toothpaste, brush, and rinses. But not a single agent included in this minimum can reach such places as the space between the teeth and the area between the tooth and the gum.

In 1958, engineer John Mattingly and dentist Gerard Moyer developed a tool that could even be used at home. Oral irrigators are devices that clean the oral cavity, massage the gums, and flush the interdental spaces with a pulsating jet of water under pressure.

Reasons to use irrigators

Dentists recommend using these devices in the following cases:

• To prevent caries. The tool helps to get rid of plaque on the teeth and tongue. It also cleans hard-to-reach places: near molars, wisdom teeth, interdental spaces, and orthodontic structures.
• To prevent and treat gum diseases. Irrigators improve blood circulation and accelerate regeneration processes. This helps to strengthen the gums and reduce bleeding.
• To care for implants, crowns, bridges, braces, and other structures. The device washes them and the cavities below them.
• To eliminate bacterial plaque, the cause of bad breath.

There are no contraindications to the use of such a device. Usually, it is recommended to use it once a day, 2-3 times a week in the evening. Your dentist can suggest an individualized regimen based on the condition of your oral cavity.

How does it work

The device's nozzle delivers a jet of water, or any medicinal liquid, poured into a special reservoir under pressure. Depending on the delivery method, the type of nozzle and the liquid used, the jet massages the gums, washes away plaque from the tongue, removes bacteria from hard-to-reach places, and removes plaque.

Before using the irrigators, it is necessary to brush the teeth with a brush and paste. The tip should deliver the liquid perpendicularly and positioned at a distance of 2 mm from the tooth. The procedure for cleansing the entire oral cavity usually lasts no more than 10 minutes.

Types of devices

There are stationary and portable irrigators. It is better to choose a stationary one for home use, which is more reliable and will likely last longer.

If your bathroom doesn't have a power outlet, you can opt for a portable device that runs on battery power and can be charged anywhere. It is lighter and smaller than a stationary one and is convenient for travel.

One or more nozzles are included with the irrigators. The attachments can be purchased and changed. They are of several types:

• Standard brush head for healthy teeth and gums.
• Orthodontic attachment for removing plaque under braces and under the gingival margin.
• The periodontal nozzle with a fine, soft rubber tip directs the jet beyond the gingival margin and into the gingival pockets.
• Attachment for implants, crowns and bridges for easy cleaning of constructions.
• The tongue brush removes plaque from the tongue and cheeks, eliminating the cause of the unpleasant odour.
• Nasal nozzle for irrigation of the nasal cavity in the treatment or prevention of rhinitis and sinusitis.

Remember that each family member should have their attachment.

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