Irrigator: what is it, what is needed, how to use it? Oral hygiene

Most of us have learned the golden rule of dental care since childhood: prevention is better than cure. Therefore, all diligently every day, clean up the brilliance of teeth with various brushes with unique bristles or bent head in all directions; Use dental floss, as well as all sorts of tooth elixirs for rinsing and toothpicks. Unfortunately, despite the wide range of products intended for oral care, it is rare and not everyone who achieves the result, similar to sanitation in the procedure room. However, not so long ago in the Russian market there was a unique apparatus for caring for the entire oral cavity, which many have already dubbed "personal dentist" - an irrigator. What is this device?

What is it for?

The so-called electric device is designed to clean teeth from plaque by a thin stream of liquid under high pressure. In contrast to traditional oral care products, this device allows you to clean the enamel qualitatively both from fresh and old plaque. The irrigation stream can easily penetrate the dentogingival "pockets" and the space between the teeth, where neither the toothbrush nor the floss with a toothpick are simply unable to reach. In addition, if a person wears crowns, braces or other dental appliances, the use of the irrigator will allow them to be kept in an ideally clean state that other means can not provide.

How the Irrigator Works

Regardless of the type or model, each irrigator consists of a mechanical part, a reservoir for liquid, from which water enters the handle attached to the container with the nozzle through which it is sprayed. Also, most modern models are equipped with a regulator of pressure of the supplied liquid. Thanks to it, you can select the most effective head of the sprayed liquid and achieve the required degree of cleaning of teeth and gums.

Interchangeable attachments

To each irrigator are attached nozzles with different heads. Due to their variety, each consumer will be able to choose the one suitable for him.

The most common is a nozzle of a simple design, suitable for daily preventive use. It is universal and practical, but if desired, you can also use highly specialized nozzles.

For example, orthodontic, equipped with tiny bristles. It is designed for cleaning braces and other plug-in structures. The special design of the nozzle allows you to simultaneously wash and scrape the plaque around the staples. Also a very convenient periodontal nozzle with a thin tip for cleaning dentogingival "pockets". There is a separate nozzle for removing plaque with three tufts of setae. It is especially effective, since it combines the function of the irrigator with a toothbrush. This model is very popular, there is also its variation - nozzle-brush. In addition, a separate device with a spoon has been developed for cleaning the tongue.

It is noteworthy that almost every manufacturer offers its own variants of the most popular types of nozzles for the irrigator. Depending on the manufacturer, the configuration of the machine may be different. However, if desired, missing or broken nozzles can be purchased separately.

Types of irrigators

There are many manufacturers, as well as models of this unit. However, all conditionally they are divided into two categories - stationary and portable irrigator. Apparatus of each type has its advantages. Therefore, one can not say that some of them are the best irrigator, and the other is the worst. The main difference is the power supply system of the device. Stationary connect to the network, while portable have a battery, which allows them to take them on a trip, so they are also called "road".

Some manufacturers distinguish another type of irrigator - bezeless, it is connected to a water pipe.

Stationary Irrigator

What kind of device is this? It is clear from the title. It is more cumbersome, is not designed for frequent transport and depends on the network. Irrigators of this type are divided into two subcategories.

Family

Devices of this subcategory are most often bought for use by the whole family. Manufacturers complete them with a large number of nozzles of the same type, which allows everyone to have an individual one. For example, the Aquajet irrigator (this firm is mainly engaged in the production of stationary devices) is equipped with 4 nozzles of identical design, but each has a ring of a different color, so they are easy to distinguish, and the risk that someone will take advantage of someone else's is minimal. However, if you need removable items of a different kind, they will have to be purchased.

Tanks for liquid in family irrigators are made larger than in portable ones, which allows the use of the device at once to several members of the family.

Individual

The main difference from the family is the smaller volume of the tank and the completion of the nozzles. This subtype is often purchased for individual use. For example, almost any family irrigation system "Aquadget" is equipped with 4-5 identical nozzles.

At the same time, sets for individual devices include removable elements of various types. Thus, the family irrigation system Waterpik WP 100 Ultra has as many as 7 attachments, but they all have different purposes. Due to this, the consumer can provide himself with more complete cleaning of teeth, tongue and gums.

Interesting fact: because of the high cost of family devices in our country, consumers often purchase the above model (Ultra irrigator) and enjoy the whole family.

Portable irrigator (road)

The main advantage of this type of devices is their mobility. All similar models are equipped with a battery, so they can be used not only near the outlet, but also take with them to nature, business trip, vacation.

However, it is worth remembering that, despite the name, devices of this type are still rather cumbersome. The main drawbacks are a relatively small capacity for liquid, as well as the inability to create high pressure. In addition, the essential disadvantage that this irrigator possesses is the price. Portable models are always more expensive than stationary models, in addition, they are equipped with only the most necessary nozzles, the rest have to be purchased separately.

There are also individual portable irrigators, although this subtype, as a rule, is not singled out separately. In size they are slightly larger than an electric toothbrush and have a very small reservoir. They work on tiny batteries or batteries. It is worth noting that such an irrigator is very inferior in functionality to models of another design, but in the conditions of the road it is most convenient.

Irrigator working from water supply

This type differs from the previous ones not only by the lack of a capacity for liquid (instead of it the device is equipped with an adapter for different types of cranes), but also by the absence of a mechanical part. Thus, the consumer does not depend on the level of the liquid in the tank and the power source.

Such an irrigator is attached to the tap, and the power of the jet depends directly on the pressure of the water. Most often, such a device has a mount to hang it on the wall in the bathroom, since such an irrigator must be installed only near the water source, since another liquid can not be poured into it. In addition, such an irrigator can be used only if the water in the tap is of decent quality, which is extremely rare.

Understanding the main types of this device, it will be easier to give preference to this or that type and a particular model. In any case, the person himself decides for what purpose he plans to purchase the irrigator of the oral cavity. Which is better - it's hard to say, because each of them has its pros and cons.

What liquids can I use?

It is worth remembering that the irrigator is intended not only for cleaning teeth and gums, but also for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases of the oral cavity. Therefore, in addition to water, you can use other liquids. These can be herbal infusions, elixirs for rinsing, as well as specialized therapeutic solutions designed specifically for irrigators. As a rule, they are sold in the form of concentrate, so before using them it is necessary to breed. Many manufacturers of irrigators also produce their own fluids for them, however, like additional nozzles, they are not cheap. Fortunately, high-quality solutions for irrigators are already produced in the domestic market, which are much cheaper than foreign analogues.

Although water is more affordable, and most importantly - a cheap liquid for the irrigator, the use of others contributes to the treatment of some gum disease.

Who can use the irrigator, and who should not

Before you buy an irrigation unit Aquajet, Waterpik, Braun, Oral-B or domestic Donfeel, you should definitely consult a dentist. There are a number of contraindications, in which this progressive device should not be used. For example, if an implant was recently inserted in the oral cavity or surgical intervention was performed, it is worthwhile to wait with the use of the irrigator. If a patient undergoes a course of treatment or suffers from exacerbation of periodontitis - do not take chances. Couperose (a disease of fragile blood vessels) and heart disease also apply to contraindications.

In other cases, the irrigator can and should be used. After all, the use of the irrigator can prevent diseases such as caries and periodontitis, especially in those suffering from diabetes, heavy smokers and pregnant women. Also the irrigator promotes better healing of the mucosa and implantation of implants, and it simply helps to freshen the breath, especially if using flavored solutions.

How to use the irrigator

What is it and what it is intended for - it is understandable, but how to use it? It turns out, it's very simple. First you need to pour a warm liquid into the tank or connect the device to the tap. The nozzle is then fixed with the lips in such a way that water or solution can be poured out of the mouth unhindered. After that, you can turn on the irrigator, preset the desired head, and begin the procedure. It is worth remembering that the nozzle should be kept perpendicular to the surface being treated. Gums should get used to the procedure gradually, so at first it is desirable to establish a minimum head. The session can last from 5 to 20 minutes, at the discretion and sensation of the consumer.

After the procedure, the used nozzles should be thoroughly washed and dried. It is strictly forbidden to switch on the irrigator without water in the tank. Also worth paying attention: if the device was purchased abroad, it can work at lower voltage and needs a special adapter.

Irrigator: the price of the question

In comparison with other dental and oral care products, the irrigator, of course, is not cheap. But if we compare it with the cost of treating various dental diseases, it is clear that it is worth its money. The price of the device depends on the manufacturer, as well as the equipment. Domestic apparatus Donfeel costs from 2500 rubles, but its foreign counterparts are much more expensive. For example, the Waterpik WP 100 Ultra irrigator will cost almost 7,000 rubles. Although this firm has cheaper models - from 5000 rubles. Irrigator "Aquadget" on average will cost 3500 rubles, but it has a weak bundle of attachments, so you have to spend another 1000-2000 rubles for their purchase. It is worth noting that the price of baits in relation to the cost of the irrigator is high enough. Depending on the type, one will cost 500-1200 rubles. But with the specialized solutions for the irrigator was lucky. Donfeel produces a huge number of their species, and they are great for use in almost all irrigators.

Testimonials from dentists and consumers

As shown by numerous studies, regular use of the irrigator significantly reduces the number of dental problems. In addition, the possibilities for cleaning teeth and gums with this device exceed the capabilities of other means of a similar purpose, including a toothbrush. However, dentists advise not to give up the brush, but alternate it with the irrigator.

It is worth noting that today dentists are increasingly advising their patients to use irrigators. At the same time, consumers themselves find this device really effective. Unfortunately, because of the high cost (compared to toothpaste and toothpaste), many residents of our country can not afford this wonderful device yet. However interest to it grows every year.

Oral hygiene

To provide the oral cavity with the most effective care, it is necessary to combine the use of an irrigator and a toothbrush. Recently, many manufacturers are completing the irrigator with a separate toothbrush. In an ideal combination, toothpaste and a brush should be used for surface cleaning of the oral cavity. And the irrigator is best used before bedtime, giving this procedure the necessary time, carefully having processed all the teeth and tongue. Dentists advise cleaning with an irrigator at least three times a week, and if a person has the opportunity - every day.

It should be noted that even children with baby teeth can use the irrigator. Some manufacturers have developments for children. However, parental control during this procedure is mandatory.

Anyone who happened to use the irrigator will agree that this is a very convenient and indispensable device for oral hygiene. Thanks to him now anyone can afford high-quality care for teeth and gums at home. Today in the market there is a huge selection of different models of this device, which irrigator to choose - everyone decides for himself. We hope that the article will help you in this. Undoubtedly one thing: whatever you choose the irrigator, that it will be a useful acquisition, you have to be convinced very soon.