We studied this article before buying.
Which irrigator to choose?
What is an irrigator?
In Western countries, there is an oral irrigator in almost every family. In Russia, they learned about the possibility of taking care of the oral cavity with the help of an irrigator not so long ago. However, this device is gaining more and more popularity among people who look after the cleanliness and health of their teeth. The principle of operation of the irrigator is as follows: water or a special therapeutic and prophylactic liquid is poured into the reservoir of the device, which is then supplied under pressure through a special tip to the treated surface. To create the required fluid pressure, a miniature pump is included in the device. The device operates from a conventional power supply (stationary version) or from rechargeable batteries (portable).
Types of irrigators
There are various models of irrigators. They can differ in jet technology, can be portable or stationary, of different power, with different types of switches and operating modes. Also, different manufacturers are represented in different cities in different ways in terms of service. According to the principle of operation, irrigators are of the following types:
monojet - the liquid is supplied in the form of a continuous powerful jet;
pulse type - the liquid is directed into the oral cavity in the form of a pulsating jet. The duration of each pulse is so short that the pulsation is not felt by a person. The ripple is strong enough to clean out food debris;
with microbubble technology. This is a new technology. During the operation of the device, equipped with an additional air pump, the liquid is saturated with the smallest air bubbles, which, as it were, explode upon contact with the treated surface.
Appointment of the irrigator
An oral irrigator, like dental floss (floss), is designed to clean tooth surfaces that cannot be brushed with a toothbrush (for example, interdental contact surfaces, under orthopedic and orthodontic structures, and so on). But dental floss can injure the gum, or its application is difficult in the area of the far molars. The irrigator quickly cleans the interdental spaces with a jet of liquid, while massaging the gums, improving blood circulation and strengthening them.
Irrigators of various companies are represented on the Russian market. Therefore, many find it difficult to choose. For example, which irrigator is better: stationary or portable? Which brand is preferred: Waterpik or AquaJet, Philips Air Floss or Donfeel, Aqua Pulsar or Dental Touch, Panasonic or Braun Oral-B? The following are guidelines for choosing an oral care device:
How to choose an irrigator?
Going to the store for an irrigator, you need to clearly define how you will use it (at home or on the road). If at home, then a stationary device that connects to a regular outlet will suit you. But there are several important points to keep in mind. First, think about where the device will be located, electricity should be available. Also pay attention to the volume of the fluid reservoir. The more people use the device, the more spacious the container should be;
Another important point to consider when choosing an irrigator is the number of nozzles supplied with the irrigator.The fact is that some manufacturers include only standard ones in the package (for preventive care of a healthy oral cavity). And people with various diseases of the teeth, gums, periodontal disease or using orthopedic (implants, fixed prostheses) and orthodontic constructions (braces), it is recommended to buy an oral irrigator equipped with special orthodontic and periodontal attachments (for example, Waterpik WP 100, Waterpik WP 70, AquaJet LD A7, for which you can purchase additional orthodontic attachments, or Aqua Pulsar OS-1);
Those who travel a lot, or often travel on business trips, as well as owners of braces, are recommended to purchase a portable device - Philips Air Floss, Waterpik WP 450, Donfeel OR-880, Dental Touch HB-1121 or Panasonic Denta Care irrigator. These multifunctional devices are battery operated. Its charge lasts on average from 7 to 14 days. They have a comfortable grip, the attachments can be rotated 360 °. They are splash proof. The Waterpik WP 300 irrigator is a great travel model. This stationary model fits into a compact travel bag that is convenient to take with you, while the WP 300 has more power and water reservoir than any portable irrigator.
When choosing an irrigator, you need to pay attention to the ability to regulate the pressure of the supplied fluid, as well as the minimum and maximum levels. It is especially important to consider this point when purchasing a device for use by children and people with weak, bleeding or sore gums. The gentle mode of operation, with low pressure, will gently take care of the oral cavity without causing discomfort. On the other hand, devices with a higher pressure provide high-quality and deep cleaning. If you are buying a device for several family members with different needs, then you can choose an irrigator with a wide range of powers Waterpik WP 100, Waterpik WP 70, Waterpik WP 300, AquaJet LD A7 or Aqua Pulsar OS-1. By the way, the Aqua Pulsar OS-1 irrigator has the ability to supply water not only in the form of a mono-jet, but also in the “spray” mode.
But how to choose an irrigator if devices from different manufacturers have almost the same characteristics? In this case, it is recommended to consider the following: Possibility of post-warranty service. Some models (usually cheap) cannot be repaired. If such a device fails within the stated warranty period, it is replaced with a new one. If it breaks down after the end of the warranty period, if the post-warranty service is not specified in the sales contract, the device will have to be thrown away; The service center of which manufacturer is located in your locality, since all costs for the delivery of a faulty device for repair are at the expense of its owner.
Indications for the use of irrigators
An irrigator is a unique device that complements brushing and toothpaste cleaning, significantly increasing its effectiveness. Anyone can use it. There are practically no restrictions and contraindications for this. The only condition is that children are recommended to use them from the age of six, when they have already acquired good skills in using a toothbrush and can independently cope with a working tip. The main indications for using the device:
prevention of caries and stomatitis in children and adults. A toothbrush (and an electric one as well) is not capable of cleaning plaque and food debris from the spaces between the teeth, from the removed surfaces of the molars (molars). And the irrigator quickly copes with this task. For prophylactic cleaning of teeth in children, it is recommended to choose an irrigator with a low pressure of the supplied liquid and a mild irrigation regime (for example, a spray);
hygienic care of orthopedic and orthodontic structures: implants, crowns, bridges, braces;
prevention of gum disease.When using therapeutic fluids to wash the gingival pockets, the symptoms of periodontitis are eliminated, which facilitates the course of the disease. Using an irrigator, you can protect your gums from gingivitis, strengthen them and reduce bleeding;
prevention of gingivitis during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
elimination of unpleasant odor.
Dentist reviews
If you have any doubts about the correct choice, read reviews of dentists and owners of this device on the irrigator you like. However, you should not create the illusion that by purchasing this device, you can give up both the toothbrush and the floss. Dentists warn that the maximum effect is achieved with complex teeth cleaning, when the surface of the teeth is processed with toothpaste and a brush. And the hygienic procedure ends with the washing of all problem areas with a stream of antiseptic liquid from the irrigator.
The irrigator is a great helper in the treatment of inflammatory gum disease. By filling his reservoir with home treatment fluid, recovery can be greatly accelerated. But it should complement the therapeutic course conducted by the doctor in the clinic. It is recommended to use an infusion of medicinal plants, dental elixirs and balms for the oral cavity as antiseptic solutions. Many manufacturers offer branded fluids (breath fresheners, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, whitening, etc.) designed for irrigation.
Irrigator: which one to choose is a rather complicated question. All of them: Waterpik 100, AquaJet LD A7, Waterpik WP 70, Waterpik 300 and Aqua Pulsar OS-1, Philips Air Floss, Waterpik WP 450, Dental Touch HB-1121, Panasonic DentaCare, and Braun Oral B - have excellent performance and functionality with the optimal number of pulsations and the ability to smoothly adjust the pressure of the supplied fluid. Brushing your teeth with an irrigator is comfortable. After it, freshness of breath is maintained for a long time, since all sources of unpleasant odors have been eliminated. There are a huge number of oral irrigators on the market today, which parameters are more important, what to look for and which irrigator to choose depends on you.
She just helped us in choosing an irrigator, and after that we bought ourselves a gorgeous Omron and so far we are happy with it)