Dental Irrigators

Irrigators are special devices that are designed for thorough cleaning of the oral cavity and can be used at home. Modern portable models are easy to use even when traveling. It is known that the first irrigators were invented back in 1962, and according to Waterpik, inventors (dentist Gerald Mayer and hydraulic engineer John Mattingly) took 146 attempts to introduce this device. Until 2008, lively discussions and research on whether this device really is so effective had continued. Electric toothbrushes were the main “opponents” of irrigators, the principle of action of which was based on the supply of water in the form of multiple pulsations. A University of Southern California study found that a three-second treatment with pulsating water (assuming 1200 pulsations per minute) at an average pressure (490 kPa) is enough to remove up to 99.9% of plaque in the treated area. In the future, the clinical effectiveness of irrigators was confirmed, and today we can use such a device at home.

Oral irrigators: information for the patients

The main feature of oral irrigators is an additional thorough cleaning in hard-to-reach places, which reduces the formation of plaque (and solid deposits), and prevents the occurrence of gingivitis and other gum diseases caused by the influence of pathogenic microflora (bacteria). It is known that more than 20 types of various microorganisms can “live” in the oral cavity, and it is dental plaque that is the most favorable environment for their aggressive influence on the health of teeth and gums. In case of unsatisfactory oral hygiene, soft tissue inflammation occurs, and “advanced” processes provoke the occurrence of serious dental diseases.

Thorough cleaning of the teeth with a toothbrush, special toothpastes, and oral rinses is necessary for daily hygiene. But at the same time, there are still hard-to-reach areas that require professional cleaning by a dentist. Oral irrigators are one of the most effective devices that you can additionally use at home for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The principle of operation of this device is based on the supply of a powerful jet of water with a pulsation, which allows cleaning the subgingival space (folds between the gum and the base of the tooth), the tongue and the mucous membrane. There are irrigators with a special “shower” mode, which also allows massaging the gums mucous membrane (this improves the blood circulation of the microvasculature). There are stationary irrigators, as well as portable ones (with battery charge), which you can use while traveling.

Note that the use of irrigators should only be on the recommendation of your doctor. After all, this device is necessary for some patients (for example, when wearing braces in the absence of contraindications), and is contraindicated for others (for example, patients with heart disease, artificial cardiac valves, etc.). Before using this device at home, consult with your dentist and other specialists in case you have the disease of the cardiovascular system.

Indications for use of irrigator

• For the prevention of caries and periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis);
• Elimination of bad breath (halitosis);
• Cleansing areas of the oral cavity inaccessible to the toothbrush;
• If there are fixed prostheses, implants and orthodontic appliances (braces) in the oral cavity;
• For patients with reduced overall immunity (for example, diabetes);
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers;
• A dental irrigator will be useful to smokers.

The use of irrigators for oral cavity

To prevent gum disease, it is enough to use oral irrigators up to 2-3 times a week (at the same time, the effect will be noticeable already during the first week). In some cases, the dentist may recommend daily use of this device for a certain period of time (for example, if you need to carefully maintain periodontal tissues in a healthy state). At the same time, if you decide to use the irrigator daily (without the recommendation of a doctor), this can lead to mechanical injury of the gums.

Terms of use of the irrigator

• irrigation is carried out after cleaning with a toothbrush and toothpaste;
• it is necessary to adjust the stream of fluid because toxins from dental plaque can get into the bloodstream under high pressure (this can lead to complications);
• the liquid can be supplied to the tooth at a right angle;
• cleansing of one jaw takes about 5-10 minutes.

What is important to remember when using the irrigator

• Purified water:

It is possible to use a dental irrigator only with disinfected water since any infection can easily penetrate into the micro wounds that exist in the oral cavity. This leads to serious dental problems and diseases. What is the easiest way to purify water? Disinfect it by boiling. It is necessary to boil water in advance, and then leave to stand at room temperature. It is not difficult, but the risk of infection of tissues in the oral cavity will be minimized. Let us recall that it is the room temperature water that needs to be poured into the irrigator since hot water will damage the plastic parts that may be in the device.

• Use of special solutions.

As a rule, the irrigator is used not only with water. In order to clean the oral cavity from pathogenic flora, special solutions are also used:

• which have antibacterial and anticariogenic effects;
• which reduce the sensitivity of the teeth;
• remedies that relieve bleeding gums;
• which have a healing effect in case of damage to the oral mucosa;
• which remove the soft plaque;
• products that remove bad breath;
• there are also special children’s liquids for children with fruit flavors so that the child can enjoy using the device and get used to it.
• Follow all points of the manufacturer’s instructions.

The use of irrigators is clinically proven. This can be confirmed by any dentist. Specialists of the Avanto clinics also recommend you not to forget to visit the dentist regularly (once every six months), and to undergo preventive dental procedures in time. After all, the specialist will be able to monitor the condition of the teeth and gums, timely detect diseases in the early stages, or, on the contrary, please you with good news about the excellent health of your teeth and gums.