How to choose an oral irrigator – dentist reviews

Oral hygiene requires special attention. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth regularly and using complementary care products. Oral irrigators help remove small food particles, bacteria, and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Such a simple device at home allows you to ensure the quality of hygiene.

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1. Top manufacturers of oral irrigators
2. The principle of operation and the device of irrigators
3. Types of irrigators
4. Irrigator selection options
5. Which irrigator should you choose?
6. How to use an irrigator for a long service life?
7. How much do irrigators cost?

Top manufacturers of oral irrigators

Health and beauty products are popular among those who are not indifferent to the condition of the teeth and oral cavity. Manufacturers offer modern and functional irrigators. Buyers are more likely to prefer brands because they are a guarantee of reliability and quality.

1. Waterpik. Waterpik was founded in 1955 by American engineer John Matingley and dentist Gerard Moyer. Today she is in a confident position. Its products are attractive for their value for money. Irrigators are distinguished by their compact size and functionality, noiselessness, and a variety of modes.

2. Aquajet. Aquajet is positioned as a manufacturer of oral hygiene products for the whole family. Irrigators demonstrate quality, reliability and reasonable price. Most models are attracted by a variety of nozzles and modes for cleaning.

3. Oral-B. The Oral-B brand is associated primarily with oral hygiene products on the market. The German approach to manufacturing ensures quality while maintaining an affordable price. Irrigators and other Oral-B products are recommended by dentists for the prevention and management of oral problems.

4. Donfeel. Donfeel company from Russia is engaged in the distribution and production of oral hygiene products. She conducts her own dental research, develops irrigators using innovative solutions. The company focuses on the Russian market, therefore it maintains attractive prices.

The principle of operation and the device of irrigators

Irrigators are additional devices for keeping the oral cavity clean. They are designed to remove plaque and clean the interdental space, tongue and gums. The desired effect is provided by the directional fluid flow. The models offer several modes of operation – pulsating or continuous water supply, micro-bubble cleaning and so on.

The flushing liquid is tap water and special dental solutions. The attachments help you get to hard-to-reach places. Irrigators replace threads or hard toothbrushes that cannot be used on crowns, dentures, and braces.

Applied cleaning technologies:

1. pulsating jet;

2. microbubble jet;

3. mono-jet.

In the first case, a thin jet is created, which pulses at a frequency of 1200 pulses per minute. This creates microscopic water hammers that effectively remove plaque from the surface. This type of exposure is recommended for the risk of periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Microbubble technology is considered to be the most effective. The irrigator mixes a stream of water with air to remove plaque and food debris, and oxygenates the microflora of the mouth. These irrigators regulate the force of pressure – from soft to standard. Microbubble water supply is used to rinse the nasopharynx, nose and mouth.

Mono-jet devices are considered simple and affordable. They are connected to the water supply for a continuous supply of water. An antibacterial capsule is installed in them, which ensures the purification of tap water. But this technology is inferior in efficiency.

Types of irrigators

Oral irrigators differ from each other in the type of work, design features and appearance.

The main types of irrigators:

1. portable, compact (travel);

2. stationary;

3. monojet, running from the water supply.

In principle, there is a difference, although individual models support additional functions and characteristics.

Stationary irrigators

Models are common because they are intended for home use. They are powered by mains power and a compact compressor provides jet pressure for efficient cleaning.

Advantages

• a wide range for choosing the optimal head;

• the possibility of using additional attachments.

• effective cleaning and massage of the gums;

• large capacity of the fluid reservoir;

disadvantages

• massive and used only when connected to a 220V network.
• Models make a lot of noise during operation, which is not always comfortable at home in the early morning.

Portable irrigators

An alternative to stationary are portable irrigators powered by a built-in power source. Their design includes a fluid reservoir, a compact compressor and nozzles. They are primarily intended for individual use, both at home and when traveling.

Advantages

• compact size and light weight;

• minimum noise level;

• mobility and versatility of use.

disadvantages

• due to the absence of the need for a constant connection to the mains, the power of the device is minimal;
• The volume of the tank is also not enough for a complete cleaning procedure.

Irrigators with connection to the water supply

The devices are considered convenient for the home, although in this case you will have to organize a connection on a tap or pipe. Because of this, not everyone is ready to buy such irrigators for themselves. In addition, dentists warn about the dangers of tap water for cleaning under pressure, for both children and adults, so it is advisable to use antibacterial agents.

Irrigator selection options

There are many offers from manufacturers on the market, so you need to compare the characteristics and take into account the reviews of dentists. Points to watch out for:

1. fluid supply technology;

2. pressure force;

3. operating modes;

4. available attachments;

5. power supply;

6. sizes.

Stationary oral irrigators can create a pressure of 600-800 kPa. Portable devices are several times weaker – their average pressure is 200-400 kPa. The force of the pressure affects the intensity of cleaning in hard-to-reach places.

A stationary irrigator has at least 4-5 nozzles in a set, in some cases their number reaches 10 pieces. For portable ones, no more than 2-3 attachments for cleaning modes are offered in the delivery set. This includes the cleaning and maintenance attachments. The extended sets include attachments for braces, bridges, tongue massage, sinus rinsing, and sensitive teeth.

An important parameter is the frequency of the pressure pulsation in the corresponding mode. This figure ranges from 900 to 3000 micro-impacts per minute. The stronger the pressure and pulsation, the more effective cleaning, but this has a detrimental effect on fillings and sensitive teeth.

The duration of the cleaning procedure depends on the capacity of the tank. A stationary irrigator has a volume of 600 to 1000 ml, while a portable one has about 200-300 ml.

Which irrigator should you choose?

For home use, it is better to choose stationary irrigators with a spacious liquid reservoir. For prophylactic procedures and cleaning teeth with braces and orthodontic structures, it is better to select devices with attachments.

Portable models are suitable for individual use and travel. They will help clean your teeth and gums from food debris. For prevention, it is worth choosing an extended configuration with additional nozzles.

The pressure adjustment allows you to adjust the pressure for sensitive and bleeding gums. The optimum pulse frequency is 1200 beats per minute. A gentle mode of operation should be selected for children.

How to use an irrigator for a long service life?

It is important to remember that an irrigator is not a complete replacement for a toothbrush. The device is used additionally. It only needs to be turned on when the tank is full to avoid overheating. The head should not be pressed firmly against the tooth to avoid excessive pressure. For irrigators, it is best to select the recommended dental cleaning fluids. It is advisable to filter herbal decoctions and folk remedies.

How much do irrigators cost?

1. Stationary irrigators cost on average from 2500-3000 rubles, and the maximum price reaches 12000-15000 rubles.

2. Portable models cost an average of 2,000 to 5,000 rubles.

3. Irrigators with a monojet are available at a price of 2500-4000 rubles.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right electric toothbrush and the secrets of choosing a toothbrush – the advantages and disadvantages of different models.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.