Brushing your teeth every day is very important to maintain optimal oral health and to prevent diseases. Likewise, in addition to using the toothbrush for cleaning, we also recommend using dental floss to remove food debris between the teeth, mouthwash, and… the oral irrigator!
But exactly… what is an oral irrigator and what is it for? Keep reading!
What is an oral irrigator and what is it for?
An oral irrigator is a device that expels a pulsating jet of water or another solution under pressure between the gum, the tooth neck, and the interproximal or interdental spaces. This instrument is designed to reach areas where the toothbrush or dental floss cannot clean, thus helping to prevent cavities and tartar.
The oral irrigator does not in any case replace daily mechanical tooth brushing. It should always be used after brushing and, preferably, after using dental floss in the contact areas between teeth. As for frequency and duration, we recommend using it at least once a day for about two minutes.
How to use an oral irrigator?
The steps to use it are:
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes. You can complement brushing with dental floss to remove the most resistant debris.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water or connect the irrigator to a water supply. You can add a bit of diluted mouthwash here for greater chemical protection to prevent cavities and tartar.
- Place the nozzle inside your mouth and lean over the sink to avoid splashes. It is recommended to start with the molars.
- Select the lowest intensity on the speed control and gradually increase the pressure, always without causing discomfort.
- Direct the water jet along the gums and between the interdental spaces. Hold the jet for about two seconds on each tooth and repeat both on the outer and inner surfaces.
- When finished, empty the reservoir to avoid bacteria buildup, remove the nozzle, and rinse all parts thoroughly before storing.
Advantages of this device
This device has many advantages that make it stand out in the market:
- Prevents cavities and periodontal diseases (such as gingivitis and periodontitis) by stimulating the gums and improving blood circulation.
- Removes dental plaque and food debris in hard-to-reach areas, helping to avoid tartar formation.
- Reduces bad breath and provides a lasting feeling of freshness and cleanliness.
- Decreases gum bleeding and inflammation thanks to the massage effect of the water jet.
- Facilitates cleaning for people with orthodontics, implants, prostheses, crowns, or bridges—areas where the toothbrush and dental floss are not always effective.
- Easy and comfortable to use, even for people with reduced mobility or dental sensitivity.
Which patients should use an oral irrigator?
Patients who should use an oral irrigator include:
Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances
It is highly recommended that patients with fixed orthodontic appliances add an oral irrigator to their daily oral hygiene routine. This way, bacterial plaque that builds up around the appliance can be optimally removed. With regular brushing—whether with an electric or manual toothbrush designed specifically for orthodontic hygiene—not all plaque or food debris trapped in the brackets can be eliminated, which is why an oral irrigator is necessary. Other “helpers” can be used if an irrigator is not available at home, such as interdental brushes or a special type of dental floss called Superfloss, which differs from conventional floss.
Patients with fixed expansion appliances
For patients with fixed expansion appliances (usually children and adolescents), the oral irrigator is useful for cleaning under the appliance, where food debris often accumulates, leading to gum inflammation and discomfort.
Patients with full or partial prostheses
The use of an oral irrigator in patients with full or partial implant-supported prostheses is very important. Implants are placed when a patient loses their natural teeth for various reasons. To preserve these implants, it is crucial to maintain oral hygiene through regular check-ups at the clinic and proper hygiene routines at home to prevent problems such as peri-implantitis or even implant loss.
We take care of your oral health
Now you know all the relevant aspects about the oral irrigator. Therefore, it is time to remind you that at our dental clinic, Gross Dentistas, we are fully available to provide any dental treatment. Our goal is to take care of your oral health as if it were our own.
So, if you want more information, we invite you to contact us… we will be happy to assist you!
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
