Cleaning between your teeth every day to remove bacteria and food particles that a toothbrush can’t reach is essential to maintaining good oral health and hygiene.

Dental floss is recommended by dentists everywhere for its effectiveness and reliability, but many patients dislike the hassle and potential discomfort associated with threading floss through the tight spaces between their teeth. Some prefer to use an oral irrigator, commonly known as a waterpik, as an alternative to flossing. But how to choose a oral irrigator?

How does it work?

An irrigator is a functional device used to maintain oral hygiene. The cleaning takes place with the help of a powerful jet of water, which washes away food debris and light deposits from the interdental space. The irrigation process is painless and safe even for gums with increased sensitivity. The tooth cleaning machine is recommended to be used after thorough brushing with a toothbrush.

Varieties of Irrigators

All models of dental irrigation can be conditionally divided into three types according to the method of water supply: pulsed, single-jet and micro-bubble. Each of them has a different efficiency and functionality. We will discuss in more detail the types of irrigator for teeth:

Mono-jet irrigators use a continuous powerful stream of water to clean the oral cavity. This technology was used in the first devices and is now considered obsolete.

The pulsed type of irrigators also uses a powerful jet, but water is not supplied continuously, but with the help of frequent pulsations. This method is more effective than a regular mono jet.

Micro bubble technology (aerator). The liquid is supplied in a continuous stream, but saturated with bubbles using an additional air pump. Upon contact with the gums and teeth, the bubbles burst and help wash out the dirt.

According to the type of food, irrigators are also divided into portable and stationary. Portable irrigators have a built-in rechargeable battery or battery compartment. They are compact and suitable for long trips. Stationary irrigators are network-powered and large. If for road appliances the average tank capacity is 200 ml, then for stationary – 0.5-1 l.

How to choose an irrigator?

After knowing what kind of irrigator there are, how to choose the right device is the key. Without knowledge of technical specifications and average prices, it’s difficult to choose it. When buying a device, it is worth considering the principle of water supply, the method of supply, the number of additional nozzles and the ability to switch pressure. Here are the main selection criteria:

The principle of water supply. In comparison, microbubble models are considered the most effective, since they wash the dirt out of hard-to-reach places as gently as possible. Pulse irrigators cope well with plaque and pieces of food.

Type of food. Irrigators for teeth can be divided into stationary and portable. The first one is great for continuous use, as it has a large water tank and has increased power. They are powered by mains. Portable orrigators can be used in travel, because they are relatively light and compact. Such irrigators for teeth are powered by batteries or batteries.

Number of interchangeable nozzles. Included with any irrigator are several interchangeable tips. It can be a nozzle for cleaning the tongue, orthodontic systems, implants for washing the nose, etc