Daily care of your teeth and gums is essential. Clinical evidence shows that simply brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough for effective oral hygiene, especially for cleaning between teeth and along the gumline. Even after thorough brushing with a manual or electric toothbrush, there are areas where food particles and bacterial plaque remain. Flossing alongside brushing is helpful, but if you want truly detailed oral hygiene, you should consider using an oral irrigator.
Oral irrigators are ideal for people with dental implants, crowns, bridges, or braces, for those with periodontal disease, and for anyone who wants healthy teeth and an attractive smile.
How to Use an Oral Irrigator
To clean effectively and safely with an oral irrigator, follow these basic rules:
- Use mouthwash after your regular brushing routine.
- Position the irrigator tip to allow free flow of liquid into your mouth.
- Use only distilled water or special oral rinse solutions. Tap water is often of insufficient quality and may damage the device.
- Do not use an oral irrigator if you have acute periodontitis.
- Avoid using an oral irrigator on the first day after dental implants or prosthetic procedures.
- Patients with chronic cardiovascular conditions should consult their doctor before using an oral irrigator.
How to Choose an Oral Irrigator
Depending on your needs, there are two main types of oral irrigators: portable and stationary. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.
A portable irrigator is especially useful for travel and can be used at work if needed. However, its water reservoir, power, and operating time are smaller than a stationary device.
A stationary irrigator provides maximum power during use and has a much larger water reservoir. It is more expensive compared to a portable irrigator.
Oral irrigators may include one or more types of tips in the basic set, which can also be purchased separately:
- Standard tip – suitable for cleaning healthy teeth and gums.
- Orthodontic tip – for cleaning around braces.
- Periodontal tip – a thin, soft rubber tip to direct water flow along the gumline into periodontal pockets. Should not be used at full pressure.
- Implant/crown/bridge tip – has three bristle strands at the tip to remove plaque.
- Tongue cleaner tip – a brush that removes coating from the tongue and cheeks, helping to eliminate the cause of bad breath.
Optimal Care for Teeth and Gums
Proper dental care depends not only on maintaining your cleaning routine but also on choosing the right devices and products. The minimum recommended brushing frequency is twice a day. The type of toothbrush affects the duration of cleaning. Manual brushing should take at least 3–4 minutes, while electric toothbrushes can reduce this time by half. Toothbrushes with special surfaces for the tongue and using mouthwash enhance the antibacterial effect.
Dental floss also helps remove food particles and reduce plaque. Unlike brushing, floss should only be used once daily to avoid gum irritation. Using mouthwash increases oral cleanliness and keeps your breath fresh for a period of time.
