Waterpik oral irrigator: why is it needed, benefits, types, rules of use

Where the toothbrush does not reach, the most convenient floss does not penetrate, the Waterpik irrigator will come to the rescue. Acting efficiently and gently, he not only removes mucus and food debris from the interdental space, but also improves blood circulation in the gums. The secret of its action is simple - the teeth are cleaned with water supplied under high pressure. Thanks to the impulse technology, trickles of water massage the gums and thoroughly clean hard-to-reach spots.

Basic structural elements

Any Waterpik irrigator model consists of three main elements:

• Mechanical part with pressure regulator.
• Water tank.
• Handle for nozzles.

Devices are stationary and portable. For each, a set of necessary nozzles has been developed: for natural or implanted teeth, for cleaning braces, tongue. Some have a soft silicone tip, others are made in the shape of a spoon or brush.

A doctor can choose a suitable nozzle, but more often patients independently compose a kit for daily hygiene, choosing nozzles according to their needs.

Who needs an irrigator

Dentists consider the Waterpik irrigator an indispensable device for all people. It will be good if the use of the device becomes an everyday evening procedure for each person, but there are several categories of patients who need the Waterpick irrigator. Among them:

• experiencing discomfort when flossing teeth (pain, irritation of the mucosa, bleeding);
• having an unpleasant odor, plaque in the oral cavity;
• holders of crowns, bridges or implanted teeth;
• bracket carriers.

The device will help to properly organize the care of teeth, gums, dentures, will get rid of the accumulation of bacteria.

Waterpeak during pregnancy

For expectant mothers, an irrigator can be a very valuable find. During pregnancy, women often suffer from tooth sensitivity, enamel softening and bleeding gums - all these are direct indications for using the device. Irrigator Waterpik can completely replace dental floss and sometimes toothbrush (if you purchase a suitable nozzle).

Manufacturers claim that the device is 94 percent more efficient than regular floss. It gently cleanses the oral cavity and the space between the teeth, without injuring the mucous membranes.

Contraindications

The use of the device, and even more so its independent appointment, is contraindicated:

• with heart diseases (you can clarify the possibility of use by an observing cardiologist);
• with exacerbation of chronic periodontitis;
• during rehabilitation after surgery in the oral cavity;
• with severe rosacea.

Brittle vessels are an absolute contraindication for intensive use of the irrigator. People with such a problem can brush their teeth and oral cavity using the device only in extreme cases and only with water under low pressure.

Criterias of choice

All Waterpik models are divided into 3 groups:

• stationary with the number of nozzles from 4 to 7 and with a different tank volume: from 0.45 to 1 thousand ml;
• two-speed portable - indispensable for travel;
• children’s.

Children's Waterpike is characterized by low noise and a small handle size designed for a child. It has a nice green tint and comes with fun removable stickers.

It is not difficult to choose a suitable Waterpeak model, but you should pay attention to such parameters:

• Available volume of water. For family use, it is better to take a Waterpeak with a volume of 1 liter, with an individual 450-650 ml is enough.
• Pressure range. The larger it is, the easier it is to choose a comfortable mode of operation.
• The list of nozzles.

If a nozzle breaks or fails, you can always buy one - the elements for Waterpik irrigators are sold separately.

Terms of use

The recommended regimen of use by dentists is once a day after an evening meal. Waterpik can only be used after standard oral cleaning: After using the paste and brush, rinse with clean water.

First of all, you need to prepare the device:

• Pour in water.
• Set the handle. A sign of proper installation is an easy click.
• Select pressure force. It is better to start with minimum values, gradually increasing the intensity of the impact - over time, the desired mode will be found.
• Turn on waterpeak.

The stream of water should be directed perpendicular to the gums, rinsing at a different angle will not give the expected result. To prevent water splashing during the procedure, it is better to cover your mouth a little. But the fluid should freely leave the oral cavity. It is important that no unpleasant sensations arise during cleaning: burning, pain. At the first pain, it is necessary to stop the process and change the regime to a more gentle one.

Note! The convenience of Waterpik irrigators is that each model has a button on the handle. With its help, you can temporarily interrupt the flow of water when cleaning your mouth.

The use of therapeutic compounds

Leading pharmacological companies produce preventive and therapeutic solutions that can be poured into an irrigator. They are divided into 3 main groups:

• drugs for professional use that are available only to dentists;
• special preparations: fluorine-containing, hypoallergenic, deodorizing, relieving inflammation;
• liquids for regular independent use.

All these compounds are designed to solve individual problems of patients. Many of them have contraindications (not allowed in childhood or during pregnancy), therefore, before purchasing a medical composition, you need to consult a dentist.

Filling of oil solutions leads to clogging and breakdown of the device, for the same reason the use of home remedies is not recommended: alcohol tinctures, decoctions with a suspension. If you use specially designed compounds, the irrigator can be used for many years, and without repair and unscheduled purchase of spare parts.

Advantages and disadvantages

The combination of a classic brush, floss and irrigator gives impressive results:

• the yellowish coating disappears;
• development of caries slows down;
• bad breath disappears.

Many users note a pleasant feeling of cleanliness in the mouth after introducing the Waterpeak irrigator personal hygiene products into the arsenal, as well as a quick recovery from sore throat, SARS.

Dentists also give positive feedback about the device, more and more often they recommend their patients to use an irrigator for daily oral care. Everyone will decide whether to buy a device or not, but objective data speak exclusively in favor of the device.