A dazzling and healthy smile catches everyone's attention and often becomes a reason for many compliments. It is the smile that "lights up" and brings life to each person's face. Therefore, it can be boldly said that it is desirable for anyone.
The foundation of a healthy smile is the use of tools like a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste in your daily routine. However, these basic instruments often cannot clean hard-to-reach places, especially the gumline and interdental spaces.
Fortunately, there is a solution for such cases. An irrigator is a device that ensures oral hygiene. Specifically, an oral irrigator is an electronic tool that uses water pressure pulsations to remove food debris, bacteria, and plaque. You will find irrigators of various brands, shapes, and sizes on pharmacy shelves. They differ from each other in quality and power. Therefore, it is important to know which option is right for you.
This blog will help you understand why using an irrigator is necessary, what types of devices exist, what criteria you should use to select one, what the irrigator price is, and where you can buy it.
It is important to know that including an irrigator in your daily routine is not just an added comfort but a step taken for the health of your gums and teeth. It serves various purposes.
Through high water pressure, the irrigator reaches places where a toothbrush and floss are powerless—for example, below the gumline and in the narrow spaces between teeth. The effective removal of plaque prevents the multiplication of bacteria, which reduces the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and bleeding. It is worth noting that many studies confirm the effectiveness of the oral irrigator.
An irrigator is especially necessary for those who have orthodontic constructions.
Braces – Food debris often gets stuck around braces. With a special orthodontic tip, the irrigator easily cleans wires and brackets. Furthermore, it prevents tooth decay.
Implants and Crowns – Plaque accumulates particularly easily around them. The water stream delicately and effectively cleans these zones without damaging the implant. It is also worth noting that using a periodontal tip makes it possible to clean subgingival spaces.
Bad breath (halitosis) is associated with great discomfort. The main cause of this is bacteria and plaque. An oral irrigator thoroughly breaks them down, ensuring fresh breath.
As already mentioned, using an irrigator plays one of the decisive roles in oral health. If you decide to purchase one, it is necessary to consider several criteria, especially its type and the irrigator price.
The main types of irrigators are stationary and portable. Both are distinguished by different characteristics. Stationary ones have a large water reservoir, various pressure levels, and power. They are ideal for families and people who need diverse functions. The downside of this type of irrigator is that it is large and not compact.
As for portable irrigators, they are convenient, do not require a cord, and are ideal even during travel. It can be said that they also have a certain downside—the small reservoir needs frequent refilling and they have less pressure.
When selecting the ideal oral irrigator for you, you should pay attention to several features:
Pressure Levels (PSI) – This indicates the power of the device. A good irrigator should offer at least 3-10 pressure levels. Keep in mind that if you have sensitive gums, it is necessary to use a low pressure level.
Pulsation Frequency – The higher the water pulsation frequency, the more effectively plaque is removed. For example, 1200-1400 pulses per minute.
Reservoir Capacity – Stationary models have more capacity than portable ones.
Nozzles – Check what types of nozzles are included in the set. Besides the standard one, you might need: an orthodontic nozzle (for braces); a periodontal nozzle (for gum corners); a plaque-seeking nozzle (for implants); and a tongue cleaner nozzle.
Irrigator Price – The irrigator price depends on its type and the number of functions. Keep in mind that purchasing this device is a kind of investment. In the long run, it saves you money on dentist visits.
For the oral irrigator to ensure perfect results, it is necessary to correctly follow the technique of its use.
The first stage is preparing the device. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water. Water at this temperature does not cause gum discomfort. If desired, you can add a little mouthwash.
An important step is setting the pressure. If you are a beginner, start with the lowest pressure level. Over time, when your gums get used to the water stream, you can gradually increase the pressure for maximum efficiency.
Finally, attach the appropriate nozzle and place it in the oral cavity. Turn on the irrigator, lean over the sink, and slightly close your lips. This prevents water splashes from spreading but, at the same time, ensures that the water flows into the sink. Direct the nozzle toward the gumline at a 90-degree angle.
Start irrigation from the back areas of the mouth and gradually move toward the front teeth. Hold the water stream on the inner and outer surfaces of each tooth, as well as the interdental space, with short pauses. Allow the water to pass between the teeth.
The duration of the procedure is an important issue. 1-2 minutes are required for a complete and effective cleaning.
Keep in mind that using an irrigator should become part of your routine. Use it after brushing your teeth. A toothbrush cleans the surface of the teeth, while an oral irrigator deeply cleans hard-to-reach places.
For your irrigator to serve you long and effectively, its proper care is necessary.
Regularly clean the water reservoir of scale. You can use a mixture of warm water and white vinegar (1:1). Turn on the irrigator to let the solution pass through the system, then rinse it with water.
It is noteworthy that nozzles wear out over time, which reduces pressure efficiency. This is why dentists recommend replacing them every 3-6 months, just like a toothbrush.
Also, periodically check if the hose is damaged. It is important not to break or fold it, as an incorrect pressure balance can cause wear and tear. Store the irrigator in a dry, ventilated place. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
As already mentioned, irrigators of various types, brands, and power are found on the market. It is important to buy them in a licensed pharmacy—this is the guarantee of quality.
Numerous oral irrigators are available in the GPC pharmacy chain. You can familiarize yourself with the relevant information regarding features, stock, and cost through the website. It is worth noting that various factors affect product prices, including quality, import costs, inflation, and others.
Keep in mind that if you want to buy an irrigator, GPC often treats customers with promotions and offers. Also, you will find professional pharmacists on-site who will guide you and introduce the information in detail.
It can be said that nowadays an irrigator is no longer a luxury item; it is an essential and inseparable part of oral hygiene. Its correct selection and use ensure a cleaning that cannot be achieved with an ordinary brush and floss. It is a particularly important device if you have braces, implants, and gum problems.
This device effectively removes plaque, bacteria, and food debris and restores health to your teeth. It is noteworthy that after its use, bad breath also disappears from the oral cavity.
Therefore, do not delay updating your oral routine. Irrigators are presented with a wide assortment on the GPC website. Take a step toward achieving a healthier and more effective smile.
