How does a dental irrigator work?

Those who have never used a dental irrigator may have multiple questions about its operation, as well as how it acts in the mouth. Throughout this guide, we will explain how a dental irrigator works and the steps you must follow to properly clean your teeth.

How the oral irrigator works. step by step guide

Once you have the irrigator in your hands, these are the steps you must follow to clean your teeth with the irrigator:

tabletop irrigator

A tabletop oral irrigator works with electrical energy, so they must be connected to the current.

When you want to use it, follow these steps:

1. Fill the water tank with lukewarm water.
2. Select the pressure level you want to use with the dial. We recommend starting with the lowest, and gradually increasing the pressure.
3. Place the nozzle on the handle, applying a little pressure.
4. Some benchtop irrigators have modes of use, which are selected by pressing a button usually located above the dial.
5. Lean slightly over the sink, and place the nozzle in your mouth.
6. Press the switch on the handle to start the irrigator.

portable irrigator

How to use a wireless dental irrigator? It is actually similar to a desktop model, with the difference that you have to charge the battery.

When it is at 100% (It usually takes about 4-5 hours to charge), follow these steps:

1. Fill the water tank; You can use the back hole or remove the reservoir (Not all cordless irrigators have removable reservoirs).
2. Press the ON button to turn on the irrigator.
3. With the MODE button select between the modes of use (they are usually 2-3, but there are irrigators with 5 power levels).
4. Attach the mouthpiece.
5. Stand over the sink.
6. Press the ON button again to start cleaning.

faucet irrigator

Tap irrigators are the easiest to use, as you will see in the following steps:

1. Install the filter that includes the irrigator in the faucet of the sink.
2. Connect the tubing from the irrigator to the filter.
3. Start the faucet so that water begins to come out, wait until it warms up a bit.
4. Clean the mouth.

How to use the irrigator to brush your teeth

Now that you know how to use the oral irrigator, what steps should you follow to brush your teeth and achieve optimal results?

1. Direct the jet towards the gums, so that the water penetrates the periodontal pockets.
2. More or less, clean each tooth for about 2 seconds (longer time will damage the tooth).
3. When you notice that you have too much water in your mouth, stop the irrigator and spit it out.
4. When you're done with the outside of the teeth, rotate the mouthpiece to continue working on the inside.
5. If you are going to clean the tongue, we advise you not to scrape it for more than 20 seconds.

How to use a dental irrigator is very simple, but requires some practice. Little by little, you will get used to it. If children are going to use it, it is advisable that the first few times there be an adult nearby, until they get used to using it.