How to use a Dental Irrigator?

In order to enjoy a healthy mouth, daily dental hygiene is essential. However, daily brushing is not enough, since a conventional toothbrush barely removes 40% of dirt.

A irrigator guarantees 99.9% cleaning more effective, as well as a greater feeling of freshness. But how should you use your dental irrigator to get a good result?

Dental irrigator use guide

With this guide you will discover the correct procedure to follow each time you said to use the dental irrigator and everything about its use:

Step 1 – Connect or charge the irrigator

The first thing after taking it out of the box is connect the irrigator to an electrical power sourcein the case of a desktop model, or charge it for about 4-5 hours if it is a cordless irrigator.

Faucet irrigators do not need to be charged, you will only have to install the filter in the faucet to be able to connect the tube.

Step 2 – Fill the deposit

Fill the deposit using warm water. The reason? Pressurized water can be very annoying, if cold or hot water is used it can produce a very unpleasant sensation during cleaning.

Step 3 – Choose the nozzle

Depending on the model, you will find different types of nozzles that you can use during cleaning:

• Standard: It is used to clean the teeth and remove food debris between the teeth.
• Pick pocket: It is used for gum care after periodontal treatment. Due to its design, it helps to better reach the gums, periodontal pockets or around implants.
• Orthodontic: It is specially designed to clean between the metal filaments of the dental appliance or brackets, thanks to its filaments at the tip.
• Plate: At the tip they have three tufts of bristles that help gently remove plaque around implants, bridges or crowns.
• periodontals: It shoots a jet through its rubber tip that helps clean the affected area, avoiding damaging sensitive areas of the mouth.
• Oxyjet: These are exclusive to Oral-B brand, projecting microbubbles that improve cleaning while reducing the feeling of discomfort. It also serves to massage the gums.
• Language: It has a flat shape and is used to remove the white spot from the tongue, removing all the toxins and germs from it.

To fit the mouthpiece you have to exert slight pressure on the handle until you hear a "click".

Step 4 – Remove the air from the irrigator tubes

This step is very important, and essential so that when using the irrigator it works correctly: Select the maximum pressure level and press the button on the irrigator to remove air from the tubes.

Otherwise, the first time you use it, even if you have selected the lowest level, the jet pressure may be very strong.

Step 5 – Get into position

Finally, we start with the actual process of how to use the dental flosser: lean over the sinkto prevent the stream or splash from hitting the floor, and place the irrigator tip down in your mouth.

Step 6 – Select the pressure level

In the case of desktop irrigators, you can choose the level by turning a wheel. In the wireless models, you will have to press a button choosing from level 1 to 5.

Step 7 – Choose the mode of use

This step is similar to the previous one; Tabletop irrigators have a wheel to choose which mode to use. Instead, portable irrigators have a second button (in the smaller models it is the same power button) to choose between three modes.

Step 8 – Turn on the irrigator

Press the ON button or, if applicable, the power button to start the irrigator.

Step 9 – Perform the cleaning

You already know how to start the dental irrigator, but how do you use it? The correct way to use it is follow the gum line.

In other words, direct the jet of water along the line that the gums draw on the tooth, covering the upper part of the tooth, the base of the gum, and all the interdental spaces.

More or less, the jet should come into contact with each tooth for approximately 2 seconds. After finishing with the external part, stop the irrigator and rotate the nozzleto begin with the internal part.

Step 10 – Turn off the irrigator and empty the reservoir

Now you know how to use an oral irrigator, but there is something you should never forget: Turn it off and empty the tank after each use.

Leaving water in the tank could generate germs and toxins, which could contaminate the container and reduce the effectiveness of the device.

Steps and tips for using a dental irrigator

The use of a dental irrigator is quite simple, as you will have been able to verify in the previous point.

Including it in your daily oral hygiene routine can benefit you, but keep some details in mind:

• The irrigator is not a substitute for the toothbrush: In other words, using an irrigator doesn't mean you stop brushing your teeth. You should always use it after brushing, so that it is more effective.
• Never abuse the irrigator: Experts recommend do not use the irrigator for more than 5 minutes every 2 hoursto prevent them from damaging the teeth.
• Detection of wounds or canker sores: If you feel you have a sore or sore in your mouth or tongue, you should not use an irrigatorsince the jet could damage you or enlarge the wound.
• Irrigator Maintenance: After each use it is recommended clean the tank to avoid the appearance of bacteriaas well as clean and store the mouthpiece in its compartment, to prevent it from being exposed to the air and being contaminated. In some models, such as the waterpik irrigatorsThey have a small compartment in the lid to store the heads and keep them protected.
• Use of dental floss: If you are going to floss, always do so. after using the irrigatorso it will be easier to remove the remains of food that have been trapped between the teeth.
• Cleaning the dental irrigator: After using the dental irrigator you should empty and clean the tank, but what about cleaning the device? This should be done at least twice a month.