Irrigator or electric toothbrush: which is better to choose? Which is better: an electric toothbrush or a water flosser? Which is better: irrigator or dental floss?

Currently, there are many personal hygiene devices that take care of the oral cavity. Irrigators are innovative, combining the functions of cleaning the mouth with a powerful jet of water and an electric toothbrush.

Features of selected models

The devices are a comprehensive oral care system that combines the properties of an irrigator, a toothbrush and dental floss.

The devices remove plaque in hard-to-reach places twice as efficiently as conventional irrigators.

Special multi-bubble technology ensures that water is saturated with small air bubbles that attack bacteria and microbes - the main causative agents of dental diseases.

The voluminous container holds a large amount of liquid, which is enough for the duration of the procedure.

Rubberized inserts on the body prevent the device from slipping out of your hand.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Irrigators with a toothbrush function have a large number of undeniable “advantages”:

• When cleaning the oral cavity, the devices provide a gentle massage to the gums, improve blood circulation and prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis.
• A special switch on the body of the irrigator allows you to choose the mode that suits you.
• The set includes a variety of standard and additional attachments for the care of implants, bridges, dentures and orthodontic structures.
• The case is made of durable plastic, which reliably protects the device from shock and damage in the event of a fall.
• Electric toothbrushes effectively remove plaque without damaging the enamel.

The “disadvantages” of irrigators include the following shortcomings:

• The devices cannot be connected to the water supply.
• Nozzles cannot rotate around their axis.
• The manufacturer did not provide the possibility of contactless charging.

What to look for when choosing

The right approach to choosing an irrigator will ensure the purchase of a high-quality and durable device for personal hygiene:

• Purchasing a device with an electric toothbrush will provide maximum oral care.
• You can take this compact and small device with you on a business trip or travel.
• The presence of an adjustable liquid supply will allow you to choose the optimal cleaning mode for your teeth and gums.
• An irrigator with a capacious battery will be able to work in places where there is no connection to the electrical network.
• The volumetric reservoir contains a sufficient amount of liquid for the procedure.

WaterPik WP-100 Ultra

This irrigator model, designed for high-quality oral hygiene, is recognized as the most successful. We present to you Waterpik WP 100 Ultra E2– the most compact stationary irrigator. The kit includes 7 nozzles and a ten-level system for adjusting the power of the pulsation of the water jet.

Thanks to silent operation and the variety of attachments and, of course, versatility, this irrigator model is perfect for the whole family. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail, so for today Waterpick 100 is the most functional and compact model not only in its series, but also in the entire line of irrigators.

Nozzles:

• Waterpik 100 has standard nozzles, which allow you to instantly clean plaque and food debris, penetrating into the most inaccessible places and interdental spaces, and massage the gums. (2 pcs.).
• One of the most useful and necessary attachments that is included in the kit Waterpick 100- This attachment for the hygienic care of dentures, bridges and implants. It allows you to spray an antibacterial solution or just water beyond the gingival margin, cleaning the periodontal pockets. (1 piece).
• Much needed mono-tuft brush head, which allows you to wash hard-to-reach areas and braces with a powerful jet. (1 piece)
• The nozzle with a nozzle for cleaning the tongue is made in the shape of a spoon, thanks to which the VP-100 irrigator effectively removes plaque and immediately washes it off. (1 piece).
• Periodontal attachment with a soft rubber tip of a cone shape. This allows you to accurately direct the stream of liquid without injuring the gums with the plastic part, which is indispensable for cleaning gum pockets and massaging the gums. (1 piece).
• Also irrigator Waterpick 100 equipped orthodontic attachment, which, thanks to the presence of a small brush at the end, allows you to effectively clean your braces. (1 piece).

Appearance of the device: fairly compact body, streamlined shape, nice design.

Long cord length will allow you to connect the irrigator to any outlet located in the bathroom. You can also use an extension cord. The volume of the liquid reservoir is enough for two people to clean the mouth as usual. If the irrigator is used by a family of 3-4 people, including children, you can refill the tank.

The irrigator consists of a main unit with a motor and power source, a liquid reservoir and a lid for it, in which all the nozzles are compactly stored.

Device activation button located on the lower left side of the device above the rotary pressure regulator, and not on the nozzle handle. This is important because you should not stop the operation of an electrical device with a button designed to briefly shut off the flow of water. This may cause motor damage. In what cases should you use the button on the handle shown in the photo above? Only for transferring the handle from the device itself to the oral cavity and back.

Adjusting fluid supply modes occurs using a gradient toggle switch in the lower left part of the device, and you can notice the numbering of modes. This is of practical importance for remembering an individual teeth cleaning regimen and in no way demonstrates superiority in the number of modes over other models. You can calibrate the scale up to 100 modes, but this will not change the standard power range of the device. When choosing a device, pay attention to the power rating in kiloPascals, and not to the number of modes.

Pros:

• 10-level liquid supply, which makes it possible to choose the most suitable and comfortable mode.
• The tank volume is 600 ml, into which you can fill not only ordinary and mineral water, but also special liquids and antibacterial solutions.
• Dust-tight compartment in the housing for storing attachments.
• Comfortable, ergonomic design.
• The quietest compressor.
• Handle with Pause button.
• Power cord length: 130cm.
• Jet mode.
• Tongue cleaner.
• Brush attachment.
• Container for nozzles.
• Availability of spare parts for it and the possibility of replacing them without disassembling the device.

Cons:

• Absent:
  • Connection to water supply.
  • Spray mode.
  • Contactless charging.
  • Nasal nozzle.
  • Automatic shutdown.
  • Bracket.
• Mains powered.
• The pause button keeps getting stuck.
• The capacity was enough when the braces were on one jaw, but it was enough for two jaws.
• There are nozzles dangling in the lid.
• Inability to mount to wall.
• Designed for a family of 1-2 people.
• Low quality plastic.
• Sometimes the water pause button on the handle gets stuck.

Review of this product in the video below:

Oral-B Professional Care OxyJet + 3000

Dental center Oral-B Professional Care OxyJet Center +3000 It is a complete oral care system for superior cleanliness.

Dental center combines electric toothbrush Oral-B and irrigator Oral-B ProfessionalCare OxyJet.

Removes up to 97% removes up to 2 times more plaque from hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity compared to a regular brush. Helps strengthen gums by preventing and treating gingivitis. Prevents the formation of tartar much better than a regular brush.

Irrigator Oral-B Professional Care OxyJet works according to a unique microbubble technology and differs from conventional irrigators in that it pumps up to 5% of air into the water flow, forming millions of stable microbubbles, which under pressure attack bacterial plaque, the main cause of dental diseases, washing away food debris between the teeth and from under the gums, while simultaneously massaging and strengthening the gums.

You can choose between 2 different functions of the irrigator – monojet and turboflow, moving the switch up and down on the nozzle.

Turbo flow (spiral shower)– turning on this mode, the mini-turbine built into the head of the nozzle is activated, which, spinning up to 8000 rpm, forms a spiral-shaped jet stream that easily penetrates under the edge of the gums, destroying bacteria, food debris, massaging the gums, and preventing periodontal diseases.

Monostream– a direct, directed jet stream attacks bacterial plaque, washing away food debris between teeth, around implants, crowns, bridges and orthodontic structures.

Smooth jet pressure regulator allows you to smoothly control the flow pressure for thorough cleaning of hard-to-reach areas and gentle care of sensitive areas of the oral cavity. Air filter for air purification, which is used to enrich water and form microbubbles.

Volume container holds 600 ml of liquid, which is sufficient for the irrigation procedure. It has a valve that prevents water from spilling out when removing the container from the body to fill with liquid. Container for storing 4 irrigator attachments.

Irrigator Automatically switches off after 10 minutes of operation, if you forgot to turn it off manually to prevent overheating.

Oral-B Professional Care Electric Toothbrush has a unique 3D technology: 40,000 pulsating motors/min, 8800 reciprocating motors/min.

Pressure sensor, when the brush is pressed firmly on the surface of the tooth, it automatically turns off the pulsating movements, thereby ensuring safe cleaning, preventing your teeth and gums from over-brushing.

Professional timer "Professional Timer" helps to cleanse the entire oral cavity evenly. Gives a signal in the form of short intermittent movements of the brush head every 30 seconds, prompting you to move on to brushing the next quadrant of the oral cavity, and long intermittent movements after 2 minutes, signaling that the minimum brushing time recommended by dentists has expired.

Oral-b Precision Clean– Compact round head wraps around every tooth for thorough cleaning of teeth, hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and along the gum line. Green bristles Flexi Soft when in contact with water, they bend, making teeth brushing soft and thorough, while simultaneously allowing deeper penetration of the blue tufts Interdental Tips between teeth, for effective cleaning of spaces.

Oral-B ProWhite attachment– contains, created with the support of dentists, a rubber polishing cup, which allows you to hold the toothpaste on the brush longer, making it much better to remove stains on the enamel from coffee, tea, and tobacco. Perfectly polishes the surface of teeth, making them smooth and shiny, like after a visit to the dentist.

Power Tip– specially designed for thorough cleaning between teeth, wide interdental spaces, crowns, bridges, implants, and orthopedic structures.

All three attachments have blue bristles Indicator, which allow you to control the time of use of the nozzle. With thorough cleaning 2 times a day for 2 minutes, within 3 months the blue bristles will discolor by half, which will indicate the need to replace the nozzle with a new one.

The variable speed control is specially designed for you to best suit your needs. By pressing and holding the on/off button. you can reduce 40,000 pulsating motors/min to 20,000 and 8,800 reciprocating to 5,600.

High speed is ideal for thoroughly cleaning your teeth and along the gum line. Use a lower speed to clean sensitive areas of the mouth Ergonomic handle with thumb rest for a comfortable grip and improved maneuverability of the brush in the mouth.

Rubberized, corrugated inserts, prevent the brush from slipping out during cleaning. The brush handle is completely sealed and designed for use in the bathroom.

It takes 16 hours to fully charge the battery. The total battery life without recharging is 14 days, which, when cleaning 2 times a day for 2 minutes, corresponds to 45-50 minutes. The battery charge indicator shows when the brush is fully charged and reflects the charging process.

Pros:

• Microbubble cleansing: Pressurized water and air create microbubbles that destroy plaque bacteria.
• 4 Oxyjet nozzles.
• Thanks to the elimination of staining, teeth become whiter after just 2 weeks of use.
• A visual pressure sensor lights up if excessive pressure is applied to the tooth during brushing, thereby protecting the gum tissue from damage.
• The brush head cups each tooth to achieve 3D cleansing.
• 3 modes: Daily brushing, Sensitive teeth, Polishing.
• 6 interchangeable attachments: Floss Action, 3D White, Sensitive, Toothpick attachment. Nozzle for interdental spaces, Nozzle for cleaning tongue.
• Battery operation.
• Head movement frequency (movements/min) 8800.
• Pulsating movement of the head.
• Frequency of pulsating movements of the head (movements/min) 40000.
• Modes: spray, jet.
• Compartment for storing brushes.
• Type: dental center.
• Smooth adjustment of jet pressure.
• Timer.
• Automatic shutdown.

Cons:

• Absent:
  • Connection to water supply.
  • Contactless charging.
  • Nasal nozzle.
  • Periodontal attachment (for gums).
  • Orthodontic attachment (for braces).
  • Nozzle for cleaning implants and crowns.
  • Bracket.
• No 360 degree rotation of the nozzle.
• The irrigator jet is weak.
• The irrigator is very light and does not cause reliability.
• The on/off switch on it sometimes gets stuck.

Video review of the irrigator in the video below:

Jetpik JP200 Ultra

Combines the cleansing effect of dental floss (smart floss), water and air. The function of a sonic toothbrush has been added to the irrigator. Easy to use, very efficient and time saving. Healthy gums and clean teeth in just 7 days. Clinically proven that irrigator JETPIK JP200-Ultra removes up to 99% of dental plaque. Innovative combination of water pressure and pulsating floss systems(20-25 vibrations per second) removes food debris deeper and faster, between teeth and below the gum line, in hard-to-reach areas around braces, between dental implants and crowns. Smart floss pulsating under water pressure– the system creates additional friction force. It has been laboratory proven that JETPIK JP200-Ultra 240% more effective at removing plaque and biofilm than conventional water irrigators. Effective, safe and easy to use. Ideal for those with implants, crowns, braces, bridges, periodontal pockets. The JETPIK JP200-Ultra irrigator is portable and compact - no larger in size than an electric toothbrush, thanks to the built-in lithium battery charges like a mobile phone via a basic charger or USB connector. Not only water, but also medicinal solutions can be used as an irrigation liquid. Convenient special irrigator glass JETPIK JP200-Ultra or any container will work as a reservoir, thanks to the portable silicone clip JETPIK, which comes with the set. Also included is a unique disinfectant to kill bacteria on the toothbrush and brush heads (UV sanitizer).

The electric sonic toothbrush is made of high-strength nylon. Bristles reach 20,000 vibrations per minute, and thanks to this, complete cleansing of the oral cavity from dirt and food debris is achieved.

Glass with water supply function– will not take up much space in your bathroom and will fit perfectly into the interior. At the bottom of the glass there is a secret bottom in which a special miniature hose is stored, with the help of which water is supplied to the irrigator. In addition, when using a special lid, you can store the necessary accessories of all family members in a glass.

UV sanitizer will ensure maximum cleanliness of your toothbrushes. Treatment is carried out with UV rays at a wavelength of 254 nm. The device runs on a basic charger and is automatically turned off by a timer.

The tongue cleaner will comfortably and gently cleanse the tongue of germs and improve the sensitivity of taste buds.

Pros:

• Nozzles – 3 pcs.
• Floss cartridges – 10 pcs.
• Brushes – 2 pcs.
• Tongue cleaner – 1 pc.
• Glass with water supply function – 1 pc.
• UV sanitizer – 1 pc.
• Hose with Travel clip – 1 pc.
• Charger – 1 pc.
• USB and AC adapter – 1 pc.
• Plastic box – 1 pc.
• Max. Jet pressure: 550 kPa.
• Min. jet pressure (kPa): 200 kPa.
• Power supply: from the battery.
• Country Manufacturer: USA.
• Type: dental center.
• Compact.
• For children and adults.
• The operating principle is pulsed.
• Jet mode.
• Stepwise adjustment of jet pressure.
• Brush attachment.

Cons:

• Absent:
  • Connection to water supply.
  • Spray mode.
  • Contactless charging.
  • Tongue cleaner.
  • Nasal nozzle.
  • Periodontal attachment (for gums).
  • Orthodontic attachment (for braces).
  • Nozzle for cleaning implants and crowns.
  • Automatic shutdown.
  • Bracket.
• No 360 degree rotation of the nozzle.
• Small battery.
• High cost.
• The charging indicator does not show the charging process.
• Low vibration speed of the sonic brush.
• No timer.

Review of this model in the video below:

Jetpik JP200 Travel

Unique device - irrigator JETPIK JP200-Travel – embodied not only the cleansing effect of air and water, but also of dental floss. In addition, the model JP200-Travel– first in the product line JP200 – combining an irrigator with an electric sonic toothbrush. Now, thanks to this invention, you don’t have to use additional devices such as brushes or tongue scrapers, because everything is in one device!

Irrigator JETPIK JP200-Travel carries out a complete cleansing of the oral cavity, removes bacteria and germs, has a preventive effect against caries, gingivitis and periodontitis. Technology smart floss system JETPIK copes much more effectively with plaque than conventional irrigators. The device is recommended for use both for preventive oral care and for cleaning orthodontic structures from dirt.

Thanks to the compact plastic case, storing and transporting the irrigator has become much easier. A special switch located on the handle of the device will allow you to select the power level that suits you.

Included in the package electric sonic brush head, it is made of high-strength material DUPONT nylon and effectively fights dental and pigment plaque. The vibration frequency of the bristles reaches 20,000 vibrations per minute.

Tongue cleaner promotes complete cleansing of the oral cavity from accumulated microbes. Thanks to its unique structure, it easily reaches the root of the tongue without causing a gag reflex.

Floss cartridge enhances the effect of irrigation thanks to the built-in dental floss. The kit includes 2 additional capsules.

The device is powered by a battery, which can be charged either from the mains via an AC adapter or via USB connector.

Spray mode.

Tongue cleaner.

Nasal nozzle.

Periodontal attachment (for gums).

Orthodontic attachment (for braces).

Nozzle for cleaning implants and crowns.

Automatic shutdown.

Bracket.

No 360 degree rotation of the nozzle.

Video presentation of this device in the video below:

Conclusions

Let's briefly talk about these models of irrigators with a toothbrush:

• Device WaterPik WP-100 Ultra has a large number of nozzles and operating modes, making the device convenient to use for all family members.
• Apparatus Oral-B Professional Care OxyJet + 3000 automatically switches off 10 minutes after use to avoid overheating and damage.
• The Jetpik JP200 Ultra irrigator is equipped with a UV sanitizer that treats the nozzles with ultraviolet rays.
• Device Tongue Cleaner Jetpik JP200 Travel provides effective cleansing of soft tissues of the mouth from accumulated bacteria and germs.

Irrigators with toothbrushes are the most optimal device that combines the functions of various systems and methods of cleaning the oral cavity.

The main means of caring for the oral cavity is a brush. However, there are other tools that allow you to clean your mouth, teeth, interdental spaces, gums and tongue more thoroughly.

How to properly use floss to clean between teeth

Such tools include a special thread and.

There is an opinion that an irrigator is like a brush, but allows you to clean your mouth more thoroughly.

Ultrasonic brush Emmi-Dent 6 Professional

Indeed, this device, which is a personal hygiene tool, helps to care for the oral cavity. However, is it possible to replace one device with another? Let's figure out what this device is intended for and how it differs from an electric brush.

Is a portable irrigator a substitute for an electric toothbrush?

The irrigator does not replace an electric toothbrush. These devices have completely different purposes, but they can complement each other and effectively keep teeth and gums healthy.

An irrigator is not a substitute for regular teeth brushing.

What is better to buy - a travel waterpik or an electric toothbrush?

It all depends on the purpose of the purchase. If this is a more thorough cleaning of teeth in hard-to-reach places, in the interdental spaces, gentle but effective cleaning of dentures and bridges, you can give preference to an irrigator. However, it should be used only after brushing your teeth as usual, no matter with a regular or electric brush.

If the purpose of the purchase is to more thoroughly clean the enamel surface, in this case there is no need to resort to using an irrigator.

An electric brush will do a better job of this. There are enough models on the market to choose the right one in terms of functions and price.

The same can be said about all devices designed to clean the oral cavity.

Little Doctor LD-A8

Let's compare these two oral care devices.

The purpose of a toothbrush, its functions

With the advent of electric brushes, the cleaning process has become much faster, more effective and even more enjoyable. The device has several modes, and their number may vary for different models. Often, electrical devices have a timer, which makes it convenient to control the duration of the procedure.

The mechanism that rotates the head along a certain trajectory is designed so that these movements carefully clean the enamel and do not damage the gums.

The head rotates at a speed of 5,000 to 30,000 rpm. At this speed, cleaning takes no more than three minutes. In addition, the rotating head easily reaches hard-to-reach places where brushing your teeth is not always convenient.

Periodontal attachment

Some instruments have a special sensor that monitors pressure on the gums, thereby preventing injury to them.

Dentists advise regularly changing the attachments of the device, then the tool will only bring benefits. The frequency here is the same as for a standard brush - at least once every three months.

Replaceable nozzles, varieties

The main advantage of an electric tool is a more thorough cleaning of teeth than with classical brushing. The device has virtually no disadvantages: if you use it correctly, change attachments on time, store it correctly and use it only for its intended purpose.

However, when choosing an electric brush and replacement heads, you should take into account the condition of the gums and tooth enamel in order to avoid injury and micro scratches.

The purpose of the irrigator, its functions

An irrigator is a device that helps keep your mouth clean, especially necessary for gum disease.

ORAL-B BRAUN Professional Care/MD20

The main purpose of this device is to systematically clean teeth from plaque and clean the spaces between teeth, especially in hard-to-reach places where a regular or sometimes an electric brush cannot reach.

The principle of operation of the irrigator is simple: a jet of water under pressure acts on certain areas of the gums and interdental space.

Jetpik JP50 Travel

Regular brushing removes plaque and food particles from the surface of the tooth. The interdental spaces remain largely intact. However, this is where microorganisms accumulate, which can subsequently lead to inflammatory diseases or caries. The irrigator is used to clean such hard-to-reach places. Using a jet of water, the gaps are carefully cleaned, plaque and particles of stuck food are removed.

The device also greatly simplifies the process of caring for dentures, bridges, and braces. According to dentists, regular use of an irrigator prevents caries and significantly strengthens gums.

However, this device will not replace regular cleaning; it is not intended to remove plaque from the outer surface of the teeth.

According to dental rules for brushing teeth, the duration of the procedure should be at least 4-5 minutes. The brush must be changed every 3 months, not a day later. It is permissible to massage the teeth and gums only with sweeping movements. It is quite difficult to imagine meeting these conditions 100% using a mechanical brush. It is for this reason that an electric brush was invented a couple of decades ago, which reduces the cleaning time by 2 times due to the large number of revolutions - it literally sweeps away plaque in seconds. But technology does not stop moving - over the last 5 years, the oral irrigator has gained great popularity. Why is a waterpik better than an electric toothbrush?

What is an irrigator?

An irrigator is a device for maintaining cleanliness at a high level, used both for home and professional purposes. The cleaning process involves delivering a stream of water or a special product under powerful pressure created by a compressor. With the help of this pressure, the interdental spaces, the surface of the tongue, and the back of the walls of the teeth are cleaned.
The device has several modes: spraying, like a shower, pulsing (massage the gums), constant flow.

The irrigator has the following actions.

• Prevention of caries formations.
• Preventing unpleasant odor in the mouth.
• An alternative during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• The only cleaning method if you have crowns and braces.
• The presence of regular bacterial or viral diseases.
• For severe tooth sensitivity or pain.

Cons of the irrigator

• Can be used no more than three times a week.
• Requires painstaking care of the device itself.
• Not a replacement for daily cleaning.

Cons of an electric toothbrush

• May loosen teeth.
• Provokes separation of enamel from the gums.
• Increases sensitivity.
• Increases the chance of caries.
• The duration of the procedure is at least 10 minutes.

You cannot replace brushing with an irrigator. It is only an additional feature that gets rid of food residues in hard-to-reach places.

Which is better: an electric toothbrush or a water flosser?

The choice depends on the goal to be achieved. Single use of an irrigator can cause irreparable harm to the human body. Similarly, too frequent use of electric brushes can destroy even completely healthy teeth.

Irrigator research results

• Regular oral brushing reduces the risk of plaque by 25%.
• Reading efficiency increases by 52%.
• Caries damage is minimized to 30%.
• Prevents bad breath by 35%.

Clinical trials using electric brushes

• Freshens breath for an average of 2-3 hours.
• Reduces cleaning time by 55%.
• Helps save dental hygiene products by 94%.
• Reduces the number of bacteria on the enamel surface by 34%.

So it is advisable to have both an electric toothbrush and a water flosser for use 2-3 times a week.

TOP 3 electric brushes

It is necessary to pay attention to the type of nutrition and types of rotations. Combined options are preferable, with the ability to work both from the mains and from batteries with reciprocating and pulsating movements. Recommended brushes according to users and marketers in 2018.

Oral-B Pro 750 CrossAction

One of the most popular models in terms of price and quality.
One teeth cleaning mode, one free nozzle, high cleaning performance, long battery life.

Approximate cost 2500-3000 rub.

CS Medica CS-233-uv

Ultrasonic toothbrush with advanced capabilities. Whitening, massage, disinfection.

The set includes 4 additional attachments, three operating modes, a stand for attachments and a brush, and long battery life up to 30 days.

The price varies from 3500 rub. up to 4000 rub.

Philips Sonicare CleanCare+

Self-sufficient device for cleaning the oral cavity. A unique attachment increases the effectiveness of reading several times.

Convenient to use, holds a charge for a long time, has a timer, a small but clear screen, a large number of revolutions per minute.

Price: 3000-3300 rub.

You can use any brand of irrigator: AQUAJET, Donfeel, Oral-B, Philips, WaterPik. You can also buy an irrigator on Aliexpress (average price - 2500 rubles); according to reviews, FLOSSER () is considered a good device.

Experienced dentists recommend paying great attention to the health of your own teeth. Visit a doctor once every six months and conscientiously undergo dental care procedures in a special clinic. At home, do not limit yourself to the minimum set in the form of an ordinary brush. It is advisable to have in your arsenal a irrigator and one electric toothbrush with several attachments for the whole family. In this way, the teeth, oral cavity, and tongue will delight with freshness, a radiant white color and the absence of excessive sensitivity. A beautiful smile is the key to success in your professional and personal life; you shouldn’t try to save money on it.

Comprehensive oral care includes not only daily use of a toothbrush, but also regular removal of food debris, plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach places. The ideal option is to perform similar procedures every time after eating. Irrigators do an excellent job of this task, creating a powerful stream of water that cleans all “inconvenient” places.

Personally, realizing that oral hygiene is sacred, I do not always adhere to such thoroughness in recommendations. Or rather, I don’t adhere to it at all - I brush my teeth twice a day and think that I’m already doing great. However, the birth of children and the associated dental problems made me think about expanding my arsenal of oral hygiene products and purchasing an irrigator.

While choosing an irrigator, I realized that brushing teeth is a whole science. Electric toothbrushes, flosses, irrigators and brushes are components of a single system of therapeutic and preventive actions. As a practical person, I became interested in the interchangeability of these things. Is an oral irrigator a substitute for a toothbrush or floss? And, if so, which models do it better?

Irrigator vs toothbrush

Initially, I was thinking about buying a Braun irrigator from these for myself and my husband. However, a dilemma arose: should I buy only the device or as part of a dental center with brushes? When asked whether an oral irrigator replaces a toothbrush, experts give a clear answer. Not even the most innovative device is capable of performing the job of bristles efficiently. The irrigator removes fresh food debris and pathogenic bacteria. Pigmented plaque, its harder layer, can only be removed with a toothbrush. Therefore, large manufacturers offer to purchase an irrigator as part of a dental center, which additionally includes an electric toothbrush.

Irrigator vs dental floss

If everything is clear with the question of whether the irrigator replaces a toothbrush, then judgments about the replacement of dental floss by the operation of the device are not always clear.

Dental floss or floss is a means of cleaning interdental spaces. It is recommended to use it every time after a meal or at least once a day.

Dental floss can vary in thickness, shape, and the presence of processing and impregnation. Based on the location of the fibers, they are divided into:

• Twisted;
• Flat;
• Round.

Depending on the treatment, floss can be:

• Waxed;
• With additional impregnation (propolis, fluoride compounds).

The disadvantages of dental floss include its risk of injury and the inability to penetrate some hard-to-reach places - areas of the cervical part of the tooth, under orthodontic structures. The irrigator successfully copes with this task, and also causes less damage to the enamel and mucous membranes. So preference is given to irrigators.

However, when considering whether an irrigator replaces dental floss, Dentists recommend remembering the frequency of brushing. If you are unable to carry a portable device with you and use it after every meal, it is better to resort to flossing.

Let's summarize...

As far as I understand, the irrigator is not an absolutely universal remedy. In combination with a toothbrush and floss, it is interpreted as an integral component of the system for maintaining the condition of the oral cavity at the proper level. A toothbrush is the basis that nothing can replace. Dental floss is a convenient and simple way to quickly remove food debris. Its proper use will help to promptly remove the breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. The irrigator will help to clean special places that are inaccessible to a brush and thread.

In addition, do not forget about regular visits to the dentist and professional cleaning, which should be carried out every six months.

Marina Oleynik

Among oral care products, the most advanced are considered to be an oral irrigator and an ultrasonic toothbrush. Both devices are designed to effectively remove plaque and food debris in the most inaccessible places. However, everyone who is interested in maintaining the health of their teeth and gums is puzzled by the question - ultrasonic dental or irrigator - which is better? Comparing the pros and cons of both devices will help you understand this.

Which is preferable: an irrigator or an ultrasonic toothbrush?

Advantages and disadvantages of brushes

The main advantage of an ultrasonic brush lies in the properties of ultrasonic waves to act on plaque accumulations. Due to the fact that the wave penetrates 4 mm deep from the point of contact of the bristles with the teeth, it can destroy the connection of the plaque with the surface of the tooth in places where a manual brush cannot. At the same time, the bristles moving at great speed sweep the dirt away.

The disadvantages of the brush lie in the attached list of limitations:

presence of a pacemaker

pregnancy

inflammatory processes in the gums (periodontitis, gingivitis, periodontitis)

presence of fillings, crowns, bridges

Pros and cons of an irrigator

The exceptional ability of the irrigator to cope with dental plaque has been proven by many tests. Its advantages are as follows:

The irrigator has an extremely gentle effect on the gum tissue, especially when used with minimal pressure of the water jet.

To increase efficiency and achieve additional results, irrigation can be carried out with the addition of mouth rinse. This method is extremely effective in treating gum diseases.

The irrigator has no contraindications for pregnant women, the elderly and children. For the latter, a children's model has been developed.

Still, it is worth remembering that the irrigator itself does not replace a toothbrush and serves as an addition to care. The same is true for treatment - irrigation can be prescribed as part of complex therapy and as a preventative measure.

Where to buy and how to choose?

To correctly choose the most suitable device, you can read the reviews of dentists on specialized forums and look at the current review. For example, the Philips Sonicare ultrasonic toothbrush takes first place in many ratings this year.

But even these lines offer a variety of options and modifications, so it’s a good idea to consult a dentist before purchasing. He will tell you which functions of a brush or irrigator are necessary, and which ones you can safely discard.