How to use an oral irrigator: rules and step-by-step instructions

How should I use an irrigator to clean my mouth? This question is of interest to everyone who has purchased this device and wants to achieve the maximum effect when cleaning the oral cavity with its help. You will read about how to use the irrigator correctly and safely, what fluids to fill in the tank, and how to care for the device in the article.

General rules

Before you start using the irrigator, you should remember a few universal rules for operating this device:

1. Choose a nozzle that suits you personally, taking into account the presence of additional structures in the oral cavity (braces, crowns), and also corresponds to the purpose of use chosen by you. The standard equipment of the stationary irrigator includes from 4 to 40 nozzles, portable - from 1 to 4. Separately, nozzles for plaque removal, tongue cleaning and nozzles that separate the teeth under braces. In addition to those that come in the kit, nozzles can always be bought. Therefore, the choice is unlimited.
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2. Daily dental hygiene. Even if you bought an irrigator, you should not forget about everyday hygiene. Brush and brush your teeth every day and before using the irrigator. The brush helps to clean the surface of the teeth from food debris, and the irrigator - to remove the remnants of plaque and to disinfect the oral cavity in hard to reach places (for example, the gap between the teeth). In addition, with it, the remains of toothpaste are washed off.
3. Best used irrigator in the evening, before bedtime. By the end of the day, a large amount of plaque accumulates on the teeth, which must be removed.
4. Doctors advise choosing devices that have the ability to regulate pressure on the surface of the teeth. In this case, you will be able to choose the optimal method of exposure for you.
5. Select the appropriate mode. Depending on the purpose of cleaning and type of teeth, you can choose an individual regime of cleansing. Sensitive teeth use gentle brushing. To tidy the gums, select the massage mode. The whitening and polishing mode will help to remove plaque.

1. Point the appliance correctly. Always direct the fluid from the irrigator at a right angle to the tooth being cleaned. This will prevent the flow of fluid onto the gums. Keep your head slightly tilted so that the fluid can flow freely out of your mouth.
2. Lift your tongue up before using it. This prevents the entry of fluid into the airways. If fluid enters the lungs, this can lead to the development of diseases.
3. Cleaning time should not exceed 15 minutes. For more time, useful minerals begin to be washed out of the teeth, which are responsible for their strength and health. In this case, one should not spend more than 5 minutes on one zone.
4. Each member of the family should have a separate nozzle for the irrigator. You can mark it with a special color marker. This is necessary in order to avoid the transmission of infections and harmful bacteria.
5. Change the brush every 3 months, just like a toothbrush. After long use, a large number of microorganisms that are not visible to the eye accumulate on the nozzle, which can provoke the development of infections inside the oral cavity.
6. It is not recommended to use an irrigator for preschool children. Since their teeth are still not strong enough, it can harm the enamel and destroy the dentin. Children from 6 years old can use the device under the supervision of adults. But for children, it is always necessary to use a gentle low-pressure irrigator mode.

Only with careful observance of all these rules will you be able to use the irrigator as efficiently as possible and without harm to the teeth.

Step-by-step instruction

As soon as you read the instructions for using the device and remember some general rules, you can try to brush your teeth with an irrigator. To do this, follow according to some consistent recommendations for using an irrigator:

1. First of all, remove food debris from the surface of the teeth. As already mentioned, for this it is better to use a toothbrush and toothpaste. In some cases, dental floss may be used. But in no case do not use dental floss at the same time as using an irrigator. It is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous for your gums.
2. Assemble the appliance. Connect the desired nozzle and water tank. If the tank is not fixed tight enough, water will gradually flow out. In some cases, the handle is also separately connected. Make sure that the nozzle is firmly attached to the device. To do this, turn it until it clicks.
3. Fill the tank with liquid approximately halfway. It should not be poured anymore, this may ruin the device. This recommendation is for appliances with an average volume of liquid. In other cases, the amount of liquid filled may vary, according to the instructions.
4. Connect the irrigator. Some devices work thanks to electricity, and in this case, you just need to plug the cord into a power outlet, others, more modern ones, connect to the water supply, and portable ones are equipped with batteries.
5. Adjust the usage mode. The pressure regulator should be located on the irrigator body or handle, but it is not available on some devices. These irrigators have a standard pressure setting.
6. Place the irrigator in your mouth and only then turn it on.
7. To avoid splashing liquid, squeeze your lips around the nozzle and bend over the sink.
8. Bring the device to your teeth, at an angle, keep it closer to the edge of the gums so as not to damage soft tissues. Do not press the nozzle close to the teeth, but keep it at a small distance (about 1-3 mm).
9. Carefully move the device in a circular motion according to the principle of brushing your teeth with a brush.

1. Start by treating the front teeth of the upper row. Then move the nozzle to the farthest teeth. Then go to the bottom row.
2. You clean not only your teeth, but also the gaps between them. To do this, hold the nozzle between the teeth for a few seconds.

1. Turn off the irrigator and only then pull it out of your mouth.
2. After the procedure, rinse your mouth well with clean water.
3. Wait until all liquid has drained from the tank and turn off the device - disconnect the irrigator from the mains or from the water supply.
4. If you need a break during use, you can pause the device using the button located on the handle and continue the procedure later. Do not leave the irrigator turned on if you leave somewhere, this can harm the mechanism of the device, and in the worst case, provoke a short circuit.

How often can I use?

The regularity of using the irrigator, first of all, depends on the purpose of the purchase of the device. You can use the irrigator for preventive oral hygiene or for therapeutic purposes. In the second case, before buying the device, you should always consult your dentist. He will help make a decision on the rationality of acquiring an irrigator, conduct a screening for contraindications and give tips on use that are suitable for this disease.

For preventive purposes, the irrigator should not be used more often than 2-3 times a week. In addition, the device can only be used once a day. At other times, it is better to use a mouthwash or a decoction of herbs for preventive oral hygiene.

Selection and use of fluids

Pay special attention to the liquid that you fill in the irrigator tank. If you pick it up incorrectly, this can lead to damage to the device and damage your teeth. The choice of liquid depends primarily on the purpose of use and the type of irrigator.

When choosing a fluid, you should pay attention to:

1. Compliance with Purpose. Irrigator fluids are divided into medicinal and those that are used for preventive purposes.

At the same time, therapeutic fluids can be intended for:

• tooth strengthening - fluorine that helps restore the enamel;
• the destruction of harmful microorganisms that destroy enamel and contribute to the development of various diseases;
• reduce bleeding gums - contain anti-inflammatory components;
• decrease in sensitivity;
• eliminate bad breath - created using various perfumes.

1. The absence of allergic reactions. Before buying, make sure that you are not allergic to fluid components. To do this, carefully read the composition.
2. The functionality of the device. Different types of irrigators require the use of different types of fluids. For some appliances, only water can be used.
3. The price of the solution. The price of liquid for oral hygiene can range from 30 to 240 rubles, depending on the destination and manufacturer.

When you choose rinsing agents as irrigation fluid, remember that many of them are too concentrated or foam very much, so you should use only a couple of drops for the specified amount of water, and rinse the tank thoroughly after application.

Short overview of popular irrigator fluids:

• Irix. Designed to eliminate bad breath, thanks to the menthol that is included. Prevents the development of caries, reduces bleeding e. It does not foam. It is a fairly concentrated product. It should be diluted with water 1 to 10.
• Albadent. Universal solution. It can be used both for treatment and for prevention. Strengthens tooth enamel and helps reduce sensitivity. Before use, it is necessary to mix with water in a ratio of 1 to 10.
• Terasol. Antimicrobial solution, aimed at the destruction of harmful bacteria.
• Donfil. It is also a universal tool. It contains only natural herbs. To create it, alcohol is not used, so it is harmless to children.
• Asepta. Helps to get rid of plaque and reduce inflammation. It fights well with tartar. Also, this tool is recommended for people who have various dental designs on their teeth.
• Professor Persin. Solution for preventive oral hygiene, including caries. Created on the basis of healing herbs.

The most versatile irrigator fluid is water. It suits absolutely all devices, has no contraindications and is practically free.

Water is useful and safe in all cases, but when using it, there may also be some nuances:

• Use only purified water. To do this, pass it through the filter or purchase a filtered one in advance. Small particles contained in untreated water can damage the parts of the device.
• Boil water. This is an extra precaution to help protect not only the irrigator parts, but also your teeth.
• Warm water to room temperature. Hot water can harm the device, and cold water causes negative sensations with sensitive teeth and does not give a sufficient cleansing effect.

Care Features

If you want the device you bought to last for many years, be especially careful about the recommendations for caring for it. This will help extend the operation for a longer period.

Fundamental rules:

• Immediately after purchase, even before use, it is recommended to pour warm water into the irrigator tank and pass it through the device. This will help prepare the device for future use.
• Once you have finished brushing your teeth with an irrigator, disconnect the nozzle and drain the remaining liquid.
• Wipe the appliance thoroughly with a towel so that it becomes completely dry.
• Hide the irrigator in a dry place. If the device is stored in a place with a high level of humidity (bathroom), then the parts quickly deteriorate and become unusable.
• Wash the appliance 1-2 times a month. If you use special solutions for treating the oral cavity, wash the irrigator 5-6 times more often. This is best done after each use of the solution.
• To clean the parts from dirt, you can use an old toothbrush.
• Rinse the irrigator, as with use, only with purified boiled water at room temperature.
• Clean the nozzles separately, first using a damp, and then a dry sponge.

• The nozzles must be stored in a special holder or in the nozzle storage compartment.
• When using an irrigator connected to a water supply system, sediment can accumulate in it, the amount of which depends on the hardness of the water. To remove it, use special fluids to clean irrigators.

How to use a stationary irrigator to clean the oral cavity is clearly shown by a professional dentist in this video:

In order for the use of the irrigator to be useful and the service life to be long, the recommendations for using the device must be carefully observed. First of all, you should choose the right nozzle and mode of use, but it is better to consult a dentist who will help you make a diagram of the use of the device for you personally.