An oral irrigator is a device that uses a pulsating jet of water to remove plaque and food debris between teeth and below the gumline and improve gum health.
Professional devices are more expensive, demanding better skills than consumer devices. Battery powered consumer devices are less powerful than mains powering. Too much power can feel painful, and sometimes damage the gums if too strong.
Beginners to home dental irrigation need to start on a lower power setting, since it may be too painful. A common mistake is turning the device on before the device is in the person’s mouth. Home users are usually recommended by the manufacturers to not use additives to the water. Many consumer posts on dental forums mention that noise of the equipment may be disturbing to a sleeping partner. These same non-seller forums mention the short life expectancy, poor performances and unreliability of some very easily available, well known brand name devices.
Aged and / or disabled persons may benefit since often another person may need to clean the client’s teeth every day, or after each meal.
It is often used by people with braces or other dental work like crowns, bridges, and implants. It is also used as an alternative to traditional dental floss. Also called a dental water jet or a water flosser.
It can also be used to remove ‘tonsil stones’ in Tonsilitis patients. Non dental uses exist for some consumers, such as cleaning jewelry.
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