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An oral irrigator ensures thorough oral hygiene. This device is not an alternative but a significant complement to toothbrush-based hygiene, as it efficiently removes bacterial plaque from hard-to-reach areas.

Taking care of your teeth with minimal effort is something everyone needs. You’ll only dedicate a few minutes a day to oral hygiene. Here’s how to choose the right oral irrigator for you.

Choosing the Right Oral Irrigator: 5 Basic Rules

Selecting a suitable dental irrigator primarily depends on your specific needs. If you require a device for the entire family, a stationary irrigator is certainly suitable for this purpose. In cases where you travel frequently, a portable irrigator is the best solution.

However, exceptions may exist. If the bathroom space is insufficient for installing a fixed model, you’ll need to opt for a portable irrigator. Of course, you’ll have to refill the reservoir more often and periodically recharge the battery, but you won’t compromise on the quality of oral care.

Here are five basic rules to consider when choosing the right oral irrigator for your needs:

1. If you travel frequently or have limited bathroom space for a stationary irrigator, choose a portable irrigator. If you need a more powerful device with multiple cleaning modes and detachable heads that can be used by several family members, a fixed irrigator is the best choice.
2. If you have sensitive teeth, problematic gums, or if children will be using the irrigator, opt for models with adjustable power settings.
3. Ideally, the irrigator should have at least two cleaning modes: a basic pulsating jet mode for daily care and a spray mode for additional gum massage.
4. An important parameter for both types of irrigators is the number of pulses per minute. 1,200 is the minimum; models with 1,400 pulses or more are more effective.
5. The optimal liquid reservoir volume for a portable irrigator is 100 ml or more. 200 ml is sufficient for an individual stationary irrigator. If multiple people will be using the device, it’s best to choose a model with a reservoir of 600 ml or more.

Choose detachable heads that suit your needs

Detachable heads vary and serve different functions.

Standard heads consist of a tube through which water is pumped. There are standard detachable heads that are suitable for everyone. Specialized heads are available for cleaning orthodontic appliances, implants, tongue cleaning, and even nasal rinses.

A detachable head is intended for use by a single person and is a personal hygiene item. Therefore, if you decide to purchase a stationary dental irrigator for the entire family, the number of nozzles should be adapted to the number of people using the irrigator. You may not have enough heads and may need to purchase more. Stationary irrigators usually come with many nozzles since they are considered a family device. Portable irrigators are rarely equipped with more than two nozzles.

Tips and Recommendations

• If you need an oral irrigator for braces, dentures, or crowns, choose one with different cleaning modes suitable for varying levels of sensitivity.
• If you are purchasing an irrigator for a large family, choose from models with a large reservoir and the necessary number of detachable heads.
• In cases where children or adults with gum conditions will use the irrigator, the operation mode should be gentler. The lower the minimum power setting, the more comfortable the device will be. It is also important for the power to be continuously adjustable.

Oral irrigators are essential if you wear permanent braces. Daily use is recommended for everyone over 2 years of age. The only contraindication for using the device is the presence of significant oral mucosa damage (due to tooth extraction).