Who is recommended to use a oral irrigator?

If you’re wondering who should use an oral irrigator, this article provides the answer. Over 50 scientific studies have demonstrated the positive impact of oral irrigators on oral hygiene. They are recommended for individuals who wish to maintain healthy gums after periodontal treatment, as well as for those with dental implants and those undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Who should consider the use of an oral irrigator?

An oral irrigator is an indispensable device for proper oral care. Therefore, it is recommended for two categories of persons.

The first category includes those for whom the irrigator aids in ensuring good oral care and reducing the risk of dental diseases.

For the second category, the oral irrigator is simply essential. This group comprises persons with braces and other orthodontic appliances, dental implants, problematic gums, as well as those experiencing dental sensitivity and enamel integrity issues.

Oral irrigators are highly recommended for persons with sensitive gums. Using dental floss can be difficult or impossible for people with sensitive and bleeding gums. Water is gentler on the gums and provides more effective cleaning compared to dental floss. This device not only cleans the gums but also gently massages them, increasing blood flow and promoting gum health.

On the other hand, due to the presence of implants, crowns, or ill-fitting fillings, some persons may be bothered by food particles getting stuck between their teeth. In such cases, a dental irrigator for orthodontic use is also highly useful for cleaning problematic areas.

For persons with gum disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the periodontium, the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, characterized by superficial gum inflammation when bacterial plaque is not removed through oral care. It can be identified by red, bleeding, and swollen gums, even if there is no pain. However, gingivitis can be easily cured when a person improves their at-home hygiene practices. If gingivitis is not well managed, it progresses to periodontitis, where the supporting bone gradually diminishes over the years, causing the teeth to become mobile and eventually fall out.

Regular use of a dental irrigator after tooth brushing has been shown to improve gum health at several levels:

• The oral irrigator removes bacterial plaque that remains between teeth and around the gums after brushing.
• It reduces gum bleeding.
• It effectively cleans periodontal pockets up to 6mm after a patient has undergone periodontal treatment.
• The irrigator reduces inflammation associated with periodontal disease in diabetic patients.
• Mouthwash can be added to the irrigation water to enhance its antibacterial effectiveness.

When a patient wears braces or orthodontic appliances, maintaining oral hygiene becomes more challenging because bacterial plaque easily accumulates between teeth and orthodontic components. Thorough cleaning is essential to remove bacterial plaque, and failure to maintain oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to serious issues, such as gum diseases and enamel decalcification, resulting in cavities.

It has been demonstrated that an oral irrigator improves oral hygiene for persons undergoing orthodontic treatment.

For persons with dental implants and other dental treatments

Dental implants are the best solution for replacing missing teeth. However, to ensure their longevity, regular cleaning is crucial. Poor implant care increases the risk of periodontal disease, which, in turn, may lead to implant failure.

Teeth with other treatments, such as crowns, bridges, or veneers, also require good oral hygiene to avoid cavities and gum diseases. Using an oral irrigator immediately after brushing can help maintain the health of these teeth by removing plaque and food debris from around and between them.

To select the right oral irrigator for you, visit our Product Catalog on our website.