The oral irrigator is a device consisting of a small water tank and a nozzle or cannula (similar to those found in dental clinics) that generates a pulsating jet of pressurized water. Thanks to the pressurized water, the oral irrigator manages to reach the most difficult to reach areas of the mouth, gently drag food debris between teeth and gums, and remove plaque.

In addition, the oral irrigator also gently massages the gums, activating them and improving their appearance. There are three main types of irrigators:

• Domestic irrigators for the bathroom. With the possibility of having several nozzles of different colors, if there is more than one person at home, each one hygienically has its own, with a large water tank (0.3/ 1 liter).
• Portable irrigators for travel or office use. The size of the tank is smaller (0.130/0.200 liters), which requires a more significant number of refills, the number of nozzles is smaller, and the water pressure is usually not as good as in the previous ones.
• Irrigators with an electric toothbrush. First, we brush the teeth with the electric toothbrush, then remove the last remains thanks to the irrigator (about 2 minutes). After that, the capacity of the reservoir and the availability of nozzles is sufficient.

When you are looking to buy a dental irrigator, you should pay particular attention to its technical characteristics, for example:

Impulses per minute. This indicates the power with which the water comes out, although the output intensity can generally be regulated. For example, to remove the most encrusted and resistant dirt, we need a minimum of 1,200 to 1,400 pulses per minute.

Types of water output. The intensity of the water output can be regulated using:

• Continuous jet. An individual and constant spray are emitted.
• It launches small discontinuous jets to remove particularly encrusted residues.
• Regulating rings. These are usually only available in the most sophisticated models and allow you to control the intensity of the water supply.

Once you have a dental irrigator, it is time to use it. You should read the manufacturer’s instructions, since depending on the device’s technology, you will be able to do more or fewer actions.

Once you are clear on how the oral irrigator works, it is time to start using it. Follow the steps below:

1. Perform tooth brushing first. Remember to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
2. Remove food debris and bacteria from the interdental spaces and under the gum line with dental floss. You can also use interproximal brushes if necessary.
3. Select the correct mouthpiece. Irrigation nozzles, also called tips or cannulas, are narrow tubes, so the water comes out with sufficient pressure. They are curved at the end so that the jet can be directed precisely to the gum line and the most inaccessible interdental spaces.

They are made of very resistant plastic and, depending on the model, have different endings at the tip, which can be rubber or filament, depending on the specific type of cleaning for which they are intended. They are safe and easy to use. They usually come with different nozzles depending on the type of work and with a pressure regulator so that each user can adapt it to their needs.

Some can also incorporate other complements such as electric toothbrushes, subgenital cleaning head, massaging head, tongue cleaning head, etc.

These irrigation nozzles are inserted into the handle of the irrigator using a simple yet solid anchoring system to prevent water leaks. Not all nozzles are the same, nor are they used and installed in the same way. Be sure to follow the appropriate waterpik replacement tips for each model. You can find the waterpik replacement tips on the packaging or the official website.

1. Adjust the water pressure of the irrigator properly. This is very important to avoid damaging the enamel of your teeth.
2. The jet of pressurized water should be passed over all the teeth, including the gum line. Do this with your mouth closed to avoid splashing.
3. Finish your oral hygiene with an excellent refreshing mouthwash.