Question to the expert: Can the irrigator replace the toothbrush
Text: Marina Kuznetsova
RESPONSES TO THE MAJORITY OF US QUESTIONS we are all used to searching online. In this series of materials we ask precisely such questions - burning, unexpected or widespread - to professionals in various fields.
New cosmetics and devices for skin care, hair or teeth are constantly on sale - and their creators with varying success convince us of their need. Irrigator - the right thing or a publicity stunt? Can it replace a toothbrush, and if not, how to combine them correctly? Who needs it, and who can do? We asked these questions to a specialist.
Marina Kuznetsova
Dentist, author of the Dental Jedi Telegram channel
Plaque is the cause of not only caries, but also of periodontal diseases. They begin with the sensitivity and bleeding of the gums, that is, signs of inflammation - and can end with the destruction of the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth, mobility, and even loss of teeth. Of course, the prevention of all this is hygiene - careful removal of plaque and tartar (this is the same plaque, only hardened due to mineral substances) from the tooth surface and from under the gums.
Completely remove all dental deposits can only be a dentist, so every six months you must do professional hygiene. At home, to maintain good hygiene, you need to brush your teeth twice a day with a brush and toothpaste - and at least once a day you should also clean the interdental spaces. You can do this with a dental floss or irrigator.
More recently, almost all dentists have recommended dental floss. Now, opinions are divided - research suggests a very low efficiency of floss in addition to the usual brushing of teeth and even lack of effectiveness. As a medical practitioner, I can say that when used correctly, floss successfully removes food debris from the interdental spaces - and the key words here are “proper use”. Unfortunately, it is often necessary to observe how the floss smashes into the gum - it begins to bleed, while visible plaque remains between the teeth. To do everything correctly, you must first thread the floss into the interdental gap, and then gradually rise with a sawing motion towards the edge of the tooth, as if rubbing the thread onto it. If done correctly, the interdental space is cleared, and the gums are not injured.
Those who can not master the proper technique of using floss or lazy to use them, I recommend to pay attention to the irrigator. This device, which is a reservoir for the liquid and the handle with a nozzle for washing interdental spaces.
The irrigator forms a stream of liquid (water or rinse) that removes plaque and food debris from the interdental space while massaging the gum. The procedure itself implies that after the usual brushing your teeth with a brush and paste, you take an irrigator and treat each gap in turn. This helps to clear those very "hard-to-reach spots" and prevent the formation of denser dental deposits - tartar. Plus irrigator performs gum massage, improves its blood circulation.
The irrigator helps to clean those very "hard-to-reach places" and prevent the formation of denser dental deposits - tartar
Irrigators are portable and stationary: portable can take with you on trips, to the office or to study - this is especially convenient for those who wear braces. They can be on batteries or with a built-in battery that needs to be charged once every couple weeks. Stationary more, often hung on the wall, they put more liquid - that is, it does not have to pour every time before brushing your teeth.
Most irrigators have several modes — a pulsation, a different level of pressure — and a gradual transition from a more gentle to a stronger mode can be useful at the addictive stage. One irrigator can be used by the whole family - only everyone should have their own nozzle; Usually, if additional attachments are not included, they can be purchased separately. Nozzles, by the way, are different - including for cleansing bracket systems or washing deep periodontal pockets for periodontitis.
A study was conducted, the authors of which proved that the irrigator is really effective - it removes dental deposits from the interdental spaces and improves the gum condition in just 14 days. The study dealt with the mode of water pulsation - and such a regime exists in all irrigators, even the most simple and inexpensive ones.
The irrigator is absolutely necessary for those who have crowns, bridges or braces, and also for people with bleeding gums, a tendency to the formation of tartar, frequent jamming of food in the interdental spaces, crowding (very close arrangement) of teeth. Those who have healthy and even teeth will still need it to maintain good hygiene and prevent caries and gum disease. Of course, it does not replace a toothbrush and toothpaste - but it can replace dental floss.
Let me remind you about the general algorithm of teeth care: twice a day you need to brush them with a paste, once a day (for example, before going to bed) clean the interdental spaces with an irrigator or dental floss, come to the dentist every six months for professional hygiene.
Photo: Elizaveta - stock.adobe.com, Dronathan Davis - stock.adobe.com