Oral Irrigating Devices

The ADA states that there is no substitute for brushing and flossing. However, consumer-marketing estimates indicate that every 6th household have oral irrigating devices, also known as oral irrigators or oral irrigation devices.

Oral Irrigator

Oral irrigating devices, or oral irrigators use water from a reservoir, pump it through a hose, and force the water out of the tip end of the hose. The water jet aids in cleaning debris from between the teeth. The trade name, Water Pik has become a generic name with all the oral irrigators. A dentist/mechanical engineer in Fort Williams, Colorado, designed the original Water Pik; the Teledyne Corporation has marketed it since 1962.

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There are several oral irrigators in the market today, which have the ADA seal. The ADA states that the effects of a pulsating and non-pulsating water are equivalent, so this has become a personal choice when choosing an oral irrigator. The benefits of oral irrigator include: cleaning around crowns, cleaning under and around bridges; cleaning orthodontic braces; and helping to clean out periodontal pockets.

Several studies have investigated the effects of mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine, phenolic-related essential oils, and stannous fluoride. They have determined these mouth washes can be enhanced when delivered in a powdered oral irrigator. When compared with rinsing with  the product or using plain water in the powdered irrigator, these mouth washes have become more effective. Research indicates that mouth rinse can reach 3-4 mm below gum tissue when the mouth rinse is used with the oral irrigator. This figure is 1 mm when only mouth rinsing is used.

Not all patients need an oral irrigator and bathroom could be a hazardous place to use an oral irrigator. There is danger of electrocution if the unit falls into water, while you are using it. Most of the ADA certified oral irrigators are encapsulated to such a situation. Oral irrigators should not be used should you experience pain with its use. In addition, the ADA states that oral irrigators can force bacteria into your bloodstream.

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The oral irrigator should not be used if you have tooth absences, severe periodontitis, or a ‘predisposition’ to bacterial infections. It is suggested by many dentists that you should use the oral irrigation  devices at its lowest setting to prevent self-induced injuries. High settings could push debris into the tissue rather than pushing it out, as intended.