An electric or regular toothbrush, floss, and irrigator - these are approximately the types of devices a person uses to clean their teeth and oral cavity. Almost all of the listed “tools” are known to everyone and are used everywhere. The only exception is the last one. It is this device that raises many questions and is shrouded in a variety of myths. Many people do not understand the principle of its operation and the need for use; they believe that this is an exclusively professional device. In this article we will tell you what the benefits and harms of its use are, how and why to use it and why you need an irrigator, and we will also describe the differences between the types and give recommendations for choosing.
The purpose of the device is thorough and high-quality oral hygiene at home. It can remove plaque and food particles from all hard-to-reach places (including used orthodontic appliances) much better than using a toothbrush. It can also be used to massage the gums in order to improve their blood supply and, as a result, maintain dental health.
The device consists of a liquid reservoir and a handle with a nozzle, which are connected to each other by a thin tube. Water or a medical solution recommended by specialists enters the handle under pressure, providing thorough cleaning of the oral cavity and massage of the gums.
Before use, we advise you to consult with dental specialists.
Who needs an irrigator and why?
Dentists recommend using this device regularly to:
- better hygiene to prevent caries and other diseases;
- care of orthodontic structures (braces, veneers, dentures, bridges);
- treatment of chronic forms of gingivitis and periodontitis.
People cannot do without the device:
- suffering from bad breath;
- having a non-standard arrangement of the dentition;
- patients with diabetes mellitus.
The device can be used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. It cleans teeth, interdental spaces, gum pockets and other hard-to-reach places from germs, plaque and food debris more thoroughly than other devices. Thereby reducing the likelihood of caries and other diseases and eliminating unpleasant odors.
Is it necessary to use an irrigator with installed braces, veneers, bridges and other structures? The answer is yes. The fact is that all orthodontic devices for correcting bites and solving other problems “like a magnet” collect microbes and food particles and, in the absence of proper care, can cause an exacerbation of existing diseases. In this case, you should take very good care of your oral hygiene. This is only possible with daily use.
This device is especially relevant for people suffering from diabetes. Unfortunately, with this disease, the blood circulation of the gums is impaired, and, as a result, periodontitis occurs. Regular massage performed with a pulsating jet improves their blood supply, maintaining dental health. This is also important for people who do not suffer from this pathology.
The irrigator is also used to treat certain diseases. To do this, instead of ordinary boiled water, use a special medical solution that has the required medicinal properties. For example, furatsilin, chlorhexidine, diluted rinses or various herbal decoctions.
But each method has contraindications. For advice on the use of a medicinal drug, you can contact dental specialists.
Whether you need a dental and oral irrigator at home is up to you, but remember that its effectiveness is achieved through regular use. In addition, by purchasing such a device for home use, you significantly save on the cost of dental procedures. And if other family members also use the device, then your savings will be two, three or even four times greater. In addition, any disease is easier to prevent than to treat later.
Is there any point in using it?
You can also brush your teeth with a toothbrush. But only an irrigator can remove plaque and food particles from all hard-to-reach places, including various orthodontic structures, as much as possible.
Using a water jet, it literally washes them away from all hard-to-reach areas, thereby reducing the likelihood of caries. At the same time, it additionally massages the gums, improving their blood supply. Massage prevents the formation of periodontitis, and in combination with special medical solutions, it not only inhibits the development of its chronic form, but also treats it.
In most devices, the jet pressure can be adjusted, which significantly improves the quality of the procedure performed.
Composition of toxic substances in the fumigator
The main difference between fumigators and all other mosquito repellents is their degree of effectiveness. Repellents simply repel mosquitoes with a smell or block the smell of a person for insects; traps, on the contrary, lure bloodsuckers with the same smells, and fumigators are aimed specifically at exterminating them.
An insecticide is placed inside the fumigator in liquid form or in the form of a plate, which, when heated, releases fumes that are toxic to cold-blooded creatures. As a rule, DEET or prallethrin is used as a toxic substance. This is a nerve-paralytic substance that blocks the nerve endings of mosquitoes and flies, which soon leads to their death.
Can the device cause harm?
We found out what benefits the irrigator brings to the teeth and oral cavity, but can it cause harm?
There are practically no contraindications for use. But people with acute forms of gingivitis or periodontitis, as well as patients who have recently undergone dental surgery, for example, installation of an implant, can use this device only after complete recovery.
We advise you to use it in strict accordance with the instructions and recommendations of your doctor. This is the only way to achieve optimal results.
But keep in mind that if used daily for more than 15 minutes, it is possible not only to increase sensitivity, but also to cause bleeding gums. Thus, calling into question the usefulness of the irrigator - is it needed at all?
Please note that to cleanse the oral cavity, it is better to take at least plain boiled water. This will significantly reduce the risk of harmful bacteria entering the body from the water supply.
What substances are used to produce consumables?
In Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union, 4 active components are most popular. They are added as a basis for mosquito control. What kind of drugs are these and how dangerous they are for people and animals.
Esbiotrin
A relatively new insecticide, but not the latest generation. Used in the production of plates and liquids. Examples include Raptor, Moskitol and more.
Esbiotrin has a rather mild effect on humans and pets. However, it has a powerful effect on its primary target - mosquitoes. The use of Esbiotrin allows you to destroy blood-sucking insects in a matter of hours.
For more effective use, the substance should be sprayed for 2-4 hours. The ideal option is before bed. Even pregnant women are not prohibited from being in the room while the device is running. Since the product has no mutagenic or other dangerous effect. On the other hand, prolonged inhalation of Esbiotrin vapor may irritate the eyes and nasopharynx. The development of allergic reactions is possible.
Whether a fumigator that vaporizes Esbiotrin is harmful to humans depends on the duration of exposure to the chemical. In general, no. But you shouldn’t neglect the simplest safety rules.
Allethrin
Sometimes manufacturers indicate exactly this name of the active ingredient on the packaging. In fact, it’s still the same Esbiotrin. The only difference is in the names. In terms of dosage, the amount of the main substance may differ from one manufacturer to another.
Prallethrin
A slightly less secure analogue. But it is used just as actively. Has moderate toxicity. In reality, this means that poisoning is possible, but it will be relatively mild.
Mosquitoes die in 20-30 minutes. The processing rules are approximately the same: the fumigator must work in a closed room without people. An hour or two is enough. Prallethrin practically does not cause allergic reactions. Does not have carcinogenic or mutagenic properties.
There is no harm from the fumigator for an adult. But whether a fumigator with Prallethrin is harmful for children is determined by the concentration of the product and the features of using the device. For use in children's rooms there are special plates and liquids with smaller volumes of the active ingredient.
As for animals, they are more sensitive to this compound. Moreover, the lower the body weight, the more aggressive the effects of intoxication and the lower the dangerous dose.
Is a fumigator with Prallethrin dangerous for cats? Yes. For dogs - to a lesser extent. If we talk about medium and large breeds. It is important to ensure that your pet does not stay in the room for too long, and even more so that he does not lick the container with liquid or plates.
Both Prallethrin and Esbiotrin are dangerous for aquarium fish. It is prohibited to turn on devices near the aquarium.
A common trade name for Prallethrina is Etok. It is the same.
Natural pyrethroids
A generalized name for a group of compounds that are used in their pure, unmodified form. Allethrin, Prallethrin and other analogues are synthetic in nature. They were created artificially.
Natural pyrethroids are used to produce mosquito coils.
Mosquito coils are disposable products. They have a characteristic shape. Method of application: ignition. Thanks to the combustion, acrid smoke with volatile pyrethroid compounds disperses around.
When using, two points should be taken into account:
- The concentration of the substance in the smoke is much higher than when the compound is slowly sprayed through plates or liquid. Therefore, the likelihood of poisoning is initially higher.
- Also, when the spiral burns, a source of open flame appears. This is dangerous due to possible fires.
If used incorrectly, or used indoors, such a fumigator is dangerous to humans. It is important to follow safety precautions.
Are all devices the same?
Depending on the type of power supply, stationary, portable and flow-through devices are distinguished.
The first one runs on mains power and therefore requires installation near an outlet. The second one is powered by a battery or batteries; you can take it with you on trips and travels.
The flow type is connected directly to the water tap. Its main drawback is the inability to use purified water and special medical solutions.
How are irrigators different?
When choosing a device, you should pay attention to:
- Jet pressure. The larger it is, the better the result will be achieved, but too much pressure can cause discomfort and even harm. Therefore, choose a device with the ability to change power in order to select a comfortable mode for performing the procedure.
- Availability of special settings and additional functions. For example, a pulsating jet for gum massage or microbubble technology.
- Number and types of attachments (for teeth, tongue, gum tissue, braces, veneers and other structures).
- The volume of the tank for medical solution or ordinary water. A small container will require adding liquid during the procedure, and a large device cannot be taken with you on trips and travels.
- Battery capacity, operating and charging time when choosing a portable analogue.
If you plan to use the device for all family members, then you should choose a stationary type of irrigator. It has many attachments and a large liquid reservoir. For individual use or for frequent trips and travel, its portable counterpart would be the best choice. When purchasing it, pay attention to the operating and charging time of its battery.
If you plan to use the device only for thorough oral hygiene, choose a simple mono-jet device.
When wearing braces, veneers, bridges and other structures, make sure that the orthodontic attachment is included in the package. In some cases it can be purchased additionally. For the treatment of chronic gingivitis and periodontitis, we recommend using a regimen with microbubble technology.
How difficult is the device to use?
We've looked at what an irrigator is for, now let's talk about how to use a home device for cleaning your teeth. By following the operating instructions and the recommendations presented below, you will easily master the skills of its use. Even small children can cope with this.
User manual:
- Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.
- Pour ordinary boiled water or medical solution into a special container.
- Turn on the irrigator.
- Select the desired mode or adjust the jet pressure.
- Place the nozzle of the nozzle perpendicular to the gum.
- Treat each tooth and interdental space from all sides.
- Rinse your mouth.
- Turn off the device.
The described algorithm is only suitable for a stationary device. For a portable analogue, the sequence of actions will be slightly different.
If you still have any questions, contact a dental specialist. Our doctors will not only give recommendations for use, but also, if necessary, prescribe a medical solution that is suitable for you.
Can the whole family use one device?
The reasons why and why you need an irrigator for teeth and oral cavity are the same for both adults and children. But dentists advise children to use the children's analogue after the formation of a permanent row, since improper use of the device can harm the more delicate and vulnerable milk teeth.
The main rule is that children should perform the procedure only under the supervision of adults, since independent use is fraught with dangerous situations, for example, tracheal spasm as a result of a pressurized water jet entering the respiratory tract. In addition, kids forget to follow the rules for safe handling of electrical appliances.
Do not worry that a small child will be afraid of this procedure. Make it a fun game as many children love to play with water guns. All you have to do is draw an analogy.
Teenagers can use an adult device on their own, but for hygiene reasons, they must purchase an individual attachment. The same requirement applies to other family members.
How do mosquito repellent plates work on people?
There are no absolutely safe repellents. Therefore, manufacturers honestly warn:
What is the reason for this concern about human health? The substances included in anti-arthropod remedies do not specifically affect mosquitoes, flies or mammals; they have a general inhibitory or toxic effect on the nervous system, inhibiting its functioning. The only question is concentration. In the amount in which it is contained in a plate or liquid mosquito repellent, it should only affect small creatures. But if safety rules are violated or if a reaction to the drug develops, a person may experience the following symptoms.
How effective is the device?
High results from using the device are built into the principle of its operation. Mechanical removal of germs, plaque and food particles using a water jet will allow you to efficiently clean many places that toothbrushes, orthodontic brushes and other dental cleaning devices cannot reach. In addition, the pressure in most devices can be adjusted, which significantly improves the quality of the procedure.
How does the departure take place?
Poisoning by insecticides of any type significantly affects the functioning of the central nervous system. This is due to the direction of action of the main components of insecticidal mixtures on the membranes of neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
Under the influence of synthetic components of insecticides, the excitability of neurons increases and duplication of discharges occurs. In addition, a number of compounds can increase the sensitivity of the myocardium to endogenous catecholamines, which leads to arrhythmias. First aid in this case should take this factor into account and exclude the administration of myocardial stimulating drugs, which is sometimes recommended for toxic endogenous poisoning with synthetic poisons.
How to care for the irrigator, do you need to clean it specially?
All care rules are described in detail in the operating instructions.
Here are the manufacturers' recommendations for cleaning it after each use:
- Unplug the stationary appliance from the outlet.
- Drain off any remaining liquid.
- Rinse the tank and nozzles under running water, even if you used regular boiled water.
- Wipe with a soft cloth and dry all elements.
- Your device is ready for further use!
Here are some additional recommendations:
- Do not leave residual liquid in the reservoir.
- To clean the internal elements from scale, use only a special cleaning agent.
- Do not use abrasives or alcohol solutions to clean the housing.
- Always unplug the stationary device from the outlet.
- Do not immerse the device in water or other liquid.
- Remove any residue and dry the device before traveling in the cold season.
As you can see, caring for it is as easy as a regular electric kettle.
Safety of children, pregnant and lactating women, and pets
To ensure the safety of children, manufacturers reduce the levels of toxic substances and neutralize their possible effects.
They produce special products that are accompanied by notes:
- the room where the fumigator is turned on must be equipped with working windows in order to have access to air at any time,
- in children's rooms it is not recommended to leave fumigators throughout the night,
If any discomfort occurs, stop using the device immediately.
Important! Pregnant women are not recommended to stay in a room where the fumigator is turned on. For pets, being in such a room can also be dangerous. Experts advise removing aquariums, cages and enclosures from such premises.
Let's sum it up
An irrigator is an effective home tool for maintaining oral hygiene. With its help, you can easily and efficiently clean your teeth and all hard-to-reach places from germs and food debris, thereby reducing the likelihood of various diseases, eliminating unpleasant odors and extending the life of fillings and crowns. It is indispensable for the care of orthodontic structures and is a reliable prevention of periodontitis for people suffering from diabetes.
There are practically no contraindications for its use. We recommend using the irrigator according to the instructions of your doctor and the instructions for use.
All family members can use one device, but for hygiene reasons, each person should purchase their own attachment. Children can begin the procedure after replacing baby teeth with permanent teeth, but under adult supervision. Teenagers can independently use the same device as their parents.
It is easy to operate and maintain. You can easily purchase a high-quality device with all the necessary functions at an affordable price.
In this article, we tried to talk as simply and clearly as possible about why an irrigator is needed. Remember that its use is an additional hygiene procedure. It is impossible to replace the use of a toothbrush, and the maximum effect is achieved with regular use in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician.
Rules for safe use of plates
Despite the possible harm from using various remedies for annoying insects, we still cannot completely abandon them.
After all, numerous mosquito bites also pose a certain health threat. These could be various allergic reactions, as well as possible infections carried by many insects.
Therefore, in order for the skin to look its best when using repellents and plates, you must follow a number of necessary instructions:
- Follow the recommendations that are in the instructions for the drug;
- Pay attention to who this remedy is contraindicated for;
- Plug the device into an outlet that is located away from the beds;
- When using an aerosol, avoid getting it into your eyes or mouth;
- Do not use the plate if it is expired;
- Turn on the fumigator in a ventilated area;
- If you experience an allergic reaction to the drug, stop using it.
Important! Before using any mosquito repellent, read the instructions carefully. Find out about the effect of each component of the drug on your body, and carefully follow the rules for using the chosen product.
Although in today's time it is impossible to completely eliminate various toxic agents from our lives, we can still try to limit their use as much as possible. For example, a house or apartment can be protected from insects using dense mosquito nets for windows.
Sometimes it seems that nothing affects a person more irritatingly than the combination of two things - the ultra-fine squeak of mosquitoes and the unbearable itching from their bites.
To protect against these buzzing, biting arthropods, a whole arsenal of chemicals has been created. But whichever of these remedies you choose, be careful!
Today, few people will be surprised by an ordinary home fumigator. It is easy to use, cheap and very effective. In just a few hours of operation, it will kill all the insects in the room, and if you turn it on all night, it will even make it possible to sleep with open windows without. However, is it as harmless as the manufacturers claim?
