All types of irrigators operate on the principle of supplying a water jet under pressure. Due to this, food debris and germs are washed out of the mouth. The very first devices were monojet. They have been replaced by pulse and microbubble devices. Let's look at the features of these devices and find out which irrigator is better.
The first irrigators appeared relatively recently, but during the short period of their existence they were repeatedly updated. The very first models worked on the principle of supplying a stream of water to the teeth. Modern models operate on the basis of impulses. They remove not only food debris from the mouth, but also bacteria. Moreover, such devices help remove plaque from teeth, preventing their darkening and the formation of caries.
In this article
- Pulse irrigator: main features
- Good pulse irrigators
- Microbubble irrigator: main features
- Which irrigator to buy: the best microbubble models
- Which is better - a pulse or microbubble irrigator?
All irrigators are divided into two groups - pulse and microbubble. To figure out which is better - the first or the second, you should consider the features of both types.
Pulse irrigator: main features
Pulse irrigators, unlike mono-jet irrigators, supply water not with a uniform stream, but with a pulsating one. The devices create a pulsation of 1200 hydraulic shocks per minute, which quickly removes food debris from the mouth. In addition, these micro-impacts help separate plaque from the teeth, causing them to become lighter. The impulses created by the device massage the gums, thereby stimulating blood flow, promoting tissue healing and reducing bleeding. This protects a person from various dental diseases, such as gingivitis and caries.
What is the device for?
The irrigator performs several tasks:
- Prevention of caries development. Different attachments allow you to quickly and effectively remove plaque on the tooth surface and tongue. The device is also suitable for cleaning hard-to-reach places: interdental spaces, wisdom teeth, various orthodontic structures, including braces.
- Prevention of the development of gum disease. The irrigator has a micro-massage effect, gently affecting the gums. Due to this effect, blood circulation improves and tissue regeneration processes are launched.
- Cares for implants, dentures, braces and any other dental structures. A powerful jet of water washes all areas.
- Effectively removes plaque, which is the cause of bad breath.
- Prevention of gingivitis. The disease can occur in women during pregnancy.
There are no contraindications to using the device.
Good pulse irrigators
Most of the irrigators that can be found in the store are pulsed. Popular models:
- Revyline RL100 is a stationary device with 7 attachments included. The device is equipped with a spacious 600 ml tank. There are 10 operating modes. You can switch the pressure from 210 to 870 kPa. The irrigator creates 1700 water impacts per minute. The nozzle rotates 360°, which increases the effectiveness of cleaning the oral cavity.
- B.Well WI - 922 is a good stationary pulse irrigator in the mid-price segment. The set includes 7 attachments, including orthodontic, periodontal and tongue cleaning. The device can deliver pressures ranging from 207 to 827 kPa and generate up to 1850 pulses per minute.
- Waterpik WF-02 is a portable device of compact size. This irrigator is good to take with you on the road. It doesn't take up much space in your suitcase. At the same time, it is quite powerful with a maximum pressure of 520 kPa. The device delivers 1200 pulses per minute. It cleans well of food debris and plaque.
Stationary models are suitable for installation in the bathroom. They are designed for families. Portable ones are designed for business trips and travel. Now let’s find out how a microbubble irrigator differs from a pulse irrigator.
List of leading shopping brands
With the appearance on the market of a large number of different irrigators, buyers have increased freedom of choice, but it becomes more difficult to navigate the assortment. Affordable devices are easier to purchase, but they can disappoint from the very first minutes of use with their low quality, or they will not last long. High-quality and durable devices are often expensive. Most people spend a lot of time searching for the optimal irrigator model with both an affordable price and acceptable quality.
- The best choice would be products from TM ACleon (Germany). The irrigators of this company embody the optimal balance of such parameters as quality, functionality and price. All products are developed jointly with MedForschung, one of the leading research bureaus in Germany. The company has firmly held its position in the European and Russian markets for more than ten years, and during this time it has successfully won the trust of hundreds of thousands of customers.
- The brainchild of the Singaporean company LDI (Little Doctor International). The brand produces a whole series of oral care products. Among them there are also irrigators that occupy first positions in the quality rating according to user reviews. Almost all models are sold only in China. But several types are also supplied to the Russian Federation. The official distributor of LDI has offices in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
- Donfeel . The activities of the Russian company are carried out in the city of Mytishchi and are aimed at producing a wide variety of products related to oral health.
- Oral-B . Many Russians know about this brand, since it produces not only complex irrigators, but also primitive brushes, dental floss, and mouth rinses. The company sets low prices. The main advantage of Oral-B products is their prevalence.
- Panasonic . A Japanese company that produces household appliances: hair clippers, electric toothbrushes, irrigators. Products under this brand are also notable for their low cost and good quality.
- Philips . A Dutch company that produces a huge range of irrigators and other medical devices. You can find their products in any Russian store.
- Waterpik . The first irrigator under this brand was released in 1955. Today the company supplies its products to dozens of countries. The distributor in Russia is.
Microbubble irrigator: main features
Microbubble devices also work based on pulses delivered by the device. The difference between these two devices is that a microbubble-type irrigator supplies water along with air bubbles. When they collide with teeth, they cause micro-explosions, which provoke the separation of plaque, which is much more effective than conventional water hammer. Such devices are considered the most modern. They cost a little more, but they suit almost everyone. They are recommended even for hypersensitive gums and enamel.
Types of nozzles
Irrigators are always equipped with attachments. Don't forget: each family member should have their own nozzles for hygiene procedures.
What types of these accessories do manufacturers produce:
- Standard. The elements are suitable for people who do not have problems with teeth and gums.
- Orthodontic. Necessary for cleaning teeth under braces.
- Periodontal. Elements in this category are equipped with a fine tip. It directs the water jet beyond the edge of the gum and into the periodontal pockets. It is prohibited to use it at maximum power.
- For crowns and bridges. Suitable for convenient cleaning of dentures.
- To cleanse the tongue and inner cheeks.
Additionally, irrigators are equipped with brush attachments, but these accessories will not replace a regular toothbrush. There is also a nasal type. The element may be required for irrigation of the nasal cavity during the treatment of rhinitis or sinusitis. Standard attachments need to be changed twice a year. Orthodontic ones will need replacement once every three months.
Which irrigator to buy: the best microbubble models
All devices that operate on the microbubble principle can be considered good and effective. As an example, we will indicate several popular models:
- Waterpik WP-100 E2 Ultra is a stationary irrigator that allows for high-quality and quick cleaning of the oral cavity, including in hard-to-reach places. The device has 7 nozzles, several operating modes and a 600 ml tank.
- The Oral-B OxyJet MD20 is a stationary device capable of producing pressures up to 1350 kPa and delivering 1350 pulsations per minute. The device is available with 4 attachments, one of which is designed for gum massage.
- Panasonic EW-1211A is a portable irrigator with two operating modes and two nozzles included. The device supplies pressure in the range from 300 to 590 ml. The power switch allows for delicate cleaning.
Choosing which device to use? There are several criteria that will help you decide.
Pros of technology
You should know! Microbubble irrigators have a number of advantages over other similar devices.
So, the positive properties of the device include:
- The presence of a special switch with which you can regulate the pressure of the supplied liquid.
- Saturation of water streams with oxygen , after which most of the dangerous microorganisms living in the oral cavity are removed.
- Protecting the device from water and moisture getting inside (thanks to the waterproof case ).
- The presence of a removable container that is convenient to clean.
- Destruction of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity (thanks to a large number of oxygen bubbles).
- Availability of a capacious liquid reservoir , ensuring continuity of the procedure.
Keep in mind! All these advantages together serve as excellent protection against plaque and tartar.
Which is better - a pulse or microbubble irrigator?
The choice is determined by various factors: medical indications, financial capabilities and personal preferences of the buyer. The microbubble device is superior in technical characteristics to the pulse device, but this does not mean that it is always better.
There are two things to consider when purchasing:
- If a gentle regime is required, for example, for gum disease, choose devices that work on the principle of microbubbles. In this case, you will need a device whose minimum pressure does not exceed 400 kPa. This is the Panasonic EW-1211A.
- If you need to eliminate plaque or prevent its appearance on your teeth, you can purchase any device whose maximum power exceeds 500 kPa.
A good irrigator should have a smooth power switch and several operating modes. Teeth cleaning always begins with a low pressure, which gradually increases. Choose models that have at least 2 modes.
Our online store has pulse and microbubble irrigators in stock. Both stationary and portable. We also have a large selection of attachments and balms for devices. Please consult your dentist before purchasing.
How to choose balms
If you use special balms for the irrigator, you can significantly enhance the effect of the procedure. They contain substances with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The choice of tool will depend on the user's goals. Some liquids strengthen enamel, others relieve inflammation well. When choosing a balm, consider the composition and purpose.
Hard running water cannot be poured into the irrigator. Harmful impurities can damage the device. Solutions can solve different problems.
Manufacturers produce four types of balms:
- Contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel.
- Therapeutic and prophylactic containing antiseptic substances and extracts of medicinal plants.
- Breath freshening, contains mint, eucalyptus.
- To combat periodontal disease, they contain bioantioxidants and other useful components.
People prone to allergic reactions can choose a special hypoallergenic solution.
What kind of liquid is poured into the tank?
Most often, clean, filtered water is poured into the tank. You can pour boiled and cooled water: this way there will be less sediment left on the walls of the vessel. In this case, the devices can be used not only for oral hygiene, but also for treatment, and then the reservoir is filled with an antiseptic or medicinal solution prescribed by the dentist.
If the device is used to irrigate the nasopharynx, then you can pour herbal decoctions or still mineral water into it.
Operating modes
- "Strong water pressure." The water jet is supplied under high pressure, cleaning hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity with maximum quality, for example, interdental spaces, areas around dental bridges, crowns, braces, etc.
- "A jet with micro-bubbles of air." A stream of liquid mixes with air microbubbles, which allows not only to clean, but also to massage the gum tissue.
- "A jet with a soft flow of air." The mode is intended for use in the presence of increased sensitivity of teeth and gums. The gentle effect of a jet with micro-bubbles of air not only massages the gum tissue, but also eliminates accumulations of bacteria that cause plaque.
The device has an ergonomic design and fits comfortably in your hand during operation due to its rounded shape. The switch buttons are located directly on the device body. This model comes complete with a non-contact induction stand-holder, the design of which provides two holes for installing additional replaceable nozzles.
Aqvajet LD-A8
The inexpensive Aqvajet pulse model is praised for the fact that it hardly vibrates during operation, and in terms of capabilities and equipment it is not much inferior to its more expensive competitors. The device comes with 5 attachments - 4 standard ones for different family members and one flexible periodontal attachment for removing plaque and massaging the gums.
Aqvajet LD-A8 has a tank volume of 500 ml
The flow strength is adjustable and has 8 degrees. In total, the device can work for up to 10 minutes without shutting down - a very decent result.
Some users complain that there is no valve in the water tank and therefore the flow is too thick - perhaps this is the only disadvantage of the irrigator.
ZOOM rating | Type | Jet pressure |
Tank volume,
number of nozzles