Dental braces are a common tool used to correct teeth alignment. However, oral care can be more challenging with braces as food and bacterial plaque tend to accumulate easily around them. A dental irrigator can be an excellent addition to your oral care routine if you have braces, as it allows you to effectively clean hard-to-reach spaces.
What is a dental irrigator and why is it useful for braces?
A dental irrigator, also known as an oral irrigator or water flosser, is a device that uses a stream of water at high pressure to clean the teeth and gums. It is especially useful for people who have braces, as braces and wires can make proper cleaning with a traditional toothbrush and dental floss challenging.
Dental irrigators are beneficial for people with braces due to their ability to reach difficult-to-access areas, such as the spaces between the teeth and the braces, and beneath the wires. The stream of water at high pressure helps to remove food debris, plaque, and other residue that accumulate around the braces. This helps prevent the development of cavities, gum inflammation, and other oral health problems.
Steps to use the dental irrigator with braces
- Fill the tank with warm water to make the water contact with your mouth less uncomfortable.
- Attach the orthodontic tip or nozzle to the handle of the irrigator. Usually, a little pressure is enough for it to fit securely. Make sure you can rotate it well without it coming loose.
- Select the desired pressure level using the dial or MODE button. It is usually recommended to start with the lowest pressure and gradually increase it.
- Lean over the sink and place the tip of the irrigator in your mouth without touching the teeth.
- Press the ON button and begin the cleaning process, lightly closing your lips to prevent splashing.
- For effective cleaning, aim the stream of water towards the gum line and then gradually move downward to clean the entire tooth.
- Continue with the next tooth.