How to clean teeth with a oral irrigator?

Introduction to Oral Irrigation

Hold onto your hats, folks! Today, I want to share an impeccable part of my oral hygiene routine, that's taking the dental world by storm. Yes, we're diving into the fabulous world of dental irrigators, oh what fun! Think of an irrigation system for your garden, but swap flowers for your teeth, and you're pretty much there. You can call it Hydro Floss, Waterpik, oral irrigator, or the fancy 'interdental cleaner.' Anyhoo, my best friend gifted me one on my birthday and friends, do I need to say? It has amped up my dental cleaning game!

The Basics of Oral Irrigators

"Alice, what's an oral irrigator?" I hear you ask. An oral irrigator is essentially a device that pumps water in a steady or pulsating stream. The aim is to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and below the gumline. That’s right folks, those places where your toothbrush bristles dread to tread. In layman's terms, it is a power washer for your pearly whites. Dental irrigators effectively get rid of the plaque, without causing any harm to your teeth or gums, a win-win situation, right?

Let's bust a myth: Are they a substitute for good ol' brushing and flossing? Nope, but they are a great supplement. So by all means, don't toss your toothbrushes or dental floss into the bin. Instead, consider them as your teeth’s new best friends in addition to brushing and flossing. It made a world of difference in both my dental health and the halitosis I struggled with.

Choosing the Right Oral Irrigator

Just when you think there can't be too many options for a dental cleaning device, BAM! Let me enlighten you. There are cordless ones, countertop ones, even ones designed for kids (a fantastic way to get Leila on board, I tell you). If you're like me, a fan of cordless devices because god-forbid Sammy chews another power cord, then opt for the cordless irrigator. However, countertop models typically have more power and a larger water reservoir. So if you're more into hardcore cleaning and less bothered about Sammy’s chewing adventures, go for the countertop version.

Prepping Up For Action

Your journey to elevated oral hygiene starts here. First things first, charge it or plug it in, and attach a nozzle; trust me, it won't work without it! Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water (both your gums and teeth will thank you). Now hold your breath, it's time to turn on the device. Yes, I hear your heart racing, mine raced too, but it’s easier than it seems. Remember, folks, you're mastering the art of using an oral irrigator, not driving a Formula 1 car!

The Art of Oral Irrigation

"But Alice, how do you use it?" I'm glad you're asking eager questions. Firstly, lean over the sink (water is definitely going to dribble out the sides of your mouth, it's just a jaw-gymnastics thing). Place the nozzle tip at the gumline at a 90-degree angle. Aim it at the spaces between your teeth, and let the water flow, starting from the backmost teeth and working your way to the front. Remember, the irrigator is not a toy, so don't zip it around like a race car, or you’ll end up soaking both yourself and your bathroom!

Factoring in Frequency

So how often should you use your oral irrigator? Ideally, once a day. But you know life happens. If Sammy decides to bring in a dead mouse, and you're frantically cleaning, or Leila has a sudden project deadline, please don’t fret. As my gran used to say, doing something less than perfectly is preferable to not doing it at all. So even if you manage two to three times a week, it's still a win!

Wrapping Up and Maintenance

So now you're an oral irrigator expert. Congrats! But don’t forget to perform some after-show ritual. Always, and I repeat, ALWAYS, rinse the irrigator after every use. Trust me, that's not a chore you want to play catch up on. Remember, as the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

To recap, an oral irrigator isn’t going to replace your toothbrush or floss, but it’s going to kick your oral health game up several notches. So for anyone who wants to avoid gum disease, plaque buildup, or merely wants that dentist-fresh clean feeling every day, give an oral irrigator a whirl. And hey, Happy Irrigating, folks!