A tool against plaque and calculus: TOP 5 best irrigators

The Spanish manufacturer of household appliances VES Electric offers a VIP-004 irrigator powered by the network, designed for a family of three people. The model is equipped with a spacious 650 mL water tank, ergonomic legs and a stand for accessories.

Together with VES VIP-004 there are three standard nozzles for daily care, removal of plaque and small food residues. Each of them has colour coding, which will help you quickly find your own. Four additional nozzles allow you to clean the tongue, gingival pockets and root zones, remove plaque in hard-to-reach places (crowns, bridges, implants), ensure proper oral hygiene when using braces.

For convenient storage of nozzles, both a stand on the body and a special compartment in the tank lid are provided.

The VES VIP-004 has ten water jet supply modes. The minimum speeds are designed for children, novice users, owners of sensitive teeth and gums, and the highest (maximum pressure 650 kPa) — for deep cleaning: removing persistent plaque or tartar, as well as cleaning the tongue.

The disadvantages of the VES VIP-004 irrigator, according to some users, include the flow of water at the bottom of the case. Sometimes the problem is fixed by reinstalling the tank or valve in accordance with the requirements of the instructions, but sometimes you still have to contact the service. Also, the disadvantage of the device can be considered the lack of the possibility of mounting the case on the wall, and the disadvantage is rather noisy work, which, however, many analogues suffer from.

Among the stationary models, VES VIP-004 is one of the most affordable on the market, besides it has a large set of nozzles and offers smooth adjustment of the jet pressure. This makes the device a good low-cost addition to electric toothbrushes.

The stationary irrigator Oral-B Professional Care MD20 from the German company Braun is among the leaders in sales, confirming the high status of the manufacturer in the market of small household appliances and beauty and hygiene products.

The irrigator is equipped with four Oxyjet EB17 nozzles with coloured edging. They serve for everyday use — getting rid of food residues, removing plaque. The nozzles support multi-bubble technology, in which the water flow is enriched with oxygen previously purified using a built-in filter. According to the manufacturer, this solution allows you to combine the process of thorough cleaning of the oral cavity with a massage effect on the gums.

Braun Oral-B Professional Care MD20 can be used at five speeds and in two operating modes. Monopotok assumes a directed effect of the jet, contributing to the removal of plaque near crowns and bridges. A turbo stream or spiral shower allows water to "enter" under the edge of the gum, removing bacteria and massaging it. The mode switch is located directly on the nozzles themselves.

The Oral-B Professional Care MD20 irrigator is equipped with a 600 mL tank, which is enough for at least three people to clean their teeth. In the case of the device there is a compartment for separate storage of 4 nozzles. There is also the possibility of wall fixing the model to save bathroom space. To prevent overheating, the device automatically turns off after 10 minutes of continuous operation.

Some users note that the water power (pressure) is not high enough, which often does not allow for effective deep cleaning — removing plaque and food particles from the most inaccessible places (in the interdental space, gum pockets, holes of bracket systems). In other cases, Braun Oral-B Professional Care MD20 in tandem with a branded toothbrush is able to provide proper home care for teeth and gums.

The Little Doctor International company from Singapore has been specializing in the production of medical products for more than 30 years. Its irrigators are produced under the Aqua-Jet brand. The LD-A8 model replaced the popular LD-A7 device, receiving an additional nozzle, a more ergonomic body and new features.

Included with the Aqua-Jet LD-A8 are four hard—type nozzles for regular use and plaque removal and one soft — for delicate cleaning of gingival pockets and the root zone of the oral cavity (suitable for children or owners of hypersensitive gums).

The water pressure level is smoothly regulated from a fairly gentle effect of 290 kPa (for owners of sensitive oral mucosa) to intensive deep cleaning at a pressure of 810 kPa. At "high speeds", the device, according to users, works too noisily in comparison with other stationary type irrigators.

The Aqua-Jet LD-A8 transparent water tank is designed for 500 mL: the full capacity is enough for at least two cleaning procedures. There is a stand for the handle of the irrigator on the case, and under the lid there is a removable compartment for storing 4 nozzles. It can be taken out and washed, not only by hand, but also in the dishwasher.

If necessary, you can fix the device on the wall, but you need to take care of the presence of an outlet nearby, since the power cord of the irrigator is quite short.

Aqua-Jet LD-A8 is offered in two design options: a strict white colour scheme and a yellow case with bright children's drawings. With the second model, you can teach children to properly care for their teeth and oral cavity in a playful way. And if we take into account a good spread of pressure levels and its smooth adjustment, then both variations of the irrigator can be considered as universal and family-friendly as possible.

The American company Jetpik offers a JP50-Travel portable irrigator. Despite its compact size, the device provides a water flow with a pressure from 200 to 550 kPa (6 adjustment levels are provided), which is comparable to the capabilities of many stationary models.

Jetpik JP50-Travel is equipped with a smart floss system that combines the possibilities of cleaning the oral cavity with water and flossing at the same time. The design of the nozzle assumes, together with the generation of a pulsating water flow, the extension of the floss thread. This patented technology is designed to improve the overall quality of cleaning the oral cavity, removing plaque and tartar.

Included with the device are 3 floss cartridges. It is recommended to replace them after 25-30 uses. It is also allowed to use a model without a floss: the cartridge must be left in the nozzle by cutting the thread. In this mode, the device works like a regular irrigator.

The irrigator takes up a minimum of space, does not need a special container for water supply, since the hose with the Travel clip is securely fixed on any cup or glass.

The model is powered by a battery, and there is a charge level indicator on the case. The set includes a wireless charger in the form of a stand. You can connect the device both to the mains and to the USB port of a PC or laptop. A compact plastic box helps to store and transport Jetpik JP50-Travel. A special language cleaner is also included.

Jetpik JP50-Travel is a good choice for those who do not forget about the health of their teeth and gums even on trips or strive to save space in the bathroom to the maximum. However, it will take a lot to pay for a model that is designed for only one person without additional attachments, even in comparison with many family stationary solutions.

The irrigator with the Ultra prefix is the senior representative and the most complete device of the Jetpik portable line, which also includes Elite and Travel models.

Jetpik JP50-Ultra is a device for oral hygiene and care, which combines the capabilities of an irrigator and a classic dental floss. So, the proprietary Smart Floss system involves cleaning with a pulsating water jet at a frequency of up to 1500 vibrations per minute and a floss extending from the nozzle.

The Jetpik JP50-Ultra irrigator is designed for three people with a separate nozzle for each. Together with the device there is a special glass with a double bottom, in which the water supply hose is hidden. It is complemented by an ergonomic lid that provides convenient storage of nozzles and other accessories in the bathroom. And for trips, a separate hose with a clip is provided, which is easily fixed even on an ordinary cup.

The Jetpik JP50-Ultra irrigator complements the compact UV sterilizer (UV sanitizer). It is useful both for neutralizing bacteria that appear on the nozzles of the model, and for disinfecting existing toothbrushes, nail scissors and other small personal hygiene items. The sanitizer is connected to the network via a wireless charging stand and automatically turns off after the UV sterilization procedure is completed.

Also included with the irrigator is a tongue cleaner, 10 floss cartridges, a convenient plastic box for storage and transportation.

The disadvantage of Jetpik JP50-Ultra is the rather high cost of the irrigator, even despite the presence of nozzles for the whole family. The disadvantage can be considered that the manufacturer has not provided compatibility with brush attachments. For this, there is an even more expensive line of Jetpik dental centers. Otherwise, in terms of efficiency, ease of operation, compactness and portability, this irrigator has practically no competitors.