General device type. In addition to classic toothbrushes (including those sold in the form
of sets), nowadays you can find hygienic mouthwash devices —
irrigators — as well as multifunctional
flossing systems that combine the capabilities of a brush and an irrigator. Here are the features of each of these options:
— Toothbrush. These devices are designed for traditional toothbrushing using special bristles, essentially serving as electric versions of manual toothbrushes. While various models can differ significantly in terms of bristle movement (for more details, see "Cleaning Technology"), they share several common features. On the positive side, they are highly effective at cleaning the visible surfaces of teeth, surpassing irrigators in this regard. Some models are even capable of removing dense plaque and tartar with ease. Additionally, brushes are incredibly user-friendly and familiar to most people. However, they have limitations when it comes to cleaning the interdental spaces, even with specialized nozzles. To achieve the highest quality teeth cleaning, it's often necessary to use these devices in combination with an irrigator and/or dental floss. It's also worth noting that brushes with overly hard bristles or intense brushing can potentially damage the gums, particularly if they are already sensitive or inflamed. While the likelihood of such issues is re
...latively low, it is higher compared to using irrigators.
— Set of toothbrushes 2 pcs. A set typically consists of two electric toothbrushes, which are often identical in terms of their characteristics (though exceptions exist). For detailed information about the toothbrushes themselves, please refer to the previous sections. Such a set can be particularly convenient for couples or households, and some options even offer brushes in "male" and "female" colors, like black and pink. Purchasing this set is not only more convenient than buying the brushes separately, but it is often more cost-effective as well, especially since there is usually only one charger included for the pair of brushes.
As for sets with unequal toothbrushes, they may include, for example, models with different types of nozzles, or an adult and a children's toothbrush.
— Irrigator. Irrigators are devices that clean the teeth and oral cavity by directing a high-pressure jet of water. This procedure effectively removes debris, food particles, and massages the gums, promoting gum health and preventing various oral issues. Irrigators can access areas where regular toothbrushes may struggle, making them suitable for cleaning braces and providing intense yet safe gum massages compared to bristle-based brushing. However, irrigators may not clean the visible surfaces of teeth as effectively as toothbrushes. Therefore, it's recommended to use an irrigator after regular brushing. Brushing can tackle more persistent dirt, while the water jet can address hard-to-reach spots that bristles might miss. Nevertheless, the spaces between teeth still require dental floss for thorough cleaning.
Separately, we note that irrigators can be both portable and stationary. The second type is more bulky and not suitable for travel, but stationary devices are equipped with capacious water tanks, have an almost unlimited operating time (thanks to mains power) and, usually, are more powerful than portable solutions.
— Flossing system. lossing systems are versatile devices that combine the functions of both toothbrushes and irrigators, as discussed in previous sections. This combination is particularly convenient because toothbrushes and irrigators have slightly different purposes, and having both can be beneficial. However, flossing systems come in various designs. Some models feature a universal handle that can switch between brushing and irrigating, depending on the nozzle used. Another common configuration is a rechargeable toothbrush paired with a stationary irrigator that also serves as a stand and charger. Alternatively, some sets include two separate devices, each with its own independent power source. Specific details about the flossing system's design should be checked separately.
In general, flossing systems are quite expensive, but most often they are still cheaper than separately purchased toothbrush and irrigator with similar characteristics.The number of working nozzles that are standardly supplied with the device. Nowadays, options are quite common with both
one and
two or three nozzles in the kit; and in the most extensive sets, this number can be
four or five or even
more.
In many sets, several nozzles may have different purposes. For instance, an irrigator, in addition to its standard nozzle, might include orthodontic and periodontal nozzles. However, it's important to note that models with the same number of accessories in the kit can have different specific specializations. So, when making a choice, it's wise to consider not just the quantity but also the types of nozzles available. Additionally, there's an option where several identical interchangeable heads come with one handle. This configuration is particularly common in toothbrushes. It enables multiple individuals, such as family members, to use a single device, and such a set is usually more cost-effective than purchasing individual toothbrushes for each person.
