Evaluation of Oral Water Irrigation Devices

Abstract

Water irrigation devices (WIDs) are widely used in homes and dental offices across the country for oral hygiene. There have been several reported cases of tissue damage with the use of these devices. In the present investigation, two commercially available oral water irrigation devices were evaluated using bioengineering principles. The flow rates delivered by these devices were measured at different control settings. The exit jet velocities and the jet impact thrust were subsequently calculated. Both of the tested commercial oral water irrigation devices were found to exert abnormally high thrust which could cause serious damage to the sulcular epithelium and the underlying tissues. These pressures are far in excess of the pressure intensity necessary to perform the cleaning action. Moreover, the existing designs using reciprocating pumps are unsafe and are potentially dangerous, particularly with small diameter tips. Low operating pressures and the use of centrifugal pumps are recommended.