"An oral irrigator (also called a dental water jet or water pick) is a home care device that uses a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and food debris between teeth and below the gumline and improve gingival health.
The first oral irrigator was developed in 1962 by a dentist and an engineer, both from Fort Collins, CO. Since that time, the oral irrigators have been evaluated in more than 50 scientific studies. It has been tested and shown effective on people in periodontal maintenance, and those with gingivitis, diabetes, orthodontic appliances, crowns, and implants.
The strongest evidence on the oral irrigator shows that it is extremely effective at reducing bleeding and gingivitis. Recent studies have demonstrated that it is superior to dental floss reducing bleeding and as effective in reducing plaque.
A study at the University of Southern California found that a 3 second treatment of pulsating water (1,200 per minute) at medium pressure (70 psi) removed 99.9% of plaque biofilm from treated areas. Clinical efficacy has been shown through the medium setting and above."
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