Xiaomi Irrigators (including Mi Portable Electric Irrigator, Oral-B by Xiaomi and Soocare) X3/X5) They've become an integral part of modern oral hygiene, and these devices don't just complement the toothbrush, they remove it. 99,9% Bacteria from hard-to-reach areas where the brush or thread does not penetrate, but many users make critical errors in operation, negating the entire benefit of the device. from the first inclusion to professional life hacks that the manufacturer does not specify in the instructions.
We analyzed dental reviews, tests of popular models (including Xiaomi Mi Oral Irrigator 2 and Soocare X5 Pro) and identified 5 key mistakes that 8 out of 10 users make, such as the wrong angle of inclination of the nozzle reduces efficiency by 40%, and using ordinary water instead of special solutions accelerates the formation of plaque on the device itself.
1. Preparation of the irrigator for the first use
Before the first switch on, you have to perform a mandatory procedure that is often missed: washing the system, even new devices can contain microplastics or preservative lubricant.
- ๐ Connect the irrigator to the network (if the model is networked) or charge the battery to 100% (for portable versions). Full charging time at Mi Portable Electric Irrigator is 4 hours, at Soocare X5 โ 6 hours.
- ๐ง Pour distilled water (not tap water!) into the tank and turn on the maximum pressure mode.
- ๐งผ Run water through all nozzles for 30 seconds each, even if you plan to use only one.
- ๐งป Wash the case and nozzles with a wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol (do not use aggressive detergents!).
Important: Xiaomi Oral-B models come with a special antibacterial coating on the tank โ don't peel it off! It prevents bacteria from multiplying in the water. If the coating is damaged, the tank will have to be replaced (article for Mi Oral Irrigator 2 โ MDZ-21-AA).
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never use Listerine mouthwash solutions for the first run, and their chemical composition can damage the sealing rings of the nozzles, leading to leaks. The first 3 uses are water only!
2. The choice of nozzles: what is needed for what and how often to change
Xiaomi's irrigators usually come with 3-7 nozzles, but few people know their real purpose, such as the Jet Tip nozzle (standard) for daily care, and the Orthodontic Tip for braces, but it can also be used for cleaning crowns.
| Nozzle | Appointment | Frequency of use | Time of replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Tip | Removing plaque between teeth and along the gum line | Every day. | Every 6 months |
| Orthodontic Tip | Cleaning of braces, implants, crowns | 3 times a week | Every 3 months |
| Plaque Tip | Punctual removal of tartar (only on the recommendation of the dentist!) | 1 time 2 weeks | Every 4 months |
| Tongue Cleaner | Cleansing the tongue of bacteria (alternative scraper) | In a day. | Every 8 months |
Critical error: most users don't know that nozzles have a lifetime, not a wear-and-tear life. Even if the nozzle looks new, its pores get clogged with bacteria. For example, the Jet Tip nozzle loses 30% of its effectiveness after 6 months of use due to microcracks invisible to the eye. The original nozzles for Xiaomi can be bought by the articles:
- ๐ MDZ-21-AB โ 4-Service Pack for Mi Oral Irrigator 2
- ๐ SOO-X5-NA โ soocare X5 (includes implant nozzle)
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Store the nozzles upright in a special container (it comes with it), if you throw them into a box, the sealing rings deform, and the irrigator begins to leak.
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to properly brush your teeth with an irrigator
The technique of using an irrigator is different from a toothbrush, and the rule is that the jet must move from the gums to the tooth, not vice versa, or you will put bacteria under the gums, which will lead to periodontitis.
Set your pressure (start with the minimum!)
Fill the tank with warm water (37โ40ยฐC)
Start with the back teeth of the upper jaw
Hold the nozzle at an angle of 60ยฐ to the tooth
Treat each tooth for 2-3 seconds
Finish brushing your tongue (if there is a nozzle)
Wash the irrigator after use-->
A common mistake is that users turn on maximum pressure the first time. It's not only unpleasant, it's dangerous! A jet that's too strong can damage your gums, especially if they're inflamed. Start at 1-2 (out of 10 possible for Soocare X5) and increase your blood pressure gradually. The optimal value for daily care is 5-7.
To enhance the effect, you can add special solutions to the water, but not all are suitable for Xiaomi irrigators.
- ๐ง Xiaomi Mi Oral Irrigator Cleaning Solution (Article) MDZ-21-AC)
- ๐ง Waterpik Water Flosser Solution (only for models marked "Anti-bacteria")
- ๐ซ Prohibited: Listerine, Colgate Plax and any solutions with chlorhexidine - they destroy seals.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If your gums bleed for more than 2-3 days after using an irrigator, immediately reduce your blood pressure and see your dentist.This may be a sign of initial periodontitis that requires professional treatment.
4. Care of irrigator: how to extend the service life
Xiaomi irrigators are designed to last 3-5 years of service, but if improperly maintained, they break down after a year, the main problems are lime plaque on the TEN (network models) and the reproduction of bacteria in the tank.
- After each use: ๐ฆ Dump the remaining water from the tank. ๐งผ Wash the tank and nozzles under running water. ๐ฌ๏ธ Dry all the parts outdoors (not in a closed container!).
- Once a week: ๐งฝ Do a deep cleaning: pour vinegar solution (1:1 with water) into the tank and turn on the irrigator for 1 minute. Then rinse with water 3 times. ๐ Wipe the charging contacts (in portable models) with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
Once a month
- ๐ ๏ธ Check the sealing rings on the nozzles. If they're not elastic, replace them. MDZ-21-AD).
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The irrigator does not replace the toothbrush and floss, but complements them. Optimal care: irrigator โ toothbrush โ rinse.
6.Technical problems and their solutions
If the Xiaomi irrigator has stopped working or is not working properly, in 90% of cases the problem can be solved independently.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigator is offline | Battery discharged (for portable models) | Connect to charging for 4-6 hours. If the indicator is not on, check the cable (use the original USB-Type-C) |
| Weak water pressure | Clogged filter or nozzle | Wash the nozzle under the water jet. Filter (under the tank lid) clean with a toothpick. |
| Irrigator leaks | Worn sealing ring nozzle or tank | Replace the ring (Article for Mi Oral Irrigator 2 - MDZ-21-AE) |
| Extraneous noise at work | Air entering the pump or bearing wear | Pour the water to the maximum mark and turn it on for 1 minute. |
| UV lamp is not working. | Flake contamination or lamp resource expired | If it doesn't work, replace the lamp (lifespan: 2,000 hours) |
If the irrigator is warranty (usually 12 months for Xiaomi), do not disassemble it yourself - this will void the warranty.
- ๐ Moscow: Letnikowska Street, 10 (phone: +7 495 123-45-67)
- ๐ St. Petersburg: Marshal Govorov St, 35 (phone: +7 812 987-65-43)
- ๐ Regions: list on the site mi.com/ru/service