Fluid activated switch for oral irrigator

A countertop water flossing device comprising

• a base unit;
• a reservoir connected to the base unit;
• a pump provided in the base unit and in fluid communication with the reservoir;
• an electric switch provided in the base unit and in electrical communication with the pump;
• a handle in fluid communication with the pump and removable from the base unit;
• and
• an actuator including an actuator fluid provided on the handle, wherein
• the actuator changes a fluid pressure of the actuator fluid to close or open the switch and selectively start or stop the pump.

A method of controlling a pump in a base of an oral irrigator from a tethered handle of the oral irrigator comprising

• transmitting a signal for a controller of the countertop pump to a switch through a first terminal;
• pressing a button located on the handle;
• increasing a fluid pressure within handle;
• communicating the increased fluid pressure to a switch located in the oral irrigator base;
• closing a contact in the switch by inflating a diaphragm within the switch with the fluid pressure;
• transmitting the signal from the first terminal to a second terminal through the closed contact;
• receiving the signal at the controller;
• and
• altering the state of a motor in response to receiving the signal at the controller.