As we become more conscious about oral health and invest more in preventative dental products, it’s wise to consider the right type of products that can help maintain healthy teeth and a dazzling smile.
Let’s look at some dentist-recommended ways of searching for your dental care products, that will come in handy the next time you’re browsing the aisles at a local supermarket.
Toothbrush
In the quest for the perfect toothbrush, selecting one that not only removes plaque and food debris but is also gentle on the teeth and gums is crucial. Opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush, along with good brushing habits, will do the trick, while harder-bristled toothbrushes can be too abrasive, leading to gum erosion and increased tooth sensitivity.
Also, pick a toothbrush with a head size that easily fits into your mouth to avoid banging your teeth or gums.
In terms of the bristle design, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people benefit from multi-level or angled bristles, while others find traditional flat-trimmed bristles most effective in removing plaque. Consult your dentist to find the best option for your teeth.
Manual Vs Electric Toothbrush
When deciding between a manual and electric toothbrush, know that both will clean your teeth, but electric toothbrushes make it easier to achieve a good clean every day.
They do all the positioning and rotating for you and often come with a built-in timer to ensure you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes. Research shows that electric toothbrushes can reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes. However, manual toothbrushes are affordable, easy to pack when traveling, and can still provide a good clean if used correctly. If you prefer an electric toothbrush, choose one that rotates rather than just vibrates for the most effective plaque removal.
Complimentary Oral Care Products
As dental treatments advance, maintaining oral health becomes more challenging, and traditional toothbrushes may not suffice. That’s where complimentary tools such as interdental brushes, water flossers, and tongue scrapers come into play.
Interdental brushes clean between teeth and restorative materials to remove food debris and plaque, while water flossers are a good alternative for the elderly or less dexterous. And while bad breath may seem like a simple issue, it’s often caused by plaque on the tongue. A tongue scraper can work wonders here, making a significant difference in oral health.
How much fluoride is good for you?
Active ingredients play a significant role in protecting teeth, and the amount of fluoride in dental products is crucial in combating tooth decay and sensitivity. Look for products containing approximately 600 to 1,500ppm of fluoride.
Natural alcohol sugars, such as Sorbitol and Xylitol, are also gaining popularity in oral care products, improving taste while reducing the risk of cavities.
Whitening products
While whitening products promise a brighter smile, many fall short, lacking the key ingredient of hydrogen peroxide compounds. A tooth’s natural colour is determined by the amount of light reflecting off its internal structure, and only teeth whitening solutions prescribed by dentists using carbamide peroxide can penetrate deep into the tooth structure, providing effective results.
Avoid products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), which can irritate gums and lips, causing redness and peeling. With the right products and proper dental care habits, maintaining a healthy and brilliant smile is within reach.
Whatever at-home oral care products you use, there is no substitute for a visit to the dentist; only a dental professional can effectively remove plaque and help you to maintain a good overall dental and oral health.
To maintain an active oral care maintenance routine, book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley. Contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
