Toothbrushes, toothpastes, floss, mouthwashes, whitening aids–the amount of dental products and options out there can make your head spin. When it comes to selecting dental products to support you in your home-based oral care practices, you want the best bang for your buck. Not all products are the same and not all will be as good as one another for your oral health. Learn what dental products you should be using and what to avoid!

Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes look pretty much the same, but does that mean they are the same? No! Toothbrushes come in all different shapes and designs and there are brushes with hard bristles and ones with moderate and soft brushes. You should choose a brush that is strong enough to brush away stains and plaque, but gentle enough to not irritate your gums. When you have a dental cleaning and exam, we will provide you with our favorite brand of toothbrush. You always want to look for a brush that is strong enough to last you for several months.

Colgate states that the best toothbrush is the one that “fits your mouth and allows you to reach the teeth easily.” When it comes to the shape of the head and style of bristles, you can choose whatever feels best for your mouth. If you are more prone to plaque and tooth decay, an electric toothbrush might be a better option for you, as it cleans better than non-electric toothbrushes. Avoid brushes that are too big to reach all of your teeth and invest in a smaller head that can reach the back teeth with ease. Also avoid keeping a toothbrush if it wears quickly and toss yours if it’s been three months or it’s worn.

Toothpastes

How do you know what toothpastes are the best for you? Ask your dentist! There are many toothpastes on the market today and many have different formulas and functions. Some are meant to remove surface stains better than others, whereas some toothpastes have extra fluoride for strengthening the teeth and protecting against cavities. You may even need a special toothpaste if you have problems with sensitive teeth or conditions such as gum disease. Asking your dentist is the best way you can be sure you have a good toothpaste that fits your unique needs.

You can also tell the difference between a good toothpaste and a bad one by whether it has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. All toothpastes that have been tested and found safe for use with have this ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you are using a toothpaste that doesn’t, toss it and find one that does. That is the best way to ensure you are using a product that won’t damage your tooth enamel. The ADA seal ensures the product has met the “criteria for safety and effectiveness and that the package and advertising claims are scientifically supported.”

Mouthwashes

Most mouthwashes are suitable for most patients, however some will work for you better than others. Your dentist will know if there is a specific mouthwash you should be using to help with oral health issues. If you have gum disease, the best mouthwash is the one that your dentist recommends for your condition. There are fluoride mouthwashes as well as alcohol and antibacterial mouthwashes (which may also say “anti-plaque” or “anti-gingivitis”). Alcohol mouthwashes can dry out your mouth, so avoid this type if you are prone to dry mouth. Also avoid this kind if you have small children, as you don’t want them to swallow mouthwash, but especially not one with alcohol.

Most mouthwashes will have the ADA Seal of Acceptance on them as well. If it does, you can be sure that the claims have been evaluated and verified. If it doesn’t, then use the mouthwash or rinse at your own risk. Most mouthwashes only work to freshen breath, so if you want a product to do more, you’ll have to buy one that does more than just freshen breath.

Whitening Dental Products

There are many whitening products out there. How do you choose one that is the best? There is a difference between “whitening” and “bleaching”. A bleaching product is one that contains bleach and will actually change your teeth color. A whitening product is one that makes your teeth appear whiter, even if that is just by removing stains when you brush them. There are many “whitening” toothpastes, but all they do is brush away plaque and debris that can make your teeth appear dirtier or darker.

If you are looking for a product that actually bleaches your teeth, your best options are over-the-counter strips or gels that have the ADA seal of approval. Avoid any products that are not approved products, as their safety, effectiveness and claims have not been verified. The absolute best way to whiten the teeth is with a professional dentist in an in-office treatment or with their take-home whitening trays. This will provide you the best measure of safety and comfort when whitening your teeth.

Dependable Dental Products

No matter your preference for specific brands, make sure you choose products that are dependable and help your oral health to be better. Your dentist is always a great resource for knowing what products are good to use and what products are gentle or harsh for your mouth. Certain conditions such as gum disease may necessitate that you use specific products with certain ingredients and purposes.

Overall, investing in a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products is a great step in the right direction, because it means you are conscious of your oral health. Keeping your oral health in check will help you avoid many dental problems and extensive procedures in the future. To find out what products we love for our patients, call our Mountain Aire Dentistry office today at (303) 731-7755!