Your Guide To Picking Out The Right Dental Care Products
The oral care market has boomed and while this array of options may be a great thing, customers also need to know what exactly is best for their own teeth, tongue and gums. Here’s a handy guide to keep in mind when you’re next browsing through the shelves for any kind of dental care product!
Toothbrush
1. Bristles
We always recommend opting for soft bristles, especially if you have sensitive teeth and gums. Hard bristles can actually be more damaging to your enamel, which is the outer layer of your tooth that plays a vital role in protection and keeping bacteria at bay.
2. Bristle design
It goes without saying that you should pick out a toothbrush that isn’t too cumbersome to fit into your mouth. When it comes to bristle design, it all comes down to preference and your individual smile. Some may benefit from an angled bristled toothbrush, where others may find it easier to maneuver your traditional flat-trimmed bristled brush.
3. Manual or Electric?
Both options will do the job of cleaning your teeth but which is more efficient? When using manual toothbrushes, you need to be able to position and rotate the brush correctly in order to perform a good clean. Chances are, if you have a busy schedule, you’ll do a quick brush and rush off to face the day. Doing this with a manual toothbrush definitely gives you a lower chance of thoroughly cleaning your mouth. Research also shows that electric toothbrushes show a decreased amount of plaque present when compared to manual toothbrushes. Remember, it’s not that your manual toothbrush will do a poor job, it’s more about how you use it. We recommend holding the brush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth and gums, and gently brushing for at least 2 minutes in order to do a proper job.
4. Expiration date
Don’t forget that your toothbrushes have expiry dates! Many Australians don’t change out their toothbrushes for months at a time. We recommend switching out your toothbrush every 3 months, or even earlier if it begins to look worn or frayed. Worn out toothbrushes don’t clean your teeth as well as they should, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.
Toothpaste
The key ingredient to look out for in your toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has proven benefits. It helps strengthen the outer layer (enamel) of your teeth, reducing your chances of tooth decay. This is why we also offer fluoride treatment during your regular checkups at the dentist. So, when choosing your next toothpaste, read into the label (if it claims to be natural and organic) and see if fluoride is listed as an active ingredient. And if you’re prone to sensitive teeth, opt for toothpaste that specifically targets this as you’ll have less exposure to potentially irritating ingredients. If you continue to experience sensitivity, we recommend scheduling a checkup as this could be an early sign of a more serious dental issue.
Mouthwash
Once again, you’ll want to look out for mouthwashes that list fluoride as a key ingredient. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, we recommend looking for alcohol-free mouthwashes in order to reduce irritation. We also recommend this for children under 6 in the event that they accidentally swallow some of the solution. Some other ingredients to look out for on your labels are Cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine, which are antiseptics known to reduce plaque buildup and promote healthy gums.
Dental Floss
Dental floss is a vital part of your oral hygiene routine, and is used to more thoroughly remove bits of food and plaque that are lodged between your teeth. Your toothbrush cannot reach these surfaces, which is why flossing is so important. You may be familiar with the traditional box of waxed floss that you wrap around your fingers to slide between your teeth but there are also floss picks that may be easier for you to use.
Water Picks
Also called oral water irrigators, using water picks doesn’t mean that you can slack off on brushing or flossing because these particular products don’t remove plaque. These are helpful when it comes to removing food stuck between teeth, however, so we recommend investing in waster flossing only if you wear braces or have any other dental work that traps food.
Have any other questions or want to know more about what dental care products you should invest in? Schedule a consultation with our dental professionals at Wyndham Dental and we’ll make sure you have all the information you need!
Keep in mind that while investing in the right dental care products is vital for improving your smile, so is coming in for a professional cleaning every 6 months. Our experienced dentists will make sure that any hardened tartar is removed during this appointment and that your gums are in good health too, which cannot be done at home.