Shopping for dental products can be overwhelming.? If you?ve been to the dental aisle lately, you?ve surely seen the dozens of options available.? How do you choose?
Knowing what to look for in a product will help you get in and out of that aisle fast.?No more spending an hour reading labels.
Choosing the Right Dental Products: What to Look For?
Manual Toothbrushes
You should change your toothbrush every 3 months, or when you get sick.? So it?s a good idea to buy a few at a time.? You can also set a calendar event on your phone to alert you when you should switch to a new one.
A toothbrush head should be soft or extra soft.? Anything harder than that, along with brushing with too much force, causes gum recession, and can even wear away tooth enamel.
A small, angled head can help clean those hard to reach areas.
Bristles of multiple lengths (some short, some long) will help clean between your teeth better.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes clean teeth better than manual brushes.?If you?re in the market for an electric toothbrush, there are a few features that will help you maintain better oral care.
With a rechargeable toothbrush that uses replaceable heads, you won?t be as tempted to use a brush head for too long.? Also, you won?t have to worry about your battery dying because, after every use, you can sit it on the charging station to rest.
Some brushes have different settings like sensitivity, whitening, gum care.? These can be helpful if you have specific issues.
Another neat feature is having a built-in timer.? Since you should brush your teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes, most electric toothbrushes will automatically shut off after this time.?Some will even beep or pulse to let you know when each 30 second interval has passed.? This way, you can make sure that you?re staying on track while you brush.
Another neat feature to have in an electric toothbrush is a sanitizer.? This will dry your brush and keep it safe from bathroom hazards like dust, aerosols and bodily fluids.?
Toothpaste
Toothpastes can be specific for one?s needs. There are those formulated for infants, children and teens.? For adults, they?re broken down into categories like gum care, whitening, and sensitivity.
Mainly, you?ll want a toothpaste that contains fluoride.? This is a powerful ingredient that is proven to fight cavities and prevent sensitivity. Most toothpastes already have fluoride in them, but if your teeth are extra sensitive to cold, you could use a specially formulated toothpaste for sensitivity, since its mineral concentration will be higher.
For those worried about using fluoride in your toothpaste. . .make sure to click here to read this blog all about fluoride (the good, the bad, and everything in between).
If you?re interested in whitening your teeth, look for dental products /toothpastes with hydrogen peroxide, which is very useful in brightening teeth.
What you don?t want is an abrasive toothpaste. If it has gritty components, you?re better off staying away from it.? It?ll be too rough on your enamel and can cause it to wear over time.
Most people don?t know this, but it?s the toothbrush bristles that do most of the cleaning. So don?t stress too much about the right toothpaste – and if you need help deciding which one you should get, your dentist can make some specific recommendations.
Mouthwash
Not everyone uses mouthwash but it?s one of my favorite dental products to have in your oral care routine.? Most mouthwashes have alcohol in them which can dry your mouth out.? A dry mouth causes a list of other problems.
Look for a no-alcohol formula and one that contains fluoride.
If you do have a dry mouth (that isn?t caused by mouthwash) there are mouthwashes ?and dental products on the market that are specific for this condition.?
Floss
Floss comes in different options that are mostly dependent on your preferences.? Waxed, and single filament may be preferred because it?s less likely to fray – which can be a problem if you have tight teeth, several fillings, or braces.
Flavors don?t matter, as long as they don?t contain sugar – which they shouldn?t.
Other options are floss picks, which some people find are easier to maneuver and are more convenient for using when you?re on the go. I do have to say that nothing beats regular string floss!
Air flosssers are highly recommended for people that have implants or braces. ?And water flossers are recommended for almost everyone! Instead of having to fidget with a piece of string or a pick, you simply use one of these devices.?It shoots a blast of air or water between your teeth, removing plaque in an instant.
Also, if you want more tips like this, make sure to follow me on Instagram! Send me a DM and say hi!
Visit Your Newport Beach Dentist for More Information
No matter how many great products you have at home, none of them can substitute visiting your dental professional for cleanings twice per year.? If it?s time for your visit, give The Center for Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Newport Beach, CA a call today.? Dr. Yazdan and her staff are here to help you get your smile on the right track!
