As a dentist I’m often asked, “Which dental products do you recommend?”
I decided to put a short list together for you of my personal favorites. Whether I’m home here in Vancouver, WA or traveling around this is my list of must-have dental products to always have handy.
Electric Toothbrushes
There are several options on the market for reasonably priced, good electric toothbrushes. I think both the Oral-B and Sonicare are excellent products. There are many benefits to using an electric toothbrush, they tend to clean better between teeth and help you take care of your gums. They have a choice of replacement brush head options so you can find the one that suits you the best. Also for children who are reluctant brushers or have difficulty brushing with a manual brush, an electric brush may be easier or more comfortable to use.
Oral-B
https://oralb.com/en-us/product-collections/electric-toothbrushes
Sonicare
http://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/oral-health-care
Battery Powered & Manual Toothbrushes
If you are not able to use an electric toothbrush, here are some great alternatives:
- Oral-B Pulsar 3D White Toothbrush – battery powered
- Colgate Extra Clean Toothbrush – manual
- Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Pro-Flex – manual
- GUM Technique Deep Clean – manual
Always Remember!
Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Waterpik® Water Flossers
This a terrific product that is supported by science. A clinical study was conducted that compared the Water Flosser to dental floss. The results found that the Waterpik®Water Flosser is an easier and more effective alternative to string floss.
Waterpik®Water Flosser clinical studies show that the Water Flosser is up to:
- 51% more effective than dental floss for reducing gingivitis
- 2X as effective as dental floss at reducing gingival bleeding
- 29% more effective as dental floss at removing plaque
Dental floss
Not all dental floss is equal, make sure you are using one with fluoride in it. I recommend Gentle Gum Care Woven Dental Floss With Fluoride by Johnson and Johnson.
Go-Betweens
These are the perfect on-the-go dental care product. They are small but mighty and are great for cleaning in-between teeth. If you’re not a regular flosser I recommend that you try these:
- GUM Go-Betweens Proxabrush
Toothpaste
A travel size toothpaste along with a toothbrush are two great items to have to always have on hand. You can put them in your desk, gym bag, and carry-on bag. Both Colgate Total or Crest are good choices. If you have sensitive teeth try Sensodyne Maximum Strength Toothpaste.
Recommended brands:
- Colgate Total
- Crest
- Sensodyne
Rinse
There is a large selection of mouth rinses available. According to the ADA, there are two types of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwash may temporarily control bad breath and leave behind a pleasant taste, but have no chemical or biological application beyond their temporary benefit. For example, if a product doesn’t kill bacteria associated with bad breath, then its benefit is considered solely cosmetic. Therapeutic mouthwash, by contrast, has active ingredients intended to help control or reduce conditions like bad breath, gingivitis, plaque, and tooth decay. Please ask me about the best rinse option for you at your next appointment.
Retainers or night guards
If you are using a retainer, it is important that you maintain consistent use to get the full benefit. Night guards come in two different types: over-the-counter and custom. The best results are achieved with regular use. Always make sure you properly clean and store your night guard. All night guards should be cleaned between uses and before being stored. After cleaning, it is important to completely dry your night guard prior to storage. Your night guard case or holder should also be cleaned and dried regularly, since dust, bacteria, and other nasties like to congregate in dark, damp environments.
· Retainer Brite