These days there are many different types of tools that are beneficial in maintaining good oral hygiene. However, it is hard to determine which tools are best. Let’s look at products that help keep your smile healthy!
Brushing Tips
Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are clinically proven to remove more bacteria from our teeth than manual brushing. We are unable to duplicate the motion of the electric toothbrushes’ bristles with manual brushes, no matter how well we brush with them. The built-in timers are also helpful as we should brush for at least two minutes every time!
Manual Toothbrush
If you just can’t make the switch to an electric toothbrush, make sure your manual toothbrush has soft bristles. When brushing, angle the bristles toward the gum line. Again, make sure you brush for at least two minutes!
No matter what kind of toothbrush patients use, they should switch to a new one every three months. If using a manual toothbrush, throw that brush away after three months. If using an electric toothbrush, replace the brush head every three months with a new one. Additionally, toothbrushes should be thrown away after being sick. For more information on choosing a toothbrush, click here.
Choosing Toothpaste
Sensitivity
Sensitivity toothpaste does work! This toothpaste is indicated for patients who experience hypersensitivity to cold. Sensitivity toothpaste does have a cumulative effect. Therefore, patients need to use this type of toothpaste consistently for three to four weeks before deciding if it is working for them.
Whitening
The marketing of whitening toothpaste can be misleading. Whitening toothpaste is effective at removing surface stains cause by things such as coffee or tea. However, whitening toothpaste does not actually change the overall color of your teeth.
Tartar Control
Tartar control toothpaste is effective in reducing tartar buildup, especially in patients who build up tartar very easily. While effective, this type of toothpaste can be slightly more abrasive than other toothpastes. Therefore, patients should be aware of any tooth sensitivity associated with tartar control toothpaste use. If this occurs, patients should stop using it immediately.
Floss or Interspace Cleaners
Floss
The type of floss patients use does not matter so much as the technique. When flossing, it is important to keep the floss along the side of each tooth and to rub the floss along the tooth under the gum line.
Proxabrushes
When spaces between the teeth are wider than floss, we recommend proxabrushes, or go between brushes. Often floss misses plaque or bacteria in wider spaces. Proxabrushes allow the bristles to clean the sides of the teeth more effectively where the floss is too thin to reach.
Soft-Piks
Soft-Piks are great alternatives to floss. These small brushes are also good for spaces that are too wide for floss to effectively clean, but still tighter than some proxabrushes to fit.
We hope these oral hygiene tips have been helpful! Is it time for your dental hygiene appointment? Do you have questions about what dental products are best for you? Please call our office at 919.866.1360 or click here to reach us online.
