What dental hygiene products do you use? Chances are, you’ve been using the same products for most of your life without really thinking about it. But are these dental products really the best ones for you? Choosing something new can seem overwhelming, but keep your eye out for a few things and you will be well on the road to better choices.
Toothpaste
Fluoride is the name of the game in top toothpaste ingredients. But what is it? Fluoride is a salt that combats tooth decay. While fluoride is added to municipal water throughout most of the United States, it is still good to use a fluoride toothpaste. Look for 1,000 parts per million and an American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
What to look for:
- ADA Seal of Acceptance: Ensures the product meets safety and efficacy standards.
- 1000–1500 ppm (parts per million) fluoride: Ideal for cavity prevention in adults.
- Specialty formulas: If you have sensitive teeth, look for potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. Whitening toothpastes with mild abrasives can help remove surface stains but shouldn’t be overused if you have enamel erosion.
Avoid charcoal or overly abrasive toothpastes. These can wear down your enamel over time.
Toothbrushes: Soft Bristles Win Every Time
A good toothbrush is all down to the bristles. Have you ever chosen stiff bristles thinking they will do a better job cleaning your teeth? Unfortunately, stiff bristles can also injure your gums and even damage enamel. A soft bristled brush is perfectly effective and also gentle on teeth and gums.
Some people claim that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes. While you can get your teeth just as clean with a manual brush, an electric brush can be easier to use. Electric brushes can be particularly helpful for patients with mobility issues.
Manual toothbrush tips:
- Small head size: Allows better access to back teeth.
- Angled bristles: Helps clean along the gumline.
- Replace every 3–4 months: Worn-out bristles lose effectiveness.
Electric toothbrushes:
- Oscillating-rotating models (like Oral-B) are clinically proven to remove more plaque than manual brushes.
- Sonic brushes (like Philips Sonicare) use high-frequency vibrations for a deep clean.
- Great for people with arthritis or limited dexterity: The automated motion does most of the work.
Mouthwash
Fluoride is a good thing to look for in a mouthwash as well. The key thing that sets apart mouthwashes is alcohol. Non-alcoholic options may claim to be just as effective, but ultimately they just don’t have the same antibacterial properties as a traditional alcohol-based mouthwash.
Alcohol-based mouthwash:
- Strong antibacterial properties: Helps kill germs that cause gum disease.
- Best for people without dry mouth or sensitivity: Alcohol can be harsh for some.
Alcohol-free mouthwash:
- Gentler on sensitive mouths: Ideal for those prone to irritation.
- Look for fluoride or CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride): Still effective against bacteria.
Therapeutic vs. cosmetic:
- Therapeutic rinses (like Listerine Total Care) fight plaque and gingivitis.
- Cosmetic rinses (like Scope) only freshen breath temporarily.
Floss & Interdental Cleaners
What floss you use comes down to how much space there is between your teeth. Some people have very tightly set teeth, so a very thin floss will be the easiest to use. Other people have teeth that are more widely set, so a thick floss will be more effective. If you have particularly wide-set teeth, particularly with gaps between them, and especially thick floss called “dental tape” will work the best.
Flossing is non-negotiable for preventing cavities between teeth, but the right type depends on your smile.
Standard floss, typically made from nylon or PTFE, comes in two main varieties. Waxed floss is an excellent choice for people with tightly spaced teeth because its smooth coating helps it glide between teeth without fraying. On the other hand, unwaxed floss may provide better plaque removal since its textured surface can grip debris more effectively. Though it tends to shred more easily in very tight contacts between teeth.
For those with wider gaps between their teeth, dental tape offers a more effective solution. Its broader, flatter design covers more surface area, making it particularly useful for cleaning around small spaces or slightly gapped teeth. The extra width helps ensure thorough plaque removal where standard floss might not make sufficient contact.
Interdental brushes are great for braces, bridges, or large gaps. They’re more effective than floss for some people. Water flossers (like Waterpik) are an excellent alternative for people who hate flossing. They remove debris with a pressurized water stream.
Schedule a Dental Exam
Everyone’s mouth is different, and some patients may need to look for specialized health care products. If you have questions about building the best home healthcare routine, contact Dr. Sal Lotardo and Dr. Diana Pop at Bella Smiles. To schedule an appointment, contact us on our website.