It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the wall of products facing you in your store’s dental health aisle. Dozens of products, dozens of brands, and each with conflicting claims. How can you choose? It may seem like you need a medical degree to know what to shop for, but in fact there are a few things you can look for to choose the best dental products for you.
Toothbrush
The most important feature of any toothbrush is the bristles. Many people choose a stiff-bristled brush because they think it will scrub their teeth more effectively. In fact, stiff bristles can injure your gums and damage enamel. A soft-bristled brush cleans the teeth effectively and won’t do any damage.
Traditional Toothbrush
For most people, a traditional toothbrush is just fine. Make sure to choose one with soft bristles and to brush your teeth with a circular method.
Electric Toothbrush
There is a popular misconception that electric toothbrushes work better than manual brushes. There is little to no evidence that they are actually more effective than a traditional brush, but electric toothbrushes can be easier to use. They can also be a great choice for patients with mobility issues.
Toothpaste
Fluoride is the key when it comes to toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay. Look for a toothpaste that has at leas 1000 parts per million of fluoride. It might also have a seal of approval from the American Dental Association – always a good sign.
Mouthwash
Choosing a fluoride mouthwash is important, too, but the key to a good mouthwash is alcohol. There are plenty of alcohol-free mouthwashes for sale, but unfortunately they just don’t have the antibacterial power of an alcoholic mouthwash.
Floss
Choosing a floss mostly comes down to how much space there is between your teeth. Floss comes in a variety of thicknesses, and you should match one to your mouth accordingly. For patients with sizable gaps between their teeth, you may want to consider dental tape, a kind of very wise floss to make cleaning the gaps easy.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you have questions about how to choose dental products for your needs? Dr. Robert Cain is always happy to answer your questions about how to give your teeth the best possible care. To schedule a consultation, contact East Tennessee Periodontics in Knoxville, TN or at (865) 280-1173.