Standing in front of shelves full of toothbrushes, you might feel overwhelmed by the many choices available for maintaining healthy teeth. If you can relate, you’re not alone—many people are unsure about how to pick the right toothbrush. And it’s not just toothbrushes; establishing a complete oral hygiene routine requires a high-quality kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and more. However, learning about the essential oral health products and how to choose them can be daunting. The good news is that by reading this article, you’ll gain thorough knowledge about the top five oral hygiene products recommended by dentists, along with a guide to help you easily identify the right ones.
What Products Are Essential for a Healthy Routine?
Is it a luxury, or is it pivotal? This is the main question everyone encounters when introduced to new dental health products. Despite marketing campaigns claiming the necessity of every single product, many of these products aren’t scientifically proven. While it’s unrealistic to have a full-time dentist by your side to advise you on what to buy for your dental needs, there is a simple way to distinguish which products will enhance your oral health and which won’t. The key is to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance or the CDA Seal.
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) are two renowned entities that independently evaluate the health benefit claims made by oral health products. So, the next time you’re choosing a toothbrush or toothpaste, make sure to look for the ADA or CDA seal on them. Watch the video below to see what the ADA Seal of Acceptance looks like. You can also find a list of products with the CDA seal here.
Watch: The ADA Seal of Acceptance
Now that you know how to identify effective products, all you need is a list of the must-haves. At the top of the list should be a toothbrush that effectively removes plaque, a fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities, and flossers. In addition, mouthwashes, fluoride rinses, and whitening strips to remove stains will help you achieve a shiny, healthy smile.
1- Toothbrushes: Do I Really Need an Electric Toothbrush?
To prevent dental cavities caused by plaque buildup, toothbrushes are at the forefront. Although some studies show that powered toothbrushes perform slightly better than manual ones, the decision to choose an electric toothbrush over a manual one is entirely up to you. Here are some tips to help you pick the right toothbrush:
- Size: Choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and is easy to maneuver.
- Softness: Soft bristles are preferred since you don’t want to damage your gums with a hard-bristled brush.
- Bristle Design: A study shows that an angled bristle design has a significant impact on removing plaque. So, between a flat bristle and a zig-zag design, go for the latter.
2- Toothpaste: What Qualities Should a Toothpaste Have?
The most effective ingredient that a toothpaste should contain is fluoride. Fluoride has been proven to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. That being said, there are plenty of toothpastes introduced for special needs, from sensitive teeth to stain removal. Here are some ingredients that science supports for specific purposes:
- Sensitive Teeth: If your teeth are sensitive and you feel pain when they are touched or exposed to temperature changes, look for potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride among the toothpaste ingredients.
- Stain Removal: Calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, hydrated aluminum oxides, magnesium carbonate, phosphate salts, and silicates are the main components of a formula for whitening toothpaste.
- Flavours: Some people like to use toothpaste with certain flavours to make brushing more enjoyable. Note that any sweetening formula should be sugar-free. Additionally, essential oils, including spearmint, peppermint, and cinnamon, may trigger allergic reactions. Hence, it’s important to know if you are allergic to certain flavors.
Although all of these ingredients have been tested before being used in toothpastes, some people prefer natural toothpaste for health or environmental concerns. A study shows that herbal toothpastes are both effective and safe to use.
3- Floss: Do Dentists Recommend Water Flossers?
Plaque can accumulate between teeth and harden, leading to cavities and gum disease. Therefore, cleaning between teeth with floss should be part of your oral hygiene routine. Standard floss consists of nylon strands that you can thread between your teeth to remove plaque. Waxed floss is recommended for those with tightly spaced teeth. For people with braces or those who have difficulty using traditional floss, water flossers are a good alternative. The key point is to learn how to floss properly. Watch this video to learn an effective flossing technique.
4- Mouthwash: How Can I Pick the Right One?
Mouthwashes are another essential part of a healthy dental routine. Therapeutic mouthwashes often contain fluoride as an active ingredient. The fluid flows easily in your mouth, spreading fluoride throughout. Cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine are two ingredients found in antiseptic mouthwashes, commonly used for gum disease. However, it’s advisable to consult your dentist if you have gum issues like swelling or redness. For whitening, look for mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide.
The second group of mouthwashes are cosmetic and are mainly used for preventing bad breath. These mouthwashes have a temporary effect and aren’t recommended for reducing the risk of oral health issues like cavities.
Additionally, it’s better to choose a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Although alcohol isn’t an active ingredient in mouthwash, it can contribute to a dry mouth and a bad breath.
5- Whitening: What Are the Home Whitening Products?
Having a bright smile is just as important as having a healthy one. While you can get professional bleaching at a dental clinic, some home remedies are available to remove stains from your teeth. Products containing carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used for whitening. Home whitening products range from gels to pens and toothpastes. Among these, gels with higher levels of peroxide are preferable.
Maintaining a healthy smile starts with choosing the right oral hygiene products. By selecting a well-fitting toothbrush, a fluoride toothpaste, and the appropriate floss, you can effectively combat plaque and prevent cavities. Incorporating a therapeutic mouthwash into your routine and using home whitening products can further enhance your oral health and appearance. Remember, it’s essential to choose products that meet your specific needs, and always look for the ADA or CDA seal to ensure their effectiveness. With the right tools and knowledge, you can achieve and maintain a bright, healthy smile for years to come.
References:
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/ada-seal-of-acceptance
https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/seal
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene
https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/toothpastes
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-floss#when-to-floss
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/waterpik-vs-flossing
https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/best-mouthwash-for-you-rcna146264
https://www.health.com/condition/oral-health/teeth-whitening-kits
