There are many tools available for home use to help you care for your teeth. Maintaining good dental hygiene is important to your overall health. Poor dental hygiene can cause many health issues including cavities, gum disease, or bad breath. Learn more about the tools for dental health that you can use at home to keep your smile bright and beautiful!

Which Toothbrush is Best?

A toothbrush is one of the most foundational tools for dental health. Choosing a toothbrush wisely can help you to prevent food debris from leading to plaque buildup, dental decay, and cavities. It can also leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Dentists usually recommend brushing after each meal, or 3 times a day, for 2 minutes. Most Americans only brush for 30 to 60 seconds so it can be helpful to set a timer, play a song that lasts 2-3 minutes and groove to the beat while you blast the plaque away!

Make sure to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. It is important to choose tools that are comfortable. Your toothbrush should be able to reach to brush along the gum line, and be gentle enough to do so without damaging soft tissue or enamel. Electric toothbrushes are also a great choice if the setting is not too strong. Brushing up and down as well as side to side can be most effective.

How Should I Choose a Good Toothpaste?

Choosing a toothpaste is equally important. Fluoride is an important ingredient to look for as it can help your teeth protect from cavities and even affect sensitivity. Special toothpastes targeted for whitening or sensitivity needs may be especially helpful. Avoid toothpastes with added sugar, artificial colors or bleaching ingredients as these may be harmful to your enamel. Ask your dentist to recommend a toothpaste that is right for your needs.

Floss and interdental brushes

Brushing is important, but brushing alone only reaches 60% of the surface of your teeth. Plaque, bacteria and pieces of food can get stuck between the teeth where the bristles can’t reach. Look for a floss with a wax coating to prevent shredding. Interdental brushes are also excellent tools for dental health when used to clean hard to reach areas between the teeth as well as dental appliances like braces or permanent retainers.

Flossing or cleaning with an interdental brush daily is recommended.

Mouthwash

Mouthwashes can have antiseptic properties to kill the bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath and should be used after you brush or floss, but can also be used to freshen your breath. It should not be used as a replacement for brushing or flossing your teeth. Talk to your dentist about which mouthwash is best for your needs.

With the right tools for dental health and the advice and care of a dental professional you can keep your smile bright, strong and healthy.

Call our 5th Street, Riverside, Galleria, Heights, Oak Forest, Rice Village, Richmond, Spring or Hulen dental offices to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.