dental care products

There are so many dental care products on the market that choosing between them can be difficult and confusing. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work best for you:

Automatic toothbrushes such as the Oral-B, Braun, and Sonicare are safe and effective for most all patients. Water spraying devices such as the Waterpik will flush away food debris in your mouth but will do little to remove plaque. Patients with orthodontics (braces) find the Waterpik helpful in removing food from between their braces and teeth.

Fluoride toothpastes and fluoride mouth rinses in conjunction with proper brushing and flossing can greatly reduce tooth decay. However, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes can help reduce tartar above the gum line but will not prevent gum disease, which starts below the gum line.

Over-the-counter whitening products generally use abrasives or bleaching agents to whiten teeth. You should avoid products with abrasives, because abrasives can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Products with a bleaching agent may work after repeated usage, but often the bleaching will be uneven or irritate the gums.

Daily brushing and flossing will keep plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) to a minimum, but only a professional cleaning will remove tartar in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your regular cleanings are important to prevent gum disease and monitor the health of your gums.