Your oral hygiene habits are only as good as the tools you are using. Here is the rundown of the kinds of things you should be looking for in your dental hygiene tools.
Brush: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that has been approved by the American Dental Association. Make sure it is in the right shape and size for your mouth. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, even if the bristles look “fine.” Replace it sooner if the bristles look frayed or worn out.
Toothpaste: It is important to use an ADA approved toothpaste. There are many styles, flavors, and colors available. Toothpaste contains mildly abrasive substances that both clean and polish your teeth, without damaging enamel.
Floss: Choose a single-filament floss when possible. This will reduce the chances for breakage and fraying of the floss when cleaning between teeth. Only use a floss that has been approved by the ADA and is specifically designed for interdental cleaning.
Mouthwash: If you choose to include mouthwash in your dental hygiene routine, be aware that not all mouthwashes are created equal. Some, called cosmetic mouthwashes, only temporarily freshen your breath. Choose what is called a therapeutic mouthwash, which not only freshens breath but also kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and halitosis.
Sugar-Free Gum: Include sugar-free gum in your oral hygiene routine as appropriate. Sugar-free gum, when chewed for 20 minutes after eating, cleans the mouth by stimulating saliva production. Sugared gum also stimulates saliva, but the sugar present feeds bacteria, negating the good effects of the gum. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the package to ensure a quality product.
For more information, call Dentists 'R Us in Gilbert, Arizona, at 480-558-7500. Dr. Ali Nia and our whole team will be happy to help you!