Let’s Talk Tools for Dental Care
I prefer Oral B toothbrushes. I have tried many different brands and that is the one I like the best, electric or manual. I like the electric toothbrush as it cleans hard to reach areas, and it does all the work for you. Most electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor for over aggressive brushers. The electric toothbrushes also have a 2-minute timer. I suggest changing the brush heads for the electric toothbrush every 3–4 months.
Manual brushes are also great, but if you are an avid brusher with a heavy hand you have to be aware of brushing on the slower side to avoid recession.
According to a national poll, about 4 in 10 Americans floss their teeth at least once a day, and 20 percent of Americans never floss at all. (healthline.com/health)
Let’s Review Flossing
To floss correctly, using your index fingers and thumbs, gently glide the floss up and down against both sides of the tooth. As the floss reaches your gums, curve the floss at the base of the tooth to form a C or horseshoe shape.
The ADA suggests that the best time to floss is the time that comfortably fits into your schedule. My personal recommendation is that flossing should be done at night to remove all debris and go to sleep with a clean mouth to avoid decay.
One of my favorite floss products that I will link for you to try is the Listerine floss. I have found that it removes plaque effectively. I have recommended this product to a handful of patients. If you prefer floss sticks, I will link a good one too.
Another complaint for patients is “Even after flossing I still feel like I have food stuck, or the spaces so I am not getting all the plaque out” In this case I would suggest an added cleaning tool to help remove any extra debris. This goes for all patients but can be especially helpful in the Orthodontic patient as well as the Implant patient and the Periodontally involved patient.
Let’s Talk About Waterpiks and Interdental Brushes.
Although Waterpiks and Interdental brushes are great tools I do not recommend they replace flossing. Both are a great addition to your nightly brushing and flossing routine.
Waterpiks come corded or wireless. I prefer the battery-operated wireless ones for easy storage. Fill the reservoir each time you use it. I suggest using warm water especially if you have sensitive teeth. The waterpik can get into spaces that the floss and toothbrush bristles cannot reach. They are pretty self-explanatory but I will link some videos on how to use the waterpik.
White Waterpik™ Cordless Express Water Flosser
Waterpik™ Cordless Water Flossers
Interdental brushes come in many sizes from Petite, Ultra Tight, Tight, Moderate and Wide. There is a brush size for everyone. Patients with Implants, Smaller spaces, Large spaces, Orthodontic appliances and Furcation involvements benefit from using these brushes. Your Hygienist can help you determine the size of the brush that would be good for you. If I find that this tool would be beneficial to my patient, I give them a demonstration on how to use the brush and help them in finding the correct size. These brush heads bend to get in hard-to-reach areas for an easy clean. Triangular bristles for 25% more effective plaque removal* (sunstargum.com) These brushes are great for on the go and can be used more than once. Just remember to rinse after each use. I will link the brand I like but feel free to use any interdental brush that you are able to get.
GUM® Proxabrush® Go-Betweens® Interdental Brushes
Be sure to visit your Dental Hygienist for more helpful tips!
