Product Guide
Oral health products come in a myriad of forms, sizes, and colours, each touting to have the best effect on the removal of plaque and keeping teeth and gums healthy and clean.
Dental product confusion
The number of products can confuse a dental consumer, so the help of our hygienist should be sought to formulate a customized approach to oral hygiene, tailored to your individual needs.
The presence of gum disease, braces, bridgework, and implants, add a different dimension to the proper care of teeth and supporting structures.
Oral care products fall in the following categories:
Power products:
- Electric or battery operated toothbrushes are highly popular and certainly helpful, especially for the handicapped or people with arthritis.
- Oral irrigators focus a pulsating jet of water and are helpful in removing food particles from hard to reach areas.
Toothbrushes:
A small head with bristles of the same length, and a straight handle is recommended. Our hygienist will be happy to suggest a brush that is best suited for your needs.
Interdental products:
- Interdental brushes are small brushes that are highly effective in hard to reach areas, under bridgework and around braces.
- Interdental stimulators can be in the form of special wooden toothpicks or small rubber tips that gently stimulate and massage the gums between the teeth.
Toothpastes and gels:
There is little difference between a paste and a gel, and selection is simply a matter of personal preference. In recent years there has been a proliferation of specialty dentifrices (toothpaste) each claiming a different function:
- Tartar control - Studies show that these do not remove the hard deposits but may play a role in slowing down calculus build up.
- Whitening Toothpaste - There are various brands on the market and care should be taken in choosing the right one. Consult with our hygienist prior to using a product.
- Gum care Toothpaste - This may be useful in reducing mild forms of gingivitis but nothing can replace proper flossing and brushing.
- Smoker’s Toothpaste - These are abrasive due to their high content of grit and should be avoided.
- Baking Soda Toothpaste - The tingly taste of baking soda and mint may encourage people to brush longer but there are no conclusive studies that they are superior to other dentifrices.
The mouth responds to a minimum amount of focused maintenance and overzealous brushing using the wrong type of oral health product can have a detrimental effect on the gums and teeth. Choosing the right oral home care product can be confusing. If in doubt check the ADA Seal of Acceptance program (ADA: American Dental Association), or ask our hygienist.