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Hygiene Supplies

Good oral and dental hygiene is crucial to maintaining a healthy, fully operating mouth and smile. Most of us know the basics of oral hygiene: brush, floss, rinse and repeat. But do we know what Hygiene Supplies dental health professionals recommend? The following are suggestions for maintaining good oral hygiene practices, to treat and prevent gum disease, gingivitis and cavities, followed by a few recommended Hygiene Supplies that you can use. Ask a Dentist or talk to your doctor if you are unsure or have special concerns about your personal oral hygiene.
 
The American Dental Association recommends the following practices for maintaining good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth. 
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. 
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. 
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

TOOTHBRUSH

To maintain a healthy smile, you need to brush at least twice a day. Refer to our reference on Tooth Brushing for more information on how to brush. Some toothbrushes we recommend are: (Electric) Sonicare, Oral-B, Braun, Colgate Actibrush, or Rotadent. Manual toothbrushes need to have a soft, small head (ex: Crest). Even a smaller toothbrush is good for those with smaller mouths (ex: youth or child size brush depending on patient's mouth).

TOOTHPASTE

Particular toothpaste brands, as with most Hygiene Supplies, are more of a personal preference. Some choose on taste, consistency, or other additives. There are numerous toothpastes on the market from whitening to tartar control to plain gel toothpaste. Plain gel or cavity protection toothpaste (ex: Crest) is good for all patients. However, some prefer to use a whitening toothpaste help decrease stain buildup. Tartar control is also okay but can irritate some patient's gums. Still, others like to use sensitivity toothpaste which is perfectly safe for all patients.

MOUTH RINSE

According to the ADA, Hygiene Supplies like antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and inhibit bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis. Consumers should always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with their dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.

Non-alcoholic rinses (ex: Breath Rx) are preferred for all patients, especially those with porcelain restorations and/or dry mouth. However, some patients still prefer to use alcohol rinses such as Listerine and Scope. Due to the alcohol content, these types of rinses are not recommended for patients that suffer from dry mouth associated with medications or health problems such as cancer, Sjogren's syndrome, Lupus, etc. Alcohol rinses can also dull porcelain crowns, veneers, or onlays.

Breath Rx has a complete line of Hygiene Supplies for bad breath that are sold through our dental office. They have a great toothpaste, tongue spray, mints, gum, and tongue gel and scrapers in addition to their rinse. These are wonderful tools that help control bad breath and keep your mouth feeling fresh.

FLUORIDE

Fluoride helps to prevent decay for patients who are more prone to cavities and helps to decrease sensitivity on exposed root surfaces or recently bleached teeth. Over the counter pastes can only contain a certain level of fluoride, which is why we provide our patients with a prescription strength fluoridated toothpaste. Prevident fluoride gel is safe for all dental work and great at preventing sensitivity and decay when used consistently. Fluoridex is fluoride gel toothpaste (all in one) and is equally a great product. Gingimed is a fluoride rinse that can be swished or brushed on you teeth.

FLOSS

There are many different types of floss listed below. If you have difficulty flossing, let us know and we can help you find the proper floss holder or other hygiene supplies for easier access.

Floss we recommend:
Glide, Johnson & Johnson Dentotape, POH unwaxed floss, Johnson & Johnson Reach Gentle gum care is a fluoride woven floss, Oral-B superfloss, or more preferable Thorton's periodontal floss and bridge & implant floss, which includes a stiff end for threading under bridges or tight contacts and a foamy portion of floss to loosen plaque/food, or floss threaders along with any type of floss for orthodontics or bridges.

OTHER AIDS

In addition to brushing, flossing, rinsing, and fluoridating your teeth and gums, there are other Hygiene Supplies we recommend and provide to our patients for harder to reach areas. Rubber tip for gum stimulation; proxy brush ( ie. Christmas tree brush) for plaque removal in larger spaces or under implants and bridges; rotapoints (plastic picks) and/or toothpicks for between the teeth; waterpicks, or whatever else the individual prefers to use to remove plaque and debris.

Talk to your dentist about what types of Hygiene Supplies will be most effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene supplies. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can contact us at 713.795.5905 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.