With so many dental products on the market today, how will you choose the right one? In this Ask A Dentist blog, we’ll be listing what to look out for when shopping for toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and more.

Toothbrush

When buying a toothbrush, here’s what to look for:

• A small-headed toothbrush can reach all areas in your mouth, including those hard-to-reach spots. Most importantly, choose a shape and size that’s the right fit for you. 
• Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Soft-bristles are easier on your gums and enamel, especially if you tend to brush hard.
• For many, an electric toothbrush is ideal as it can do a better job of cleaning teeth, especially for those who have difficulty brushing or limited manual dexterity.
• Replace your toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head) every three months or when it shows signs of wear. 
• For children and infants, they should be using toothbrushes that are very small to match their small mouth and teeth.  The toothbrush should be made with ultra-soft polyester bristles. While being more firm than traditional nylon, this material, when wet, does not bend and maintains its firmness, enhancing the efficacy and longevity of the bristles compared to a regular toothbrush.  Brushes such as Curaprox do not harbour bacteria because of these polyester filaments. 

Toothpaste

It’s important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen the tooth enamel. But if you’re senstive to fluoride, you may want to use a different kind of toothpaste - talk to your dentist or physician before making this switch as they’ll be able to recommend the right toothpaste for you.

When buying toothpaste for your child, buy one with their favourite flavour, such as strawberry, peach, or bubblegum. When picking a toothpaste for yourself, you should also consider its oral health benefits. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth, a desensitizing toothpaste could be a great option or if you’d like to have whiter teeth, a teeth whitening toothpaste is a good choice. 

Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwash is effective in controlling plaque and also freshens breath. Most mouthwashes contain alcohol and aren’t appropriate for children younger than six years old, so be sure to read the label before giving it to a child. 

Floss

There are many different types of floss. Whether it’s thread or ribbon, waxed or unwaxed, nylon or silk, use the floss that’s comfortable on your teeth and gums. If you have trouble using regular floss where you have to wrap it around your fingers, you can buy floss holders in most drugstores and grocery stores. An even more effective tool is an Interdental brush with the same polyester filaments mentioned above. They have proven more effective at bacteria removal than flossing.  Additionally, a Waterpik water flosser is the gold standard for cleaning between teeth. 

Get in touch with Dental Image Therapy Centres today for expert guidance on how to spot the best dental products for your teeth. We’ll take your oral health history and oral health concerns into account when making our recommendations. For better oral care, visit us at St. Vital Centre or Garden City Shopping Centre.