Friday 25 October 2024

Are you caring for your teeth incorrectly? Dentists weigh in

Oct 25, 2024 | VIEW IN BROWSER

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Are you caring for your teeth correctly? Dentists give us the scoop

We spoke to three experts who gave us a rundown on how best to maintain our oral health — from what ingredients to look for in a toothpaste to the chewing gum that might just help keep cavities away and everything in between. Be sure to read our full guide here!

What type of toothbrush should you use?

If there's one thing all three of the dental experts we spoke to agree on, it's this: If you're not using a soft bristle toothbrush, you're doing it wrong. "More important than [brushing] technique is that you should use a soft bristle toothbrush. A hard or coarse bristle toothbrush will be damaging to the gum tissue," said North Dakota-based dentist Dr. Roberta Ekman.

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush →

"Some of the things I use and recommend to fight decay are the use of technology, like the Sonicare toothbrushes," said Dr. Ekman. "I feel that they do a really great job in breaking up the plaque matrix, which houses the microbes that cause gum disease and decay. So, I think those are really good tools to use on a daily basis."

$79.96 $99.99

Philips Sonicare 2100 Series Electric Toothbrush →

This more affordable option uses a built-in timer to make sure you're cleaning all the areas of your teeth. According to the brand, it's gentle on your pearly whites and can remove up to three times more plaque than a manual toothbrush!

$33.99

Philips Sonicare 2100 Series Electric Toothbrush

What type of toothpaste should you use?

"For any toothpaste that you use, the most important thing is to make sure that it contains fluoride," said New Jersey-based dentist Dr. Brett Loeser. You also want to make sure your toothpaste isn't overly abrasive. According to New York-based dentist Dr. Mina Kim, anything with too much grit "can make tiny scratches on your natural teeth."

Sensodyne Pronamel Enamel Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth (pack of 3) →

According to Dr. Loeser, Sensodyne is one of the best products on the market. "The Sensodyne will help to re-mineralize the area." Dr. Kim also says that this toothpaste is one of the least abrasive and recommends it for those with sensitivity issues.

$17.47

What type of mouthwash should you use?

"For a majority of my adult patients, I want them to be using some sort of fluoride mouth rinse at least once a day," says Dr. Kim.

ACT Restoring Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash →

This over-the-counter option from ACT comes recommended by Dr. Kim, and doesn't contain alcohol, which Dr. Ekman says can cause dryness. According to the brand, it not only prevents cavities and repairs enamel, but also strengthens teeth and freshens breath!

$6.87

ACT Restoring Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash

SmartMouth Original Mouthwash →

Dr. Ekman recommends SmartMouth for killing sulfur-producing microbes, which can lead to bad breath. The brand says that this uses a patented zinc ion technology to help keep your breath fresh for 12 hours at a time.

$7.42

What type of dental floss should you use?

According to Dr. Kim, many people don't seem to understand the main purpose of flossing. "It's not actually to get in between your teeth. You're actually getting under the gum." And if you thought flossing once a day was enough, think again. According to Dr. Ekman, plaque can build up about every 11 hours — even after brushing and flossing at the end of the day — so it's best to do it before bed and in the morning.

Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Dental Floss (pack of 2) →

"Glide makes an excellent floss," said Dr. Loeser. He's a fan of the brand's wax options for his patients who have very tight teeth to better capture and remove plaque.

$8.97

Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Dental Floss (pack of 2)

GUM Soft-Picks Original Dental Picks →

While traditional floss is preferred, picks like these are the next best thing. Dr. Ekman also loves their convenience: "I can have a soft-pick in my purse and use it like a toothpick. And after meals — if I can't run to the bathroom — I can grab my soft pick and go to work."

$2.96

Can gum help?

Dr. Ekman is a big fan of chewing gum — but only those that are sugar-free and contain decay-fighting ingredients like xylitol or recaldent.

Trident Sugar Free Gum with Xylitol (12 packs) →

This gum from tried-and-true brand Trident comes in a ton of fun flavors, from peppermint to "pineapple twist." It's sugar free and instead sweetened with xylitol — one of Dr. Ekman's key ingredients!

$9.34