A Center For Dental Health wants to help eliminate your confusion while browsing through the dental health aisle at the store. There are a lot of products out there - here are some we recommend:

Tooth brushes

The first thing you should look for in a toothbrush is soft bristles.  Stiff bristles do not remove plaque better - they simply irritate your gums.  Select a toothbrush size that will be able to brush one to two teeth at a time.  You should replace your toothbrush every three months, or before if it begins to look frayed.

An electric toothbrush is a good idea.  It can help you clean hard to reach areas more thoroughly and many have a two minute timer to make sure you brush long enough.  A good $20 - $30 option is Oral-B Vitality.  It comes with a handy charging station.  Just remember to replace the brushing head every few months.

Tooth Paste 

The best way to choose the right toothpaste is to talk to your dental hygienist about which category you should pick from.  There are tartar control options, de-sensitizing varieties, whitening pastes and more.  Your hygienist can recommend which is right for your mouth.

Everyone should use a toothpaste with flouride.  Flouride has been proven to help fight cavities.  Other than that - choose one you like!  Gels, pastes, spearmint, wintergreen - they all work as long as you use them!

Floss

The type of floss you choose is really a personal preference.  Some dental flossers make it easier to reach your back teeth without the floss slipping out of your fingers.  Some types of "satin" floss are less prone to fraying and shredding.  When used properly, all types of floss are effective at removing bacteria.

Mouthwash

Mouthwashes can be used to freshen breath, but they also help fight disease.  They reduce the amount of bacteria in dental plaque, and therefore help prevent gum disease.  Flouride mouth rinses help reduce and prevent tooth decay by strengthening your enamel.

If you have questions about any of the products above or if you aren't sure which would be right for you, feel free to call our office to speak with a staff team member (208-765-3301).