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Everything You Need in Your Oral Health Toolkit

Dental Health
By: Spirit Dental
June 18, 2020


Medicine cabinet full of supplies


Taking care of your teeth and gums at home is the first step in maintaining your oral health. Of course, you’ll need to see your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings too, but if you have the right tools at home, your dentist is sure to be impressed with how great your pearly whites look.

What goes into an oral health toolkit? We break it all down for you below.

For Brushing: A Toothbrush and Toothpaste

You know that you need to brush at least twice a day, right? But did you know that using the right toothbrush makes a huge difference?

  • Experts recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush that will effectively remove plaque while being gentle on the gums.
  • An electric toothbrush can make it easier to thoroughly clean your teeth and along the gumline. And it’s a good option for those who have conditions like arthritis that make it difficult to use a manual toothbrush.
  • It’s a great idea to replace your toothbrush every three months, or even sooner if the bristles become worn more quickly.

When it comes to toothpaste:

  • It’s best to get one that contains fluoride to help keep your enamel strong and keep cavities at bay.
  • There are also toothpastes that are made for individuals with sensitive teeth, so you can look into those as well if you want to reduce sensitivity.
  • When it comes to whitening toothpastes, choose wisely, as some might be too abrasive and do more harm than good to your enamel.

For Cleaning Between Teeth: Flossers

Food particles can easily get stuck between teeth, and brushing can miss plaque that’s between your chompers. That’s why flossing at least once every day is so important.

If you’re under the impression that string floss is your only option when it comes to cleaning between teeth, think again!

  • You can choose from string floss that’s unwaxed or waxed. And if your teeth have tighter spaces between them, you can opt for thinner string floss or flossing tape.
  • Flossettes have convenient handles so you don’t need to hold the string between your fingers. These can also make it easier to reach back teeth.
  • Dental picks and interdental brushes are another option for getting between the teeth effectively.
  • Electronic water flossers, like the well-known products by Waterpik, can help clean between your teeth without needing to use traditional flossing products.

For Extra Protection and to Freshen Breath: Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with some mouthwash is another step you can take at home to clean your entire mouth, kill bacteria, and prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

There are different types of mouthwash available, so you can choose the one that’s ideal for your needs. Here are some examples:

  • Mouthwash that contains fluoride may help protect against cavities.
  • Therapeutic mouthwashes may help if you suffer from conditions like dry mouth or canker sores. Some also contain ingredients to support gum health.
  • You can find cosmetic mouthwashes that help whiten teeth, as well as those that help freshen your breath.

For Getting Rid of Even More Bacteria: A Tongue Scraper

When you brush your teeth, it’s also a great idea to scrape your tongue to get rid of bacteria that linger there, and to help tackle bad breath too.

Sure, you can use your toothbrush to clean your tongue, but a tongue scraper is specifically designed to clean this area of your mouth, so it will be able to do a better job.

For Keeping Your Smile Bright: Teeth Whiteners

To keep your teeth as white as possible, you can use whitening products at home that help remove stains.

Whitening strips are a classic example, but there are also gels and trays that you can find in stores as well. Although these won’t be as powerful as a professional whitening treatment, they can certainly be helpful.

Your Dentist Will Take Care of the Rest!

Practicing good oral hygiene every day at home is necessary. Thankfully, there are a variety of products available, from electric toothbrushes to water flossers, that can help make the task as simple as possible.

Just remember that, even if you’re using top quality dental care products, they can’t replace what your dentist and dental hygienist can do, so consider signing up for an insurance that can help you save money when it’s time to receive professional care.

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