A Guide to Oral Hygiene Products

Have you been down the toothpaste aisle of your local shopping centre lately? If you have, you probably share in our astonishment at the number of oral hygiene products on offer. There are hundreds! So which ones do you choose? Well, that’s quite a big question. The oral hygiene products that are right for you really depend on your current dental and oral health. Different oral hygiene products serve different purposes, and it’s important to make the right decision for two reasons.

The first reason is your oral health. If you choose unsuitable oral hygiene products, then your mouth isn’t getting the care it needs. The second reason is cost. If you are getting oral hygiene products that you don’t need, you might be spending money unnecessarily. So what can you do about? Read on to find out!

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products: Get a Toothbrush That Suits You!

As far as oral hygiene products are concerned, there is none more important than the humble toothbrush. Without it, our teeth would be in a world of hurt! But even within this one class of product, there are hundreds of options on offer. Your supermarket alone could have everything from soft bristles for sensitive teeth, to electric toothbrushes for kids. So how on earth can you distinguish one from the other? A great place to start is with your dentist. You should be seeing the dentist about once every six months for a routine check up. During these check ups, you can ask your dentist for some recommendations. If you feel like some toothbrushes are too firm, let the dentist know. Together, you can work out which toothbrush is right for you.

Why is choosing the right toothbrush so important? Could there really be that much of difference between them? Surprisingly, yes. Different toothbrushes are designed for different types of teeth and dental conditions. Because brushing is your first weapon against tooth decay, you simply have to get it right. And you cannot do that without the right tools.

Oral Hygiene Products: The Basics

By now, we have covered your most important oral hygiene product – the toothbrush. But what other oral hygiene products are essential? In reality, there are several. Your oral hygiene products should include a few things as standard. To make sure you are aware of them all, we have listed them below! And remember, if in doubt, ask your dentist. Nobody knows your teeth like he or she does!

Floss is boss!

Second to brushing your teeth is flossing – and it’s a close second! Flossing is absolutely vital to maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene. So as far as oral hygiene products go, dental floss is a big one. But how do you know which type of floss to choose from? Just like toothbrushes, there seems to be an inexhaustible array of options to choose from! Fortunately, dental floss is a lot more forgiving. Flossing is more or less the same for everyone; so don’t get too hung up on choosing the right floss! Some might vary a little in thickness, but that doesn’t have a massive bearing on how effective they are. Others might have mint flavouring or more convenient packaging, but again, their purpose remains the same.

Fluoride belongs in your toothpaste

Another big issue when it comes to oral hygiene products is fluoride. Does it belong in your oral hygiene products? The answer is, unequivocally, yes. Scientist and dentists alike have worked to establish the benefits of fluoride for oral hygiene. And the answers are clear: fluoride reduces tooth decay. In areas where fluoride is present in drinking water, the levels of tooth decay are decidedly less. In fact, studies have shown that fluoride reduces tooth decay by as much as 40%! That is an astounding level of tooth protection and you should not deny yourself of its massive benefits. So look for toothpaste with fluoride additives. It will work wonders for your teeth.

Mouthwash can help with oral hygiene

Are you a bit sceptical about the benefits of mouthwash? Do the claims on TV seem a little bit embellished to you? You would be forgiven for answering yes to both of those questions – mouthwash often seems too good to be true. And, as a matter of fact, there is no general consensus as to the effects of mouthwash. Most dentists simply recommend regular brushing and flossing, for which mouthwash is certainly no substitute. But, at the very least, it is great when it comes to freshening up your breath. Some mouthwash would not go astray in your kit of oral hygiene products, so don’t be afraid to give it a go. Of course, don’t get caught up in the hype – it’s no miracle cure! But if you take it for what it is and maintain regular brushing and flossing each day, you can enjoy some of its more obvious benefits.

Do you have stained or sensitive teeth? There are oral hygiene products that can help

Are your teeth looking a bit yellow? Do they hurt a little when you brush them, or drink a glass of cold water? If so, you should start by seeing a dentist. These symptoms often point to underlying dental issues that should be treated sooner, rather than later. However, in the meantime, you still have to keep up your daily ritual of brushing and flossing. After all, you don’t want any potential issues getting worse! But what can you do about the staining and discomfort? The first step is to find the right oral hygiene products.

Toothpaste is the first thing you need to find—and not just any toothpaste! If your teeth are sensitive, look for a toothpaste that is suitable for sensitive teeth. Likewise, if your teeth are stained, look for toothpaste with a whitening compound. By using specific varieties of toothpaste, you can give yourself the best possible chance of maintaining a high standard of dental health and hygiene. Once you have that under control, speak with your dentist. He or she will be able to develop a more long-term dental care plan, and direct you to the best oral hygiene products!

For more tips on oral hygiene, get in touch with Australia Dental today or come and visit us at one of our state of the art clinics located in Burpengary and Clontarf.