Four Must-Have Dental Products to Keep in Your Bathroom Cabinet

Oral hygiene tools laid out on a white background

Oral hygiene is a fundamental aspect of our life. You’ve heard countless doctors and dentists tell you this. However, to maintain good oral health, there are several tools you need to do the job right. 

The number of products available at your local store are overwhelming. To help you make up your mind, we at Northside Dental have compiled a list of four important dental products to keep at home. 

What toothbrush should I use? 

A toothbrush is the most essential dental product in your arsenal. Toothbrushes come in three hardness levels for bristles: soft, medium, and hard. Hard and medium-bristle toothbrushes can cause gum irritation, which is why dentists recommend soft or extra-soft bristles. It doesn’t take a lot of pressure to remove food and debris from your teeth.

The key rule of thumb when brushing your teeth is to do it in gentle circular motions, not vigorous sawing motions. For safety, you can choose an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush can also make brushing easier for arthritis patients or those whose hand coordination is impaired. Regardless of the type of toothbrush, you need to make sure that its size and shape fit your mouth so that brushing is easy and comfortable. 

What toothpaste should I use?

When choosing toothpaste as a dental product, make sure it contains fluoride to keep your teeth strong and healthy and prevent tooth decay. Some kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients that fight gingivitis, tooth sensitivity, bad breath (halitosis), and tartar (hardened plaque). Toothpaste sometimes contains additives, such as whiteners, which can degrade tooth enamel. Dentists recommend toothpaste with fluoride to strengthen enamel and fight acid build-up. 

What type of dental floss should I use?  

There are two types of dental floss: waxed and unwaxed. If the gaps between your teeth are small, waxed floss will work better. Some floss has a pleasant taste or aroma, which makes this process easier to endure. Dental experts recommend flossing once or twice a day to clean teeth and remove debris that cannot be removed by brushing. This dental product helps prevent plaque buildup and the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.  

Can I use floss picks instead of dental floss? 

If you have difficulty flossing, you can still use interdental cleaning tools to remove plaque. These dental products include mini toothbrushes, toothpicks, and toothpicks for cleaning teeth. When trying to get between the teeth, make sure not to use too much force. 

Should I still see the dentist twice a year?

These dental products are great, but they shouldn’t make you forget that visiting the dentist is essential. You may think your teeth feel good, but most dental problems have no obvious signs. Make sure to see the dentist at least twice a year for dental checkups. If it’s time for you to schedule your next cleaning, call Northside Dental in Springfield at 417-862-2468.