Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

Home Care

There are so many products on the market. Choosing between products and all of their ‘hype’ can be confusing for a trained professional, not to mention an uninformed consumer. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.

If possible, always buy a product that proudly displays the American Dental Association symbol on the product.

As with toothpastes, the American Dental Association tests for proper fluoride concentrations and adequate abrasive qualities. These are two important qualities in any brand of toothpaste. The ADA also checks for efficacy.

Does the product really perform to the level of its claims? If you have a choice, choose the ADA symbol brand over generic marketing claims.

Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of patients, if used correctly. So are conventional, manual toothbrushes. Technique and conscious effort far out weigh the type of toothbrush you select. But always select a soft or ultra-soft brush. Firmer brushes can erode both the teeth and gums. Soft brushes are actually more effective at removing dental plaque with many less harmful consequences.

Oral irrigating devises will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove bacterial plaque from below the gum line. You need to effectively brush and clean in between the teeth with floss, interproximal brushes or some other devise that will remove the plaque. Using an irrigating devise after an effective home care routine is acceptable.

Interproximal brushes, rubber tip devises stimudents and floss of any kind will reduce the plaque that initiates many oral diseases. Be careful with your technique. Improper use can damage the soft gum tissues.

Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with effective tooth brushing and interproximal cleaning can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes may reduce tartar above the gum line, but periodontal infections start below the gum line. Antiplaque toothpastes have not been proven to reduce a periodontal infection any better than any other product. Also be aware that tartar control toothpastes can increase tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.

Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, have been shown to have limited effectiveness in assisting the control of early stage ‘gum disease’. But they are ineffective in the battle against periodontal infections. The bacteria that cause early stage ‘gum disease’ live above the gum line. And for the most part, are specific diseases often associated with childhood and adolescence. Most adults do not suffer from ‘gum disease’. Adults lose their teeth and experience other general heath risks from periodontal disease. These are two distinctly different diseases with distinctly different bacterial make-ups. Be careful of product claims!

Your periodontal office is the best place to help you select the right products that are right for your specific situation.