Choosing the right dental tools and product for your at-home oral hygiene routine can vastly improve it efficacy. That’s why our Elmhurst dentists have put together this short overview all about things to consider when you’re buying oral hygiene products. We hope that you find this information helpful the next time that you’re in the pharmacy!
Size
In order for a cleaning product to effectively clean your smile, it needs to be able to reach every nook and cranny! That is why we strongly encourage our patients to take the time to find dental tools that are well-suited to their smiles. Any floss you use, for example, should be narrow enough to fit between all of your teeth. The head of your toothbrush, which contains the bristles, needs to reach your back molars. When in doubt forgo oversized cleaning options in favor of smaller options.
Abrasiveness
All cleaning agents and tools are somewhat abrasive; this is what allows them to clean. The abrasive part of your toothbrush is made of bristles; toothpastes are also formulated with abrasive agents to “scrub” away plaque and dental debris. Here’s the problem: there is a fine line between being an effective cleaner and being harmfully abrasive. We absolutely do not want to buff away healthy dental material. So, as a general rule of thumb, try to choose the gentlest cleaning option you can without sacrificing efficacy.
Preference
If you spend a minute or two in the dentistry aisle of your pharmacy, you’ll quickly realize that some things simply come down to preference and taste. You may prefer, for example, particular flavor of toothpaste or floss—that’s totally fine! Get what you like! Research has shown that patients stick with their routines when they genuinely like what they are using.
If it has been several months, or even years, since you have upgraded your dental tools, now is the time to get back on track. As always, you can reach our Elmhurst dentists for more information and to schedule a personal consultation—we look forward to speaking with you!