How to Choose Oral Hygiene Products That Will Work Best for You

As you age, you need to adapt your oral hygiene products to your changing needs. Gums recede with
age, so
you need to be vigilant when
caring for teeth and gums to prevent
decay. Knowing what oral hygiene products are available and what they can do is helpful in choosing what
s best for you.

Toothbrushes

When choosing a toothbrush, soft is always best. Some choose harder bristles, thinking they may clean better, but they can damage your gums and enamel. You don
t need to use
a Sonicare
or electric toothbrush to do a good job of brushing your teeth, although
your dentist may recommend one
in special circumstances.

Make sure the head of your toothbrush is the right size for your mouth, and be sure to replace it at least every three months. Worn toothbrushes don
t clean well and can harbor bacteria.

oral hygiene

Toothpaste

Use a toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent cavities. There
s no difference in effectiveness between gels and
pastes, although your dentist may recommend a tartar control toothpaste. If your teeth are sensitive, choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Water Picks

Like electric toothbrushes, water picks can be useful tools but aren
t always necessary. Although very effective in removing food particles from between teeth, they don
t remove plaque. Using a water pick is not a substitute for flossing, but it can sometimes remove
food particles that flossing might miss.

Mouthwash or Rinse

A mouthwash or rinse can be very helpful in warding off gum disease. Ask your dentist to recommend one since many can be irritating, especially if they contain alcohol.
Dentists often prescribe special antibacterial rinses when treating gum disease. Don
t allow young children to use mouthwashes with alcohol since they often accidentally swallow.

Floss

Waxed and unwaxed floss are equally effective, but waxed floss slides between teeth more easily. Choose a narrower-sized floss if you have tight spaces between teeth. Floss picks may be effective for children who are just learning how to floss.
You must floss daily to maintain good oral hygiene
especially as you age,
because you
re more prone to gum disease.

Proxabrush

A proxabrush looks like a cross between a toothbrush and a toothpick. It
s very effective for those with braces but can also be used to get into crevices and hard-to-reach places that floss may miss. It
made more
effective by dipping in
hydrogen peroxide before use.

Working with your dentist when choosing oral hygiene products is ideal since he or she can recommend what
s most effective. Every mouth is different,
and everyone has different lifestyles that need to be considered when establishing an
oral hygiene routine.

To learn more about good oral hygiene practices and how to take good care of your teeth with the right products, contact us at Central Florida Periodontics today!