There are thousands of products that patients can purchase at the local supermarket and pharmacists for their oral healthcare needs. Here is a list of products that we recommend for different individuals.
STEP 1: TOOTHPASTE
Many kinds of toothpaste are available on the market. When it comes to choosing toothpaste, you might want to consider the following!
Fluoride Concentration
Fluoride is an important ingredient of any toothpaste as it helps strengthens our teeth and help reduce the chance of bad bacteria causing decay.
Adults should use a toothpaste containing above 1000ppm of fluoride.
Children up to age 6 should use kids’ toothpaste with less than 1000ppm of toothpaste (500-750ppm is recommended). Once aged 6, adult teeth start to come out, so it is recommended to start begin to transition into adult toothpaste.
Individuals who do not brush frequently, have a high sugar diet or those with extensive tooth decay history should consider using high fluoride toothpaste at 5000ppm. These include Neutrafluor 5000pm toothpaste or Duraphat 5000ppm which can be purchased at most chemists (speak to a pharmacist) and are not available at the supermarket.
Sensitive Teeth
Many individuals may get sensitive teeth. The teeth may be sensitive to cold foods and drinks. Sensitive teeth may be a sign of a large decay or sometimes it can be due to the gums resorbing away. Gums help cover the root surface but due to older age, aggressive brushing habits or periodontal disease, gums can recede, revealing the root surface. These roots connect to the nerve of the tooth; sometimes cold foods and drinks can trigger sensitivity.
Sensitive Toothpaste is a great choice for those with sensitive teeth as they contain micro-particles to help cover the root surface and reduce the likelihood of sensitivity occurring. Brush normally and you can apply some of the toothpaste to the affected areas for increased effectiveness.
Many brands offer sensitive toothpaste and they work in similar ways so choose your favourite and give it a go!
Whitening Toothpastes
If you are a regular coffee or wine drinker, please remember to rinse your mouth with water once you are done. Failure to do so can lead to tooth stains. You can always get these removed at a dental appointment. However, if you want to keep your teeth looking amazing and white, you can also consider whitening toothpastes.
STEP 2: TOOTHBRUSH
The toothbrush is your tool for keeping your teeth and gums clean. Choosing a toothbrush for many individuals means picking up the first thing they see on the shelf or picking one that is on sale. However there are some things you should consider to choose an effective toothbrush.
Electric vs Manual Toothbrush
The old-age question that patients ask is whether they should invest in an electric toothbrush when compared to a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have been shown by many studies to be more effective in cleaning plaque and bacteria from tooth surfaces and the gum line. They also tend to have many fancy features like a 2-minute timer, and Bluetooth connectivity and some even offer pressure detection warnings. They can also be helpful for the elderly or those with arthritis and joint issues who may struggle to brush with a manual toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can cost as little as $30 but go up to as much as $300.
When choosing a manual toothbrush, one should consider getting a smaller head which will help get into those hard-to-reach areas such as the back of the last tooth. Soft or extra-soft bristles are also recommended as they are gentler on the gums and can reduce the likelihood of gum recession.
Overall, as dentists, we believe that electric toothbrushes are a worthwhile investment and will serve you well over the long term.
STEP 3: MOUTHWASH
When it comes to choosing the right mouthwash, usually the standard mouth wash would suffice.
However, if you are somebody at a high risk of getting cavities, it is a good idea to consider antibacterial mouthwashes.
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial mouthwash usually sold at 0.2% or 0.12% concentration formulations. It has a wide range of uses from post surgery mouth rinse to reducing bacteria load in the mouth (which may help in reducing decay). It is recommended to be used at intervals of 2-3 weeks as this solution may have the potential to stain teeth when used for a prolonged period of time. Those with high rates of decay, periodontal disease, tooth infection and post dental surgery should consider its use. Brands include Savacol and Curasept. Available at your local pharmacist.
Indications for use of CPC Mouthwash and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash (Savacol, Curasept)
After the patient brushed or flossed their teeth, they should first rinse their mouth with water to ensure no toothpaste is in the oral cavity. Sodium laurel sulphate found in toothpaste can often inhibit the action of chlorhexidine.
The patient should rinse with chlorhexidine for at least 60 seconds to obtain the full therapeutic benefit.
After they rinse, they should not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes as this will attract more stains.
Prolonged use of chlorhexidine can attract light brown stains near the necks of teeth.
STEP 4: FLOSS/ INTERDENTAL CLEANER
Throughout the day, food debris will be stuck in the gaps of your teeth. These will need to be removed with a piece of floss. Simply wrap it around your fingers and slide into the spaces between your teeth. You may choose to adjust the floss around your fingers as you go.
For some people with slightly larger gaps, they may be more comfortable using perio tape. These are broader and flatter. They are also able to resist shredding more strongly.
If you have larger gaps, interdental cleaners will be necessary. They come in different sizes. To understand which one is best for you, use an interdental probe and place it between your tooth gaps. The first colour which appears indicates the correct interdental cleaner to use.
STEP 5: SALIVARY REPLACEMENTS/ STIMULANTS
For most people a combination of daily brushing and regular flossing can help maintain good oral health. However, for some individuals who are exceptionally prone to decay, they may benefit from use of some additional dental products.
ecaldent Chewing Gum
Recladent is the active ingredient in Tooth Mousse and Recaldent chewing gum is a great way to stimulate saliva while getting the benefits of Tooth Mousse on top!
Biotene Range (salivary substitutes)
Biotene is a brand that focuses on salivary substitutes to help ease the pain and discomfort associated with dry mouths. Dry mouths are common on elderly individuals and those on many complex medications. They are available as a mouthwash, gel and toothpaste products.
Oral 7 (salivary substitute)
Oral 7 is another brand that makes salivary substitute products. Their products contain enzymes found in saliva to help the innate defense system and reduce the chances of infection and tooth decay. Available as a mouth rinse and toothpaste formulation.
STEP 6: Other Products
Tooth Mousse/Tooth Mousse Plus
Tooth Mousse is a milk based product that aims to mimic saliva in helping protect teeth from the bad acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Tooth mousse Plus contains fluoride while the generic version is fluoride free. This product is especially good for individuals with poor saliva and prone to decay. Available to purchase at local chemists, dental surgeries and sometimes in local supermarkets too. However it is not suitable for those with milk protein allergies.
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