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4 Things You Need for a Good Dental Health Routine

8 Apr 2016

The tools you use to keep your mouth healthy are an important part of your dental routine. With the array of dental products on store shelves, it can be overwhelming to know which tools you need for a good dental routine.

 

Here are 4 items you need to maintain good dental health.

 

Toothbrush

There are two types of toothbrushes available: manual and electric. As long as you brush your teeth twice a day (two minutes for each brushing), the type of toothbrush you use doesn’t matter.

 

The most important thing to consider is the comfort of brushing; make sure you choose a brush that’s easy to use and can reach the outer surfaces of your teeth.

 

It’s best to choose soft bristles for your toothbrush, especially if you brush your teeth with extra pressure. Medium and hard bristles can actually damage your gums irreversibly if you brush too hard.

 

Look for a toothbrush with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance; products with this seal have been proven by studies to be safe and effective. Currently, the ADA marks only manual toothbrushes with the ADA seal. Remember to choose a brush that’s easy to use, comfortable to hold, and safe for your teeth and gums.

 

Toothpaste

The options for toothpastes seem to take up most of the dental-care aisle in a store; it can be difficult to find the best toothpaste to use. However, here are a couple of things your toothpaste needs to have to provide you with the best cleaning.

A squeeze of green and white toothpaste on white background

First, make sure your toothpaste has fluoride, a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel. Second, choose a toothpaste you’ll enjoy using. With the array of flavors and benefits different toothpastes offer, you should be able to find one that is pleasant to use and can help focus on any problem areas you have.

 

If you struggle with cavities, look for a cavity-fighting toothpaste. If you have sensitive teeth, look for a toothpaste that helps with sensitivity.

 

Floss

Flossing is an important part of your dental routine; it helps you remove any food particles lodged in between your teeth and remove the plaque that develops in the small spaces between your teeth.

 

There are many different types of floss available, including brands with the ADA seal:

  • Regular String Floss
  • Floss Picks (these aren’t as effective as string floss, but are still a good option)

 

Water jets (like the WaterPik) and toothpicks should be used only in addition to flossing. You need to wipe away the food particles and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and gums. A water jet only rinses away the food particles, while a toothpick can severely damage your gums if too much pressure is used.

 

Mouthwash

While mouthwash isn’t a necessity, alcohol-free mouthwashes can offer many benefits. A good mouthwash:

  • Freshens breath
  • Prevents plaque buildup
  • Removes particles stuck between teeth
  • Coats teeth with enamel-strengthening fluoride

 

There are cosmetic and therapeutic mouthwashes available; opt for the therapeutic because cosmetic mouthwashes only help mask bad breath.

 

When looking for a mouthwash, choose one with fluoride and with the specific benefits you need.

 

The ADA offers a list of mouthwashes that have earned the Seal of Acceptance, providing you with an easy way to select an effective and safe mouthwash.

Woman's hand holding cup of purple mouthwash

Remember to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit the dentist every six months. For more information or to schedule a dental appointment, contact Greenspoint Dental in Houston, Texas. We are dedicated to providing you and your loved ones with the best dental care.


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