The dental aisle of your local grocery store or pharmacy is likely stocked full of toothpastes, rinses, flosses, and other dental products—so many that it can be hard to choose. If you have questions, our Shalimar Family dentist can give you specific recommendations about what you should purchase based on your specific needs and your current dental health. However, there are some things that are pretty standard go-to recommendations that you can follow.

Generally, dentists do have some common suggestions when it comes to oral care. For example, toothbrushes with soft bristles are preferred to hard bristles to avoid damage to the teeth and gums. Toothpastes should contain fluoride and be ADA (American Dental Association) approved. Mouthwash should be ADA approved. Floss should be chosen based on your preference and need.

Other common advice includes using an electric toothbrush if possible. Electric toothbrushes have been shown to better remove plaque than manual toothbrushes, and can also be especially helpful for people with grip-challenges or other disabilities.

Many people have their favorites when it comes to dental products, however, there may be an option that is more effective or a “better-fit.” We recommend that if you are not seeing the results from your oral care products that you would like, that you consider purchasing a trial-size version. These “trail-sizes” are not just for travel—they are in fact for “trying” out the product. Small versions of toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss can be purchased in a variety of options and the new brand may suit you better than what you have been using the last many years. Since new products make it to the market each year, it is important to keep an open mind, especially if you are not happy with the state of your teeth.

We would love to talk to you about the products you are using and measure the effectiveness with you. If you would like to know what we recommend, or if you would like to request an appointment, contact Shalimar Family Dentistry today!