Since the nylon fiber toothbrush was introduced by DuPont in 1938 and Crest introduced fluoride toothpaste in 1954, toothpaste and toothbrushes have been the main arsenals of defense against tooth decay. Nylon dental floss was introduced in the 1940s and, while still being under-utilized, is making inroads with consumers wanting to improve their oral health.
Within the last several years, new oral health products have hit the market, such as enamel restoring toothpastes gingivitis-fighting mouthwashes, and water flossers. All have the potential to further improve oral health by fighting tooth decay and gum disease.
The first rule of introducing any additional products to your oral health routine is to consult your dentist or dental health professional.
They are the experts on your teeth and gums and any particular issues that you should focus on to maintain your oral health. Even when you buy an electric tooth brush head replacement you are bombarded with choices. There are toothbrush heads designed for plaque control, gum care, whitening, sensitive teeth and gums and intercare, to name a few of the many options available.
Ask Your Dentist
Your dentist or dental hygienist is the best source for determining the best choice for you. If you decide to add a water flosser to your daily mouth care routine, you will want advice on which product to choose, which tip is right for you and what water pressure setting you should choose.
There are toothpastes being marketed to “restore” tooth enamel. This is not an accurate description of what the products actually do — which is to strengthen the existing tooth enamel by repairing or remineralizing weak spots, as tooth enamel that is gone can’t be brought back.1
These products introduce calcium and minerals that adhere to the tooth enamel and provide a hard and lasting patch. Most of these products contain fluoride and hydroxyapatite, which is commonly referred to as calcium phosphate.
Seal of Approval
The American Dental Association (ADA) has an ADA Seal that is put on products which helps assure that a dental product has been scientifically evaluated by independent experts to be safe and effective.2 The ADA Seal isn’t just used on toothpaste and manual and electric toothbrushes. It has been granted to a host of other products, some of which include athletic mouth guards, denture adherents and cleansers, fluoride mouth rinses, floss/manual interdental cleaners, tooth bleaching products and even sugar free gums and water filters.3
All of these traditional and newer products can help in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. None are as effective if not used as directed. None are as effective if not used as part of a larger oral health focus.
Oral Health Practices for the Longterm
That larger focus includes proper brushing using a soft bristled brush and the right fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day for two-minutes each time. It also includes daily teeth flossing. Using a therapeutic mouthwash, not a cosmetic mouthwash, as directed by your dentist, is also important.4 Your diet, the food you eat and the beverages you drink, also play a part in this larger focus. Reducing sugar, carbonated beverages, alcohol and starchy foods that stick to teeth, and increasing fiber helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. Quitting smoking is also important as is seeing your dentist for regular check-ups.
Walled Lake Dental Office wants you to keep your smile for life achieved with optimal dental and overall health. Dr, Hechtman has more than 40 years of experience in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, orthodontics and more!
Keep you and your family in check by scheduling a dental checkup where all your questions and dental concerns will and can be addressed at our full-service dental clinic. Longing for a new smile? Have a tooth ache? Are your gums receding? Whatever it is, we’ve got you covered so call for a Free Consultation today!
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1 Are “Restoring” Toothpastes and Mouth Washes Marketing or Medicine? by Ronald Perry, 4/9/2012
Link: https://now.tufts.edu/articles/restoring-toothpastes-mouthwashes
2 What is the ADA Seal of Acceptance?
Link: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/what-is-the-ada-seal
3 Find ADA Seal Products by Category
Link: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/find-ada-seal-products-by-category
4 What to Do to Keep Gums Healthy
Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323534#7-ways-to-keep-the-gums-healthy