You’ve heard the routine: brush twice a day, in the morning and at night, follow up with mouthwash, and floss after every meal from your Red Deer dentist. But do you know what type of dental products you’re supposed to use? Or how to pick them out? It is ideal to have a conversation about your dental care with your Red Deer dentist.
Toothbrushes
There’s a wide variety of toothbrushes available to the consumer today. Your Red Deer dentist will always recommend a soft bristled brush, but there are other types of brushes. Some are medium, and some are hard. It’s important not to be harsh with your teeth, so if they’re not dentures, you need to stick with soft. Sometimes medium toothbrushes can be used, but you should talk to your Red Deer dentist about it first before making assumptions.
There are electronic toothbrushes now as well. Some of these do the job they claim they do, removing up to five times more plaque than manual brushing alone. These are a bit more expensive but are worth the extra investment. They should still be used for two to three minutes at each session, just like a regular toothbrush.
If you’re purchasing a toothbrush for your child, remember to only buy toothbrushes strictly made for their mouths. You can consult with your Red Deer dentist on the correct toothbrush for your child.
What brand should you buy? That depends on you. If you’re unsure, talk to your Red Deer dentist. He’ll likely recommend a type rather than a brand.
Toothpaste
While some toothpastes have whitening aspects, and some don’t, the important thing to remember when buying toothpaste is to always get some containing fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Make sure that you buy toothpaste separately, for your child and you. Some toothpastes can’t be used by children until they’re of a certain age. Consult with your Red Deer dental provider on what toothpaste are best for small children.
Tongue Cleaning
You will find all sorts of attachments to toothbrushes nowadays, both manual and electronic. Some come with a tongue scraper attached to the back. An important part of your routine should be to never, ever brush your tongue with your toothbrush. You’ll only spread germs around your mouth. Instead, use a tool to scrape your tongue. That white, film you see in the morning on your tongue is bacteria. Removing the bacteria with a tongue scraper after brushing and rinsing with mouthwash after wards should be a part of your routine. If you are unsure how to properly use a tongue scrapper ask your Red Deer dental provider to show you.
Floss
Floss usually comes in the form of thread. Some prefer it to be in a box, while others prefer it to be attached to a pick so that it can be handled better. Some floss is thick, and hard like wire, while other floss is soft and gentle. Floss also comes flavored, and sometimes it’s treated with fluoride. You and your Red Deer dentist have to decide what’s right for your oral care routine.
Mouthwash
Finishing up your routine with mouthwash is important. But what type of mouthwash should you use? There are several types. Most people go with plain water, which serves the purpose of cleaning out your mouth, but doesn’t kill bacteria effectively. An older remedy involves one part hydrogen peroxide to 1-3 parts water. An even older remedy involves brushing with baking soda and rinsing with hot water.
Store-bought mouthwash seems to be the preferred choice though. Make sure that whatever type of mouthwash you buy is antimicrobial, or kills the germs in your mouth effectively. And, like toothpaste, be sure to buy a child-friendly mouthwash specifically for your little ones. You don’t want to run the risk of them swallowing your mouthwash, as it likely contains alcohol. If you are unsure of the best mouthwash for young children ask your dentist in Red Deer if he can recommend one that is safe and effective.
