We all know the basics, toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, but what else do you need for good dental hygiene? These are five oral care products that you need in your dental hygiene right now.
Teeth whiteners
Yellow teeth can be frustrating, especially if you keep up great dental hygiene. But sometimes brushing and flossing isn't enough to get the perfect smile, and even though some toothpastes claim to whiten your teeth, they're only going to get those immediate surface stains out of the way. Enter teeth whiteners. Teeth whiteners contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which act as a bleaching agent for your teeth. These agents help to break stains down and get your smile shiny and bright. Even though these products are sold over the counter, everyone's teeth are different so it's important to talk to your dentist to determine the best plan of action for you.
Mouthwash
We all know flossing helps to clean places your brush can't reach, but there's more to your mouth than your teeth and tongue. Much like the Starship Enterprise, mouthwash will boldly go where no brush has gone before. Mouthwash is of course a great way to freshen your breath, but a certain type of mouthwash known as therapeutic mouthwash can actually help to reduce plaque, combat gingivitis, and even whiten your teeth. As with any of these products, mouthwash is no replacement for regular brushing and flossing, but it's an easy and effective addition to your lineup of dental products.
Tongue Scrappers
The teeth are the star of the show, there is no doubt. Brush this, floss that, we've all heard it before. But how much attention do you give to your tongue? Studies have shown that cleaning your tongue, either with a tongue scrapper or a toothbrush, can reduce bad breath by up to 70%. Other studies have shown that regular use of a tongue scraper can actually help to improve your sense of taste. Tongue scrapers remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue, including those that cause bad breath and tooth decay, lending itself not only to oral health but general health as well.
Water flossers
Appropriately named, water flossers are small machines that pump pressurized water to simulate flossing. Like traditional floss, water floss is designed to go in between your teeth to help remove old food and other debris that build up in your mouth over time. While they're not as effective as regular floss, they have been shown to help reduce the buildup of plaque and lower the risk of gingivitis. They’re relatively affordable and are great for those who struggle with regularly flossing their teeth.
Dental picks
Don't like regular flossing and not interested in giving water flossing a try? Don't worry, we'll get you to floss one way or another. Dental picks are a great and affordable alternative to flossing. They're easy to use and disposable. Like water flossing, dental picks are not as effective as standard flossing, but they're certainly better than not flossing at all.
