If you are like many people your home dental care tools probably consists of a simple toothbrush that you picked because you liked the color and a bottle of mouthwash selected because it won’t burn your mouth. You might also have a rarely used six month roll of floss lying around somewhere but you’re thinking that you’ve got your bases covered right? Wrong! Below you will find 5 cheap and useful dental tools that will take your at home dental care to higher heights.
A good toothbrush and technique
This seems like a no brainer but more often than not people visit their dentist only to hear that they aren’t brushing right or their brush is ineffective. Brushing too hard or using a brush that is too hard can give you toothbrush abrasions and a receded gum line. Taking the time to patiently brush your teeth gently with a soft brush will get your mouth clean and keep your teeth and gums safe. Never use a hard brush!
When choosing a good toothbrush keep in mind that you want one that will best meet your unique needs. While most dentists will agree that a soft brush with a smaller head (to better reach tight spots) is preferable, everything else is up to you. A great brush is the brush that fits your mouth and allows you to comfortably do a thorough job.
Plaque Staining
Dental plaque is a chewable substance that helps you pinpoint spots you may be missing in your daily brushing routine. It usually comes in chewable tablets that you use after brushing, then you rinse with water. The spots that the dye sticks to are the places where you should give more attention. It is an especially great tool for kids who are just starting to brush on their own. You can see the places they are neglecting (and there are probably several) so that you can go back and show them what they’ve missed. Never let them use it without your supervision and look for a brand that is especially safe for kids.
Tongue Scraper
Microorganisms are all over your mouth and they set up shop on the surface of your tongue. Making sure to regularly scrape your tongue every time you brush will help ward off bad breath and scrape up bacteria and fungus that has settled on your tongue. These scrapers come in different varieties, many of which are fairly inexpensive. They look like toothbrushes only the tips resemble a small bottle opener. Using the tool to gently scrape your tongue after brushing is a great way to reduce your risk of dental diseases and cut back on bad breath.
Mouth Mirror
A mouth mirror may seem like it is best reserved for the dentist’s office but it can make great at home tool as well. So often we give a lot of consideration to only the parts of our mouth that stand out in our smile, but the back of your mouth is just as important. The mirror can show you areas of your mouth you may be missing and alert you to cavities and sensitive spots that had previously gone unnoticed. It is also a beneficial tool for keeping tabs on pre-existing dental work in the back of your mouth like bridges and fillings. They can be very cheap and are easily found at pharmacies, drug stores or the dental section of grocery stores for less than $10.
The right mouthwash
You’ve brushed your teeth and tongue to remove plaque, fungus, bacteria and a host of other germs. Don’t conclude your routine by swishing all that around with a little tap water. Using mouthwash is the best way to finish killing those germs and get them out of your mouth, so don’t skip out on that last step. Find a mouthwash that is right for you and that meets your particular needs. Fluoride rinses work to strengthen and restore enamel to help teeth better stand up to acidic food and beverages, while antiseptic rinses stop bacteria growth (great for halitosis). Natural mouthwashes are alcohol and fluoride free, and total care rinses contain anti-bacterial ingredients to reduce bacteria and to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
Dr. Lance Jue is a dentist at A Beautiful Smile Lake Pointe in Sugar Land, Texas. His practice has been providing restorative, cosmetic and general dental care for the past 19 years and he strives to provide patients with the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art care available.
