Must-Have Dental Care Accessories to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

March 3, 2023
teeth accessories

Ask Your Olathe Dentist for Their Recommendations on Electric Toothbrushes, Floss, and More

Practicing good oral hygiene at home can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent gum disease. But not all oral care tools are created equal.

If you’ve made an investment in your smile through cosmetic dentistry and preventative cleanings and check-ups, you’ll want to do all you can on your own to ensure a confident smile. Consider these dental care accessories to keep your pearl whites, well, pearly white and clean!

Electric Toothbrushes Promote Healthy Teeth and Gums

The American Dental Association says brushing technique is more important than the tool you use, making either manual or electric toothbrushes a good choice for your oral health. Both kinds remove plaque and bacteria.

However, not everyone will or can master the technique, and using an electric toothbrush to prevent gum disease and maintain healthy teeth can get you closer to perfection. In fact, some studies show that people who use an electric toothbrush have better overall dental health than those who use a manual.

When choosing an electric toothbrush, you can opt for a rotating-oscillating brush head or a sonic toothbrush. The rotating brush head removes plaque from your teeth very well, but sonic toothbrushes can be more effective because of their level of vibration. Ultimately, it’s up to you what type of toothbrush you use, as long as you’re brushing thoroughly at least twice per day as part of your dental care routine.

Waxed String Floss Prevents Gum Disease

With so many novel flossing tools on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one to use. Standing in the dental care aisle of your favorite big box discount store has become utterly overwhelming!

When it comes to choosing floss, stick to what’s proven: waxed string-type floss. Floss once per day with it, never reusing the pieces, which can spread bacteria that causes gum disease. In fact, bacterial spread is one reason floss picks aren’t always a great idea, unless you can thoroughly rinse them after flossing between each tooth.

A Water Flosser Could Be Part of Your Dental Care Routine

If you don’t like how floss feels against your gums, or if you can’t seem to get a handle on how to properly hold the floss, a water flosser may be worth a try. This electronic device directs a spray of water to your gum line to rinse away plaque build-up. All you have to do is fill the water reservoir and take aim!

The biggest downside to water flossers is that they can be messy the first few times you use them, until you get the hang of it. But a little water spray on the bathroom mirror or your sweater is a small price to pay for healthy teeth and gums!

Fluoride Toothpaste for Healthy Teeth

If your tooth enamel is strong into adulthood, you can thank fluoride! This compound is found in dentist-recommend brands of toothpaste and as an additive in tap water.

As an adult, it’s hard to over-do it on fluoride as part of a dental care routine, so using a fluoride toothpaste is a smart option to protect your tooth enamel. Once the enamel wears away, you’re putting your teeth at risk for decay and other health problems.

Mouthwash Finishes Your Dental Care Regimen

Incorporating mouthwash as part of your oral care regimen is smart! Giving your mouth a final rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing removes any remaining bacteria, yeast, or debris from your mouth. A clean mouth is a healthy mouth.

Most dentists recommend an antibacterial mouthwash, especially if you suffer from frequent cavities or are at risk of developing or have already developed gum disease. Mouthwash that contains alcohol is also more effective than alcohol-free, but it’s okay if you must use the latter.

For Best Results, Get Your Teeth as Healthy as Possible Before Pursuing Cosmetic Dentistry

Many dental patients who pursue cosmetic dentistry procedures have already suffered from oral health issues. By working toward a goal of improving their oral health, you can qualify for procedures to renew your confident smile. And if you already have healthy teeth and gums, continuing to practice diligent at-home dental care can keep them that way for as long as possible.

To learn more about the dental care accessories you should be using every day at home, talk to one of our experienced and knowledgeable dentists in Olathe during your next check-up. Schedule a teeth cleaning and exam online, or by calling our office directly.