5 Ways to Treat Yourself in the Dental Aisle
Seaside family dentist Dr. Santos knows that our mouths do a lot for us every day, from talking and breathing to chewing and swallowing. So why not give your mouth the care it deserves by investing in quality products from the dental aisle at your local pharmacy or grocery store? Not only can it help improve your oral hygiene, but there are also many fun and affordable dental care products available to try. Here are five ways to pamper yourself next time you’re in the dental aisle.
Upgrade to an electric toothbrush. This is a great way to improve your at-home dental care game. An electric toothbrush is designed to clean your teeth better and more efficiently than a manual one. That’s because the speed of the bristles is more measured, controlled and effective than what we can accomplish with a manual toothbrush, which is helpful when it comes to removing plaque. Plus, most electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer, encouraging you to brush for the full, dentist-recommended two minutes. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out battery-operated toothbrushes.
Try a new toothpaste. All you need to do is cruise down the aisle and check out all the options available. Do you have a mint allergy, or are you just interested in moving beyond this tried-and-true flavor? Then check out different toothpaste flavors, such as cinnamon, bubblegum, lemon, strawberry, vanilla or pina colada. Or, if you have sensitive teeth, look for a product like Sensodyne that has a low-abrasive rating (below 70) and contains an adequate amount of desensitizing properties.
Check out flossing tools. If you find it challenging to floss every day, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s lots of tools these days to help you floss more consistently and effectively, depending on your needs. Have tight contacts between your teeth? Try a waxed floss. Have a small mouth? Try a floss pick. Want to up your flossing game and make it fun in the process? Pick up a water flosser, which uses pressurized water to aid in cleaning around and in between teeth. It’s a pressure washer for your mouth.
Pick up a mouthwash. Also known as an oral rinse, mouthwash helps remove plaque and bacteria throughout your mouth, including your teeth, tongue and gums. Most mouthwashes contain an antiseptic ingredient, which is what eliminates harmful bacteria and helps prevent tooth decay. And bonus – it can also help freshen your breath.
Consider a whitening agent. While we recommend that you visit us for the most effective teeth whitening procedures – Dr. Santos offers patients the KöR system, which is so effective that patients notice a difference after just one treatment – you can complement them with an at-home care treatment. For the best results, look for teeth whitening products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.So next time you’re at the grocery store or pharmacy, be sure to check out the dental aisle with these tips in mind. Remember, good oral hygiene is a key component to good overall health. If you have any questions for our Seaside dentistry, or are interested in making an appointment, contact us today.