With so many dental products on the market, how do we know which ones will be effective at helping us maintain good oral health? We asked Honolulu dentist Robert Ornelles, D.D.S., to answer a few questions about common dental products.
Do we need to use a tongue scraper?
Your tongue is covered with taste buds. It’s a circus for bacteria. When you use a tongue scraper, look at what comes off. There’s a lot of plaque stuck on your tongue that contributes to bad breath. It can also affect some people’s sense of taste. They end up using more salt or sugar because their taste buds are covered with a sticky layer of bacteria. When my patients say that their partner is complaining about their bad breath, I tell them to brush or scrape their tongue. Then the bad breath is gone. So, it’s worth spending a few bucks for a tongue scraper. I give them as stocking stuffers for Christmas gifts.
There are so many choices of toothpaste in the store. Which is the best one?
Toothpaste helps scrub away the plaque on your teeth. And if the toothpaste has fluoride, it’ll help reduce cavities and re-mineralize your teeth to make them strong. Some toothpastes have active ingredients to help with sensitive teeth, so choose one that works best for your condition. I’m skeptical of toothpaste that have whiteners. I only know of one toothpaste that works for whitening. Studies show that most of them don’t make a significant impact. But putting teeth-whitening claims on the label is a good way to sell toothpaste. After all, who wouldn’t want whiter teeth?
How much toothpaste should we use?
This is a situation when more is not always better. Adults need a pea-size dab. Children just need a smear because they tend to swallow their toothpaste. Swallowing too much fluoride can upset their stomach. The exception is when using desensitizing toothpaste. You’d need a higher concentration of toothpaste. We recommend you use a ribbon about three quarters of an inch long to cover the brush head. Another good rule is to choose toothpaste with the ADA symbol on it. That means it’s been tested by the American Dental Association and they don’t have abrasive ingredients that can wear down your teeth. What’s more important is not how much toothpaste you use but rather the length of time you spend brushing, which should be at least two minutes.
Should we also use a mouthwash or oral rinse?
There are some studies that show they can help reduce bacteria in the mouth for four to six hours. Some have fluoride to help re-mineralize your teeth. And they help prevent bad breath. They’re good supplements to your daily brushing and flossing routines, but they’re not a substitute. If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to brush, then rinsing is better than nothing. Also, be careful of the ones with alcohol that burn your mouth. Although they kill bacteria, they can also make your mouth dry, which can lead to cavities and tartar buildup.
There are many types of dental floss. Which one should we use?
It’s based on preference. Some people like flavored floss because it eliminates the odor when flossing foods stuck between their teeth. Unwaxed floss scrubs more plaque from teeth and gums compared to waxed floss, but it’s hard to use. Personally, I use a thick floss because the thin floss tends to break in my mouth. Some patients get frustrated and stop flossing their teeth. So, use one that works for you and that you like enough to keep using it. We’re happy if patients use anything.
Should we buy products sold at our dentist’s office?
There are some dentist offices that push certain rinses or toothpastes to their patients. And they may be good. I don’t sell products because I don’t want my patients to feel compelled to buy something. I also don’t want to give the impression that I’m benefiting from selling a product. If I sell products to patients, I sell them at cost just to make it convenient for my patients to get them. Again, I suggest buying ADA-recommended products. They’ve been tested and are generally less abrasive.
Beyond a nice smile
Dental health is important for overall health. Read the following articles to learn more:
- a brief history of dentistry
- barriers to dental care
- choosing the right toothbrush
- dental tips for keiki at every age
- diabetes and gum disease
- is it a dental emergency?
- seven eating habits of oral health
- starting early with children’s oral health
- the importance of good oral health
- the simple way to prevent oral cancer
- understanding your dentist
- why you should use your dental plan
