There is no substitute for a thorough oral home care routine. Taking good care of your teeth at home helps to keep them clean and free to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other harmful dental problems. When you visit Adaptive Dental Associates, Dr. Robert Lo Giudice, Dr. Sheila Patel and associates may recommend that you use an oral hygiene aid to enhance your oral hygiene routine at home. If you have questions about oral hygiene aids, or to make an appointment with our caring dentists in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, please contact our office today at 908-847-4498.
There are many oral hygiene aids available. Some of the most common types of oral hygiene aids include:
- Dental Floss – dental floss works to clean between the teeth and under the gum line to remove food particles and plaque. You should floss daily as part of your oral hygiene routine.
- Interdental Cleaners – interdental brushes are often recommended in addition to flossing. These are tiny brushes that are gentle on the gums and work to clean the contours of the teeth between the gums.
- Mouth Rinses – there are several types of mouth rinses available. The two main types consist of cosmetic rinses (to temporarily suppress bad breath) and therapeutic rinses (which contain agents to reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities). Therapeutic rinses may require a prescription.
- Oral Irrigators – oral irrigators (such as Water Jets and Waterpiks) clean debris from below the gum line by spraying water into the gum pockets. While oral irrigators are effective at lowering your risk of gum disease, they do not replace brushing, flossing, or professional dental cleanings.
- Rubber Tip Stimulators – rubber tip stimulators are tools that remove plaque from around the gum line and help stimulate blood flow to the gums.
- Tongue Cleaners – tongue cleaners are devices designed to remove the buildup of bacteria, fungi, and food debris from the tongue surface. Tongue cleaners should be used before brushing to prevent ingestion of fungi and bacteria.
- Toothbrushes – There are many types of toothbrushes available. You should use an ADA-approved toothbrush with soft bristles when brushing your teeth. Electric toothbrushes are generally recommended, as they are highly effective at removing plaque and food particles from your teeth. You can achieve the same results with a manual toothbrush, but it will require greater effort.
For more information about oral hygiene aids, please contact our practice. Our caring dental professionals are always happy to help you.