8 Tools for a Better Smile Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Dental Health 8 Tools for a Better Smile Overwhelmed by the array of products in the dental care aisle? Stick to these basic teeth-cleaning tools to keep your smile healthy and bright. By Regina Boyle WheelerMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPHReviewed: February 24, 2012Medically ReviewedAs you browse the dental care aisle at your local pharmacy, the wide variety of products can have your head spinning. Just look at the choices of dental floss: Do you need waxed or unwaxed? Traditional or tape? And then there's the assortment of mouthwashes, oral irrigators, and over-the-counter whitening systems — can you have a great smile without them? From toothbrushes to tongue scrapers, here’s how to make good teeth-cleaning choices to keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy. Your Healthy Teeth Tool Kit To choose the right dental products, the first step is to look for products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, says Ada S. Cooper, DDS, the consumer adviser spokeswoman for the ADA and a dentist in New York City. “If a product carries the ADA seal, you can trust that claims made on packaging and labeling are true because companies must confirm all information with the ADA,” Dr. Cooper explains. Here are eight basic dental care “tools” for good oral hygiene and a nice smile: 1. Toothbrushes. When buying a toothbrush, you’ll see hard, medium, and soft bristles. “Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush,” says Timothy Chase, DMD, of SmilesNY, a cosmetic dentistry practice in New York City. “Hard-bristled and even medium-bristled toothbrushes are too abrasive on your gums.” You can also consider an electric toothbrush. “Some people tend to brush too hard or in a harsh sawing motion as opposed to a gentle circular motion, but an electric toothbrush can help prevent harsh ‘scrubbing’ to give better results," Dr. Chase says. An electric toothbrush can also make brushing easier for people who have arthritis or another health condition that affects the hands. Whether manual or powered, your toothbrush should be a size and shape that fit in your mouth well so that teeth cleaning is comfortable and easy. 2. Toothpaste. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Many toothpastes also have ingredients that fight tooth sensitivity, gingivitis (early-stage gum disease), bad breath, or hardened plaque called tartar. “Toothpastes that have additives, such as whitening agents, can break down tooth enamel,” cautions Chase. Ask your dentist for recommendations on the best toothpaste for your specific oral health needs. 3. Dental floss. “Flossing is a must for healthy teeth," says Chase. For healthy teeth, you should floss at least once a day, and Chase recommends using floss at least twice a day. Flossing removes food particles trapped between teeth that your toothbrush misses, helping to reduce plaque and the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. Dental floss comes waxed and unwaxed. If your teeth are tightly spaced, waxed floss or flossing tape may glide between them more easily. Floss also comes in flavors to make flossing feel like less of a chore. If you have a preferred brand, stick with it because you’re more likely to use it, Cooper says. 4. Dental picks and sticks. If you have trouble using dental floss, interdental (between the teeth) cleaning aids can help remove plaque. These products include picks, sticks, and mini-brushes to get between and around teeth. Make sure you can gently get between your teeth and under your gum line with the product you choose. 5. Oral irrigators. This oral hygiene appliance shoots a steady stream of water in your mouth to remove food from hard-to-reach places between and around your teeth. Cooper says this can be especially helpful for teens who have trouble cleaning around braces and for people with fixed partial dentures. Note that an oral irrigator is an add-on dental product rather than a substitute for routine brushing and flossing. Be sure to look for one that you can regulate so the water pressure isn’t too high. 6. Teeth whiteners. The best way to whiten your teeth is to visit your dentist, where you can get a product with a custom fit tray, Chase says. Teeth whiteners use peroxide solutions to actually bleach teeth. You can also try an over-the-counter product, such as whitening strips. Chase says these whitening products are good, but won’t give the same results as an office treatment because the peroxide solution isn’t as strong and the strips aren’t customized to fit your mouth. 7. Mouthwash. Different mouthwashes tackle different dental problems. Some help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis; others contain fluoride to help fight cavities. Some can control or mask bad breath. “If you have difficulty brushing and flossing, a mouthwash may provide additional protection against cavities and gum disease,” Cooper says. Talk to your dentist about which mouthwash is best for you. 8. Tongue scrapers. “Tongue scrapers can help lessen bad breath by reducing the amount of bacteria that cause it,” Chase says. But your toothbrush can do the job just as well. Cooper says that some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by 70 percent. Even with these teeth-cleaning aids, don't forget that one of the most important “tools” for a healthy smile is to see your dentist regularly. “Dentists don’t just find cavities — they look for gum disease, problems with your bite, bad breath, and health problems like oral cancer and even sleep apnea,” Chase says. Many cavities and dental infections have no signs or symptoms, so a significant oral health problem can go undetected unless you see a dentist on a regular basis. While you’re in the dentist’s chair, be sure to ask how often you should have dental checkups and teeth cleanings for your particular needs, and ask for additional guidelines on dental care products to point you in the right direction. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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