Dental products can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and other oral health issues. Many are available without a prescription. dr margeas insights on dental products transforming oral health discover the innovations reshaping dentistry for a brighter, healthier future.
The major revolutions in dentistry are in materials that restore and replace lost or damaged tooth structure, promote remineralization to repair enamel and dentin damage, and repel and kill bacteria to reduce recurrent decay and infections. They include dental adhesives that bond restorative materials, resin-based dental composites and ceramics used for dental crowns and bridges.
1. Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators (also known as dental water jets or water flossers) are handheld at-home devices that use a pulsating stream of pressurized water to help remove plaque and food debris that toothbrushes and traditional string floss leave behind.
This helps to reduce bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. It also helps to clean the nooks and crannies of crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances as well as areas in between teeth that are hard to reach with brushing alone.
Some irrigators are available with reservoirs that can be filled with antimicrobial herbs to further enhance plaque disruption and the prevention of gum infection. These include extracts of echinacea and gotu kola as well as essential oils of peppermint, red thyme and eucalyptus.
2. Toothpastes
Toothpaste is a gel or paste dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain oral health. It contains abrasives, flavoring agents, foaming agents and thickeners.
It also delivers a topical dose of fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is known to repair small areas of enamel damage that might otherwise develop into full-blown cavities requiring fillings.
Other ingredients found in toothpastes include calcium carbonate to remineralize teeth, silica to polish and remove food stains and breath freshening chemicals such as xylitol or pyrophosphates to fight gingivitis or tartar buildup. For specialized toothpastes, look for those with the ADA seal and talk to your dentist for recommendations.
3. Dental Floss
Dental floss is a staple in oral hygiene, cleaning the spaces between teeth where a toothbrush’s bristles can’t reach. Flossing prevents plaque from hardening into tartar, which can damage teeth and gum tissue.
Floss comes in many varieties, including traditional nylon floss that’s available in both waxed and unwaxed forms. Wax coating helps the floss slip between teeth with less shredding, while textured, thicker types can break up and remove more plaque from teeth.
You can also get floss that’s pre-attached to a plastic handle for easier use, as well as expandable varieties like RiseWell’s, which uses hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate) built into the fibers to scrub away gunk and protect enamel. There are even eco-friendly, biodegradable silk options for those who want an alternative to standard nylon floss.
4. Dental Picks and Sticks
Floss picks are an alternative to traditional dental floss that are easier to hold and use. They also allow you to access back teeth more easily than regular floss. Some picks even have an area that works as a tongue scraper and come in small sizes with child-friendly designs.
While string floss is still the most popular dental tool, floss picks are quickly gaining popularity. They have plastic handles that make them easier to grip and don’t irritate your hands like floss strings do. They can also be used to clean areas under and around orthodontic and dental appliances.
5. Teeth Whiteners
Whiteners help lighten extrinsic tooth discoloration, such as stains caused by foods and beverages. They contain either detergents that help remove chromogens or bleaches that react with chromogens to lighten color.
Teeth whitening products can cause gum irritation and sensitivity, especially when higher concentrations are used or left on for longer periods of time. To prevent sensitivity, you can use a desensitizing gel pen that helps rebalance the oral microbiome and protect sensitive teeth.
GLO Science’s patented whitening system contains a whitening gel, mouthpiece and a bluish-colored LED light that creates the ideal environment for good bacteria to thrive in and accelerates the whitening process. This results in safe, fast and effective whitening.
6. Oral Hygiene Devices
With the wide variety of dental toothpastes, whitening products, mouthwashes and floss on the market it can be difficult to decide which oral hygiene product is best for you. A good way to simplify your choice is to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the packaging and ask your hygienist about specific products that can help you achieve great dental health.
Dental picks and sticks are inter-dental cleaning aids that consist of mini brushes or sticks to clean the sides and spaces between teeth. Vigorous use may damage soft tissue and cause bleeding gums, so they should be used with care.
7. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures and bridges. They are made of biocompatible titanium, which fuses with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.
They are then topped with a crown that matches your natural teeth in shape and size. This lifelike appearance helps your smile look more vibrant and confident.
Plus, they eliminate the slippage and discomfort associated with removable dentures, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions. This improved oral function also translates to better overall health as you can chew more thoroughly and effectively.