Five Things You Need In Your Bathroom For Optimal Oral Health

OPTIMAL ORAL HEALTH STARTS IN YOUR BATHROOM
The cabinets and drawers of your bathroom are probably full of products for your skin and hair that make you look great, but do you have the right products for a healthy mouth? While visiting your dentist in Charlotte, NC at least twice per year for professional cleanings is vital, your oral health is largely decided by how well you look after your mouth at home when you’re on your own. The team at DentalWorks – Carmel Village wants to make sure everyone in Charlotte, NC has the crucial products for an excellent home oral care routine: a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Read on to discover more about each important oral care product and the way to select the best ones for your needs.

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
For people in Charlotte, NC who have trouble holding or using a manual toothbrush plus anyone who wishes to get cleaner teeth with less work, an electric toothbrush is a great investment. You can typically find an electric toothbrush (either battery-powered or rechargeable) that suits your budget depending on what features you are looking for. Most electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer that will make it much easier to brush for a full two minutes. Many electric toothbrushes for kids will even play a song that may make it much easier to get your children to brush.
MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH
A manual toothbrush is the least expensive option to keep your teeth clean. For most people, dentist recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small head to lightly brush your teeth; however, each person should choose whatever size and shape they like. For infants and children, buy a toothbrush that is recommended for their age range.
TOOTHBRUSH
An essential part of any oral health routine is a good toothbrush. Whether you pick a manual or electric toothbrush, make sure you’re using it twice per day and replacing the brush or brush head every three months or earlier if the bristles are worn.
FLOSS
A dental health product too many people skip, flossing is extremely important to the health of your teeth and gums. Flossing daily will help remove plaque and debris from between teeth to reduce your risk of problems with your teeth and gums. If you are not a fan of traditional floss, there are other alternatives. You might prefer floss picks or an electric flosser. If the spacing between some of your teeth are too tight for floss, you may need to talk to your dentist in Charlotte, NC about an orthodontic treatment that will correct the spacing and alignment of your teeth.
- TRADITIONAL WOVEN FLOSS
  Traditional floss comes on a case in either waxed or unwaxed. Cut off 18 inches (about the length of your elbow to your fingertips) and wrap each end around your index fingers. Gently push the line of floss between each of your teeth, switching to a clean section of floss for each tooth.
- FLOSS PICKS
  If you have trouble holding or using traditional floss, floss picks may be a better choice. Normally, a small handle pre-loaded with a taut line of floss, floss picks are often preferred by adults with arthritis and children. The floss pick should be used to clean in between every tooth.
- INTERDENTAL BRUSH
  Felt by some to be significantly more effective than traditional floss, an interdental brush is a fantastic choice for daily cleaning. Interdental brushes look like pipe cleaners with soft bristles attached to a small handle. These brushes come in several sizes, so you may have to try out a few to find one that fits comfortably between all of your teeth. Interdental brushes can be rinsed and reused.
- ELECTRIC FLOSSER
  For people with metal braces and those who don’t like regular floss, an electric flosser may be a great investment. There are quite a few different brands in stores and online with lots of features. You’ll need to do research to determine which type is right for you. Also known as oral irrigators, most electric flossers are classified as either water or air flossers. A water flosser employs a steady stream of water while an air flosser employs a smaller amount of water mixed with air, which you focus on the spaces between each of your teeth. Used correctly, an electric flosser can be as effective as traditional floss in removing plaque and reducing the chance of gum disease.
- TOOTHPASTE
  When you go to the store, you might be overwhelmed with options in toothpaste — all the different features, flavors, and brands. Unless your dentist in Charlotte, NC has suggested a specific toothpaste or prescribed a toothpaste, you can choose whatever you want. You may consider trying a whitening toothpaste or one that’s specially formulated to decrease tooth sensitivity. Try different brands and tastes to find the toothpaste you like best. For children, it is necessary to choose a toothpaste for kids since they are safe if accidentally swallowed. Sometimes, people may have an allergic reaction to the fluoride, gluten, or flavor in the toothpaste. If you have severely chapped lips (cheilitis) or a rash around your mouth, try a different toothpaste and also ask your doctor about allergy testing to detect the specific problem.
- MOUTHWASH
  To further enhance both the look of your smile plus your oral health, add mouthwash to your routine. Different mouthwashes are available over-the-counter to whiten your teeth, fight cavities, freshen your breath, reduce tooth sensitivity, and more. A travel-sized mouthwash is fantastic to take with you to work or school so you can rinse away debris and bacteria after eating. After a procedure, such as a tooth extraction, your Charlotte, NC dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash to help eliminate or prevent a bacterial infection.
- TRAVEL SIZES
  Be prepared for last-minute vacation with travel-sized floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash to go with your toothbrush. No matter what else you bring, every outfit goes with fresh breath and a beautiful smile!