Five Products You Need In Your Bathroom For Optimal Oral Health

GOOD ORAL HEALTH STARTS IN YOUR BATHROOM
Your bathroom counter is probably full of products for your skin and hair that make you look great, but do you have the right products to make your smile stunning? While visiting your dentist in Clearwater, IN at least twice a year for professional cleanings is essential, your oral health is mostly impacted by how well you care for your mouth at home. The team at DentalWorks – Clearwater wants to make sure everyone in Clearwater, IN has the neccessary products for a wonderful home oral care routine: a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Read on to discover more about each essential oral care product and how to choose the best ones for your needs and wants.

MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH
A plain, old manual toothbrush is the least expensive option to keep your teeth clean. Most dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small head to gently brush your teeth, gums, and tongue; however, each person should choose whatever size and shape they will use. For infants and children, buy a toothbrush that matches their age range.
ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
For people in Clearwater, IN who have trouble holding or using a manual toothbrush plus anyone who wants to get more cleaning with less work, an electric toothbrush is a good investment. You can typically find an electric toothbrush (either battery-powered or rechargeable) that fits your budget depending on what features you want. Most electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer that will make it easier to brush for a full two minutes. Some electric toothbrushes for kids will even play a song that may make it easier to get your children to brush their teeth.
TOOTHBRUSH
An essential part of any oral health routine is a good toothbrush. Whether you choose a manual or electric toothbrush, make sure you’re using it twice a day and replacing the brush or brush head every three months or earlier if the bristles are worn.
FLOSS
A step too many people skip, flossing is very important to the health of your teeth and gums. Flossing once a day will help remove plaque and debris from between teeth to reduce your risk of problems with your gums and teeth. If you’re not a fan of traditional woven floss, there are other options. 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 Clearwater, IN about an orthodontic treatment that will correct the spacing and alignment of your teeth.
- TRADITIONAL WOVEN FLOSS
  Traditional string floss comes on a spool 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 guide the line of floss between each of your teeth, moving 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. Generally, 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 can be used to clean in between every tooth.
- INTERDENTAL BRUSH
  Considered by some to be more effective than traditional floss, an interdental brush is a good option for daily cleaning. Interdental brushes look like pipe cleaners with soft bristles attached to a small handle. These brushes come in many 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 until the bristles are worn.
- ELECTRIC FLOSSER
  For people with traditional metal braces and those who don’t like regular floss, an electric flosser may be a good investment. There are plenty of different brands available with lots of features. You’ll need to do some research to decide which type is best for you. Also known as oral irrigators, most electric flossers are classified as either water flossers or air flossers. A water flosser uses a steady stream of water while an air flosser uses a smaller amount of water mixed with air, which you direct to the spaces between each of your teeth. Used correctly, an electric flosser can be as effective as traditional floss in removing plaque and decreasing the risk of gum disease.
- TOOTHPASTE
  When you go to the store, you may be overwhelmed with options in toothpaste — all the different brands, flavors, and features. Unless your dentist in Clearwater, IN has suggested a specific toothpaste or written you a prescription for toothpaste, you can choose whatever you prefer. You may consider trying a whitening toothpaste or one that’s specially formulated to decrease tooth sensitivity. Try different flavors and brands to find the toothpaste you like best. For children, it is important to select a toothpaste for kids since they are safe if accidentally swallowed. Rarely, people have an allergic reaction to the fluoride, flavor, or gluten in the toothpaste. If you have severely chapped lips (cheilitis) or a rash around your mouth, try a different toothpaste and ask your doctor about allergy testing to find the specific problem.
- MOUTHWASH
  To further enhance both the look of your smile and your oral health, add mouthwash to your dental care routine. Different mouthwashes are available over-the-counter to whiten your teeth, freshen your breath, fight cavities, reduce tooth sensitivity, and more. A travel-sized mouthwash is great to take with you to work or school so you can rinse away debris and bacteria after eating. After a procedure, like scaling and root planing, your Clearwater, IN dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash to help eliminate or prevent a bacterial infection.
- TRAVEL SIZES
  Be prepared for your next vacation or a night away from home with travel-sized floss, mouthwash, and toothpaste to go with your toothbrush. No matter what else you pack, every outfit goes with fresh breath and healthy teeth!