Oral Hygiene Aids
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Oral Hygiene Aids
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Interdental Aids
Interdental aids are used to help clean the sides of our teeth and the spaces inbetween our teeth. Dental floss is one example of an interdental aid (it is discussed in some detail in the flossing section). Sometimes brushing and flossing alone cannot adequately clean the areas on the sides of our teeth. Other products exist which can help us in these areas. End-tufted brushes often look like small round (when viewed directly down upon the “bristles”) brushes on the end of a toothbrush-type handle. They can be very effective in helping to clean the sides of teeth where teeth are missing (and a gap between teeth is present) and when cleaning the “back” side of the backmost teeth on your mouth. Interdental brushes are generally narrower than end-tufted brushes and can be used in the same areas as those where end-tufted brushes can be used. They are also often quite effective in cleaning out areas between adjacent teeth where some of the gums have been lost and in areas where the roots of molar (the furthest back) teeth have been exposed (because they tend to be narrower than end-tufted brushes). These interdental brushes are often small cylindrical or cone-shaped brushes that insert at right angles into a plastic handle. Any of the above brushes may come with a straight or angled handle. Toothpicks, in or without an attached handle, should be used carefully and gently when cleaning out the spaces between teeth to keep damage to the gums to a minimum. Wooden interdental cleaners look like toothpicks that are triangular in cross-section and have one pointed end. These can also be used to clean in between your teeth like toothpicks (as gently and carefully as possible to avoid injuring your gums in the process). Interdental tips are often made of rubber (or flexible plastic) and look like a thin “Hershey Kiss” attached to the end of a toothbrush (or other) handle. These can also be useful to clean the areas between teeth--and gently (just) beneath the gumline. Please feel free to ask your dental professional about the use of these products (which are not needed by everyone).
Fluoride
Fluoride is used to help prevent tooth decay. It is contained in almost all toothpastes, in many mouthrinses, and in much of the water supply that we drink. It is often applied at dental appointments (or even prescribed in pill form for children) but various products may be recommended for routine home use, particularly if there have been many recent problems with cavity formation. Some of these products can be bought right off the shelf at the store but some need to be obtained at the pharmacy counter. Please follow the instructions given by your dental professional, read the product labels, and ask any questions you may have. Please try to avoid swallowing these dental products as stomach upset may occur if too much of the product is swallowed.
Oral Irrigation
Oral irrigators are oral hygiene aids
that emit a steady, or pulsing, stream of fluid in order to clean the teeth and
gums. They should not be used instead of a toothbrush or floss, but may be very
helpful in keeping your mouth clean when used along with brushing and flossing.
Oral irrigators can be particularly helpful in loosening and flushing debris out
from in between teeth or from between teeth and gums. Water is often the fluid
of choice when using oral irrigators. The selection of irrigation fluids and
oral irrigators should be discussed with your dental professional so that the
right products for you are being chosen. As oral irrigators are not necessary
for everyone and can be a bit expensive, seeking the advice of a dental
professional on this matter is recommended. For a picture of an oral irrigator,
please click HERE
List of Recommended Oral Irrigators (with ADA Seal
of Acceptance)
Braun
Oral-B Oral Care Center Braun Oral-B Oral Irrigator Hydro Pik Water Pik Family Dental System-WP-70
W Water Pik Personal Dental
System-WP-60 W Water Pik Plus Plaque Control
System-WP-90 W Water Pik Professional Dental
System-WP-72 W Water Pik Travel Dental System-WP-350
W
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