Spotting the Best Dental Care Products in the Supermarket

Going to the supermarket to buy dental care products? Confused by the variety of products you can choose from? 

In this article, our team at Woodruff Family Dental in Jonesboro, Arkansas, has put together a list of tips on how to spot the best dental care products in a supermarket. Using these tips, you can make an informed choice next time you choose your toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

• General Advice

Always look for products that have the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance when shopping for dental care products. This seal indicates that the products are safe and efficient. The ADA’s list of approved products can be found here.

• Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is the simplest way to remove dental plaque from the teeth, tongue, and gums. Our tips for choosing a toothbrush include:

• Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t harm your enamel and gums
• Choose a brush that has a small head to prevent hurting your gums
• Use a toothbrush with multi-angled bristles to reach and eliminate plaque from tough spots
• Use a toothbrush with no-slip grips to prevent it from slipping when wet

Can’t Decide Between an Electric and a Manual Toothbrush?

Both manual and electric toothbrushes effectively remove dental plaque. Choosing one or the other is a matter of personal preference. 

Manual toothbrushes are less expensive and are thus generally preferred over electric toothbrushes. 

Electric toothbrushes are recommended if:

• You have a medical condition like arthritis
• You are elderly
• You have a dental device fitted, like braces
• You are physically-challenged

Electric toothbrushes vibrate and therefore generate more brush strokes per minute, making brushing an extremely easy task.

• Toothpaste

Your dentist can recommend the best toothpaste based on your current oral health and any underlying issues like bleeding gums, sensitivity, staining, etc.

Generally, you should choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride and, if you have sensitivity issues, you can use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. 

• Mouthwash

Mouthwash helps prevent gum disease and fights off the bacteria that cause plaque, giving you a fresher breath.

You can choose from the following types of mouthwash:

• Chlorhexidine (-0.2%) mouthwash eliminates spores, bacteria, and fungi 
• Natural mouthwash options that contain thymol, menthol, and eucalyptol with methyl salicylate prevent plaque buildup and freshen your breath 
• Triclosan mouthwash has antibacterial properties 
• Fluoride mouthwash prevents dental caries

To learn more about choosing the best dental care products, contact Dr. Timothy Woodruff at (870) 972-8190 or visit Woodruff Family Dental at 2800 Enterprise Cv, Jonesboro, AR 72401.