Good oral care is more than just about having a bright smile or avoiding cavities and tooth loss; it also gives you clues about your overall health. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy helps prevent various health problems. The bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and potentially infect other parts of your body. There’s scientific evidence showing that poor oral health can negatively impact your heart, brain, and blood vessels and increase your risk of disease.
While brushing and flossing help control oral bacteria, regular dental checkups and cleanings are just as important. If your mouth is constantly acidic or filled with harmful bacteria, it can stay compromised. A good oral hygiene routine should raise the pH level in your mouth, allowing only healthy bacteria to thrive and helping your teeth to re-mineralize effectively with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride.
When selecting products that contain these important ingredients, it’s crucial to use them effectively. For example, when using toothpaste, make sure to brush for at least two minutes to thoroughly clean your teeth. Many people don’t brush or floss long enough, which means they miss spots in their mouth.
To help you pick the best products, we consulted dental professionals who used their expertise and personal experience to guide us. We also conducted research and testing to ensure our choices are high quality. Our goal is to help you maintain proper oral hygiene.
Plaque is a major cause of dental issues, so it’s important to remove it regularly. A toothbrush like Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release can help with its foaming action to effectively eliminate plaque and reduce the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.
Crest Pro-Health toothpaste is a favorite for brushing before bed. At night, you produce less saliva, so skipping this step creates an environment where bad bacteria can thrive. Its minty flavor also fights morning breath.
Made by Dentists Total Care Toothpaste is ideal for cavity prevention without sulfates or abrasiveness. Cocofloss Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste tackles surface stains with baking soda, offering a shiny finish and free from sulfates and artificial additives.
For those with tooth sensitivity, Sensodyne’s Pronamel Active Shield Whitening Toothpaste coats sensitive areas, making consumption easier. Discuss additional care options with your dentist if you experience gum recession or enamel erosion.
Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Sensitive + Whitening Toothpaste is a natural option for sensitive teeth, offering relief without artificial ingredients. It’s handy for applying directly to sensitive spots.
Travelers will appreciate the Curaprox Travel Set, which includes essentials like a toothbrush and toothpaste in a compact size. For a deep clean, Dr. Plotka’s Mouth Watchers toothbrush has ultra-thin bristles that reach between teeth.
The Oral-B iO electric toothbrush is praised for its effective and gentle cleaning, featuring pressure sensors to guide the right brushing intensity. Similarly, the Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige adjusts its intensity and can be paired with an app for a customized experience.
Consider adding a tongue scraper to your routine to improve breath and reduce bacteria. Davids Professional Tongue Scraper is effective for this purpose, crafted from stainless steel.
Waxed flosses, like Cocofloss with coconut oil, offer comfort and antimicrobial benefits. For those with dental work that makes flossing challenging, GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threaders make it easy to clean between teeth.
WaterPik flossers are a great alternative to traditional floss for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Their Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional model combines a flosser and toothbrush with adjustable settings.
For mouthwash, Up & Up Anticavity Alcohol-Free Fluoride Mint Mouthwash offers cavity protection while supporting enamel health without the burn.
If you enjoy drinks that stain teeth like coffee or wine, consider products like Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit, which uses a hydrogen peroxide-based serum for brighter results.
