How to find the Best Dental Products
Walk down any supermarket ‘oral health’ aisle and it will inundate you with products. Electric toothbrushes, hundreds of toothpastes, seven different flavors of floss, and a lot of claims of being the most effective product on the market. How do you decide which product is best for you? Further, how do you determine if the product is good for you and worth your investment? While every person’s dental needs and preferences are different, there are some tips that can help anyone find the best dental products for them.
Foremost, the best resource for finding the best dental products is your dentist. Your dentist and dental team know your dental and health history, they know your home care routine, and can recommend products that will work for you. If you plan on changing your products, let your dental team know. Sometimes products that say they deliver certain results may not be the best for your needs. Your dental team is the best go-to resource for product selection.
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Check the ingredients
Not all products are created equal. There are some products that include ingredients that can be more harmful to your oral health than helpful. It’s important to read the ingredient list thoroughly. Some ingredients to pay attention to include:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a common detergent added to toothpaste. It is the component that makes the paste foam. According to an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association, SLS can irritate patients with recurring canker sores. There are SLS free options available, so talk to your dentist about your options.
Alcohol
If you suffer from dry mouth or Xerostomia, the American Dental Association suggests limiting use of alcohol-containing mouth rinses. Alcohol can further dry the mouth and cause irritation. In addition, they advise children younger than 6 not rinse with alcohol-containing mouth rinse.
pH
The low pH (less than 4.0) of beverages has been shown to contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Many dental products on the market have low pH points. Mouth moisturizers, mouth rinse, and tooth-whitening products all have pH points that should be considered before use.
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Does it fit your lifestyle?
Sometimes patients are excited and ambitious to try a new product. They use it for a week or two, and then realize it is too taxing, or they don’t like something about the product and quit. Even if it’s the best product in the world, if you don’t use it, it won’t help. It is important to make sure whatever protocol you use works for your schedule. Your dental team will help you choose an oral health routine and products that best suit your lifestyle.
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Is it working?
The most important consideration when finding oral health products is the results. Are they working? Is the cavity-fighting toothpaste doing its job? Is the new mouth rinse helping with your dry mouth? Does the electric toothbrush leave your mouth cleaner than your old brush? If it’s working, keep at it. If it’s not, consult with Advanced Dentistry by Design and see if there is an alternative.
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.