The best oral hygiene products.

Odette

Not very MSE but my dentist mentioned to me last week that not all toothpastes/mouthwashes are created equally.

What do you look for to get the best clean? I remember him mentioning something about flouride?

What has your dentist told you!

Toothsmith

All you need is a toothpaste with more than 1250ppm fluoride, and a decent brush that you change regularly.

Couple that with something that effectively gets between your teeth (That will vary depending on the size of the gaps between your teeth).

Then, the only other thing you need is the time to spend on them.

You don't need fancy mouthwashes, you don't need expensive toothbrushes (£30 is for a decent but basic Braun Oral b electric is the most you should spend if you really want to push the boat out) You don't need any fancy gizmos.

Brush - Toothpaste - Time.

Odette

Thanks toothsmith (Id hoped I'd catch you ) what do you think of bicarb? Ive heard alot of bad things about flouride...

brook2jack

If you're not eating an Inuit diet and are serious about keeping your teeth use a fluoride containing toothpaste.

If you are eating in anyway a modern diet and only use "natural " toothpastes ..... Bicarbonate, fennel, soot and salt or whatever other alternative toothpastes there are then you will suffer the "natural" consequences which is decay. Bicarbonate is fine as part of a non abrasive fluoride toothpaste or in conjunction with a fluoride toothpaste but it's not an acceptable substitute.

glowgirl_2

3% hydrogen peroxide has worked wonders for my gums and brightened my teeth including my crowns, my hygienist was very impressed in the change and confirmed I was doing the right thing using this product, I brush and floss twice a day as well, hydrogen peroxide is available from a pharmacy for about £1.25 (thats the price in Boots):).

shandyclover

As a rule I try to avoid toothpastes with SLS, as it causes mouth ulcers in my hubby and DD3.

I've read it's best to avoid glycerin in toothpaste. I know you can't believe everything you read, but I did try the experiment suggested - rub a bit of toothpaste containing glycerin around your sink. You will find it creates an almost greasy film water can't penetrate. Supposedly glycerin in your toothpaste prevents the teeth from remineralising as they should from saliva. Since DD2 has a problem with less than normal amount of tooth enamel, I make a point of chosing a toothpaste without glycerin. You'd be suprised how hard it is to find a brandname without glycerin and SLS.

I've also read the warnings about flouride. I'm not sure whether theres any truth in it and with a child with tooth enamel problems I'm not willing yet willing to do without flouride if its so touted by the experts.

glowgirl_2

shandyclover wrote: »

As a rule I try to avoid toothpastes with SLS, as it causes mouth ulcers in my hubby and DD3.

I've read it's best to avoid glycerin in toothpaste. I know you can't believe everything you read, but I did try the experiment suggested - rub a bit of toothpaste containing glycerin around your sink. You will find it creates an almost greasy film water can't penetrate. Supposedly glycerin in your toothpaste prevents the teeth from remineralising as they should from saliva. Since DD2 has a problem with less than normal amount of tooth enamel, I make a point of chosing a toothpaste without glycerin. You'd be suprised how hard it is to find a brandname without glycerin and SLS.

I've also read the warnings about flouride. I'm not sure whether theres any truth in it and with a child with tooth enamel problems I'm not willing yet willing to do without flouride if its so touted by the experts.

Did you find a brand name without glycerin and sls? If you did would you let me know which one it is:)

brook2jack

Particularly with children it's important to spit don't rinse with fluoride toothpaste particularly at night as it means the fluoride is in contact with the teeth overnight.

Some of the sensodynes are the only major brand toothpastes that are sls free that I'm aware of.

Toothsmith

Sensodyne Pronamel is SLS free (Not all the Sensodyne range is) but Pronamel leaves out the SLS to allow the fluoride to stick to the tooth surface better. (Not sure about glycerin - that's a new worry I've never heard of before)

Discount the fluoride worries.

They come from the people who don't want it in the water. They do tend to over-dramatize and use emotional language and talk about 'poison'. BUT - they do then say that as fluoride is in toothpaste, it' not needed in the water, and that people should use fluoride containing toothpastes if they want the benefits.

I do not agree with the scaremongers on the fluoride water debate, although I don't like the idea of it being put in on ethical grounds, and feel people should definatley have the right to choose (based on honest information). But there is no argument sensible argument for not using it in a toothpaste.

Just make sure you only use a smear on a kids brush (not the great stripe you see on toothpaste ads!) and don't let them eat tubes of it on a regular basis!

brook2jack

Dietary fluoride eg tablets is only taken into teeth that are developing, ie until a child is about 9 to 10. The fluoride tablets are prescription only and I only prescribe them for children who have physical or mental problems that will affect their ability to clean their teeth.

I don't prescribe for healthy children because if you are the type of parent who makes sure their child has a tablet everyday you are the type of parent who watches what their child eats and drinks and supervises them brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, alot of which they will swallow.

Citygirl1

My dentist advises me to use a good toothpaste with flouride, an electric toothbrush and Cordsyl mouthwash just when my gums are sore and not all the time as it can stain your teeth and dental brushes or floss.

She advised me not to waste money on general mouthwashes and that they don't do anything but make your mouth feel fresh which a good toothpaste can do anyway.

I use Sensodyne toothpaste as my teeth and gums are sensitive, Cordysl original mouthwash when my gums are sore and dental brushes (two different sizes) for inbetween my teeth. I used to use Dentyl mouthwash every day but I don't bother now.