The Great Easter Dental Hunt!
With Easter upon us, we’re swapping the egg hunt for a tooth-friendly dental hunt. Discover our top tips for seeking out the best toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash, so you can keep your teeth healthy - even if you indulge in a few Easter eggs!
The Great Easter Dental Hunt!
While many of us will be embarking on an Easter egg hunt this weekend, here at National Dental Care Group, we’re taking you on a great Easter dental hunt to find the best oral health products for your needs.
Read on to discover our top tips for seeking out the right dental products for you, whether you’re on the hunt for the ideal toothbrush, searching for a suitable toothpaste, or on a mission to find the best mouthwash.
1. Finding the right toothbrush
If you’re on the lookout for a toothbrush that’s right for you or your child, here are some factors to consider:
- Electric or manual: For adults, electric toothbrushes will generally be the best choice, as they provide a more effective clean with less effort. Young children, on the other hand, will be better off with a manual toothbrush while they’re getting to grips with the correct brushing technique.
- Soft, medium or hard bristles: To avoid damage to your teeth, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most suitable choice for most people. Softer bristles are more flexible and can reach into the cracks and grooves of our teeth, providing a more thorough clean.
- Small or large brush head: As a small-headed toothbrush is able to get into hard-to-reach places in your mouth, a smaller head is a good choice. Children will also benefit from a small, child-friendly toothbrush that’s small enough to fit their mouths.
- Colour and style: While this won’t affect your toothbrush’s performance, having different coloured brushes for each family member can help you avoid accidentally using someone else’s toothbrush. Plus, young kids will be more inclined to stick to their brushing routine if their toothbrush features exciting colours or their favourite cartoon character.
2. Seeking out the best toothpaste
With so many toothpaste products on the supermarket shelves, picking the right one can be confusing. Follow these simple tips to track down the best toothpaste for your needs:
- Choose a fluoride-based toothpaste: Fluoride is essential for keeping teeth healthy and protected from erosion, plaque and cavities, and is particularly important for children and the elderly. As most toothpastes contain fluoride, you won’t have a problem finding a fluoride-based toothpaste product in your local supermarket or pharmacy.
- Sensitive teeth may benefit from specialised toothpaste: If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you may find that a specialised toothpaste designed for this condition will help reduce pain and discomfort. Sensitive toothpastes work by blocking the gaps between your tooth and gums so that the nerves aren’t affected when exposed to heat, cold or other stimuli.
- Protect teeth with an antibacterial toothpaste: People who have experienced gingivitis in the past may want to opt for antibacterial toothpaste containing triclosan, which protects teeth and gums against bacterial infections. However, this type of toothpaste isn’t a cure for infections, so talk to your dentist if you’re concerned about gingivitis or gum disease.
- Go natural with a chemical-free toothpaste: For those seeking a toothpaste that doesn’t contain any chemicals, you’ll find a range of natural toothpastes in many retail outlets and health stores. These toothpastes use natural ingredients such as peppermint oil, aloe vera and myrrh to provide effective cleaning without chemicals, however will lack the benefits described above.
3. Picking a mouthwash
While mouthwash alone can’t cure bad breath, it can provide a quick and convenient burst of freshness, as well as assisting with certain other oral health conditions. Here are our tips for seeking out a mouthwash that’s right for you:
- Dry mouth? Go alcohol-free: If you suffer from dry mouth, it’s best to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol is a drying agent and can exacerbate the symptoms of dry mouth.
- Protect teeth with a fluoride mouthwash: A mouthwash with extra fluoride can help to protect teeth against acid attacks and tooth decay. Take care not to accidentally swallow your mouthwash, as consuming too much fluoride can be toxic.
- Safeguard gums with Chlorhexidine: Mouthwash products containing chlorhexidine, such as Savacol or Corsodyl, can assist with certain types of gum disease. However, it’s important to seek professional advice from your dentist, as your condition may require treatment.
- Ease pain with a medical mouthwash: A mouthwash containing benzocaine can help to ease temporary pain caused by dental surgery or mouth sores. Saltwater-based mouthwashes can also provide short-term pain relief.
For more top tips on hunting down the best oral health products for you, chat to your local National Dental Care Group practitioner - you can today.