Stock Up Your Bathroom: Oral Care Essentials Checklist

17 / 08 / 2018

Stock Up Your Bathroom: Oral Care Essentials Checklist

Dental Surgeon, Dr C B Tocca, Discusses Everyday Mouth Care Products

If you are about to move into a new home or are perhaps leaving for the first time to go to university, it is a good time to take a look at some of the essentials that you will need. It is also an excellent opportunity to make sure that you have the correct oral health products to help to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Whilst you will still also need to visit our Ipswich practice to see the dentist and hygienist on a regular basis, the everyday care of your teeth will play a major part in your teeth remaining healthy.

Toothbrush

If you are moving, it is probably a good time to throw away any old toothbrushes that you may have been using. Manual brushes, and heads of electric ones, should not be used for more than three months before being replaced. Especially if you have a worn-out brush, this should be the first item that you update.

Toothpaste

Whatever your preference is for taste, the most essential thing you should look for in any toothpaste is that it contains fluoride. Most commercial brands do, although some ‘natural’ ones may not. Fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel, helping to protect the tooth from decay. Be careful with some of the ‘whitening’ toothpastes on the market. Some of these may include additional abrasive ingredients, designed to remove surface staining. Unfortunately, these may also increase the risk of enamel damage in some cases.

Dental floss

The chances are that you may be one of the 80% or so who do not floss between their teeth. Adding flossing to your repertoire is a straightforward and quick way to really help protect your teeth. Both decay and gum disease often originate in the spaces between our teeth where a brush can’t easily reach. Using dental floss correctly (our hygienist will be happy to show you how), is a great way to really boost your oral health.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash can be useful, although probably not essential. It should always be seen as an addition to, rather than a replacement for, regular brushing and flossing. Just because your mouth tastes better does not necessarily mean that it is healthy. Some mouthwashes provide a fine protective layer to the tooth enamel, but this can lead to additional staining after prolonged use, due to its stickiness. Most dentists will have their own favourite brand of toothbrush and toothpaste etc, and our Ipswich team are no different. We are always happy to offer advice to our Lighthouse Dental Practice patients, helping you to choose which to buy, or perhaps more importantly, which not to buy.

For an appointment to see a dentist or hygienist at our Ipswich practice, you can call our reception team on 01473 257379.

Dr Tocca is a dental surgeon at the Lighthouse Dental Practice (GDC 71594).

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