There are so many new dental products on the market, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we asked a real dentist to explain what works, and what doesn’t.
When it comes to looking after your mouth and teeth, there are so many new products, new ads and new fads. But which of these spruiked innovations are actually worth your time and money? We asked Dr Brenda Loh of Myers Street Dental to break down which products actually make a difference, and why.
Interdental brushes
Interdental brushes are a handy tool for ensuring a more effective cleaning of the space between your teeth. This is where plaque bacteria and food accumulates, causing both gum disease and decay. In situations where the gums do not tightly fill the space between teeth, using a piece of floss is often inefficient, as the piece of spring merely chases the food around your mouth. The bristles of the interdental brushes are flexible and can collapse into the spaces, filling the void, engaging the food and plaque and actually drawing it out.
These are versatile and can be used anywhere. Use a size that fits comfortably between the spaces of your teeth – larger brushes for larger spaces. Since we started recommending Pikster brushes for daily routine cleaning, the overall oral health of our patients has significantly improved, with fewer incidents (or severity) of gum disease.
There may be a few sizes that are appropriate for different areas of your mouth. Consult your dentist or oral health therapist to determine which sizes are best for you.
A sample of interdental brushes
Water flossers
Some people enjoy having pressured water irrigate between their teeth. Basically, it squirts pressurised water to dislodge the nasty bits of food between your teeth. The research shows that water flossers can be more effective in removing plaque compared to regular flossing, but as the Mayo Clinic points out, it isn’t considered a substitute for brushing and flossing.
If you own an electric toothbrush and you feel like investing in another oral care appliance to take the cleaning up another level, then a water flosser is possibly one. If there is a downside to using them, it’s that they need to take up more real estate (and charge points) at your bathroom vanity. They also create a bit of a splash and aren’t really portable for use when you are not at the sink.
Plaque Glo
Plaque Glo uses a special torchlight to highlight the plaque that is left behind. After brushing, Plaque Glo shines a blue light on the teeth to spot check on your own technique This can either be alarming or a good pat on the back. These are fun for kids and adults alike. By using disclosing gel or tablets, dentists help people understand where their plaque accumulates, and from that, work on the best techniques to remove it. People can be horrified by the stains highlighting their thick plaque deposits, and always vow to brush and floss multiple times a day forever!
BioSure Ozone rinse
Often, we are asked which mouth rinse we would recommend. To be honest, most products on the market contain chemicals, alcohol, preservatives and flavours. There is no perfect product, despite decades of heavy marketing having primed our minds that rinsing with these products will reduce dental disease.
On the other hand, Ozonated water has numerous benefits. It’s water that has electrolytic activated oxygen (that is, ozone); when activated, it is a powerful, yet safe sanitiser. Rinsing with ozonated water kills the bacteria without chemicals lingering in your mouth. Once activated, it is only potent for a short period of time, which is why you can’t just bottle it and sell it; after it’s done its job of killing micro-organisms, it changes back to pure water.
With the advancement in ozone technology, we can now make our own ozonated water from clean tap water using a battery-powered tumbler. We also use this technology to sanitise equipment and surfaces in our practice. You can buy your own, but it costs around the $400+ mark.
This is a worthwhile spend if you’re battling periodontal disease, and is more environmentally sustainable, as it prevents tossing away multiple plastic bottles over time.
Dr Brenda Loh of the Myers Street Dental Clinic in Geelong
Myers Street Dental Clinic has been a cornerstone in Geelong providing dental services since 1983. Our family-friendly dental practice offers cosmetic dentistry, general and restorative dentistry, endodontics (root canal treatment), implant restorations, smile makeover as well general maintenance and dental health education.
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