Choose your oral hygiene products wisely

The dental care sections of pharmacies and big box stores can easily be dizzying. The number of products sold is indeed very large and it is easy to get lost in front of all the variants offered. This extensive offer sometimes complicates the choices, we offer you this information here to help you choose the instruments that suit you and which will encourage you to adopt good habits!

The choice of hygiene products: some general principles

Let’s make one thing clear from the beginning. When it comes to oral hygiene, there is no universal best choice; What’s best for you isn’t necessarily what’s best for everyone. It is therefore important to choose your toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss according to your needs and preferences since you must be comfortable using the selected products.

How do I make the best choices for me?

Toothpaste

Since there is no one type that is perfect for everyone, it is essential to first identify your needs. Dental sensitivity, predisposition for plaque and tartar accumulation and gum disease, tendency to have cavities: there are products adapted to this type of situations. It is also strongly recommended to opt for a toothpaste containing fluoride and bearing the seal of the Canadian Dental Association.

We also take this opportunity to issue a warning about toothpastes promising to whiten teeth. Whitening agents, especially activated charcoal, are abrasive and can damage enamel in the long term. For these reasons, they should not be used on a prolonged or regular basis. Instead, consider having your teeth whitened professionally if you really want to.

Toothbrush

A few characteristics distinguish toothbrushes from each other: the type of material (bamboo or plastic), the size of the head, the hardness of the bristles, and the shape and angle of the handle. Apart from the hardness of the bristles (we recommend taking them soft or extra soft), you can choose the characteristics that suit you most. This also concerns the type of toothbrush: manual and electric. Both have their advantages and uses. Simply determine, in collaboration with your Lasalle dental team, which one best suit your needs and situation.

• The manual toothbrush: Operated only by hand movements, it is very effective when used correctly (circular movements and careful passage over all dental surfaces). However, if you suffer from chronic gum disease or have cognitive or functional limitations that impair your dexterity, this may not be the best choice for you.
• The electric toothbrush: Its head oscillates automatically, helping to eliminate dental plaque, including in places that are more difficult to reach. This type of toothbrush is recommended for people who frequently develop gum disease due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar (calcified plaque). People who have difficulty cleaning the back of their mouth due to physical or cognitive limitations may also benefit.

Dental floss

In this case, it’s mainly a question of preferences. Waxed or unwaxed, single or multiple thread, flavored or unflavored: choose the type of silk that you are most comfortable using on a daily basis. There are also products, like a floss holder or threader, that help you clean if you wear braces or have a bridge, crown, or dexterity issues.

For other questions about hygiene products and their proper use, do not hesitate to contact the team at Centre Dentaire Georges in LaSalle. We will take the time, during your examination and cleaning, to answer them and advise you personally!