Posted on: 03 January, 2022
Visiting the dentist every 6 months can help catch oral health problems before they become serious and remove built-up plaque from teeth, but what you do in between visits is just as important.
3 minute read
Visiting the dentist every 6 months can help catch oral health problems before they become serious and remove built-up plaque from teeth, but what you do in between visits is just as important.
That's why your dental professional may recommend the best toothbrush or other cleaning tools for your needs, if your daily oral hygiene needs attention.
There are plenty of great oral care products in Australia, but some are better for certain individuals than others. Here are our dentists' picks for affordable and effective solutions.
If you find it difficult to brush your teeth properly with a manual toothbrush, or you just feel like a change, 2022 could be the year to go electric.
There’s a growing body of research that suggests that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. We even wrote a blog comparing the two options.
Electric toothbrushes can be easier to use than manual toothbrushes, especially for younger kids and people with restricted mobility in their hands.
If your child hates brushing their teeth, an electric toothbrush could also make the activity more appealing when you look for children's models with lights, sounds and character designs.
Oral-B toothbrushes are beloved by dentists because they are affordable and easy to use. They can be ideal for beginners, with a single speed and pressure sensors that tell you if you're pressing too hard to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
Another useful feature is their in-built timers that make it easy to brush for the recommended 2 minutes. Kids' models can be integrated with apps to help guide their brushing and make the twice-daily routine something to look forward to!
While some studies have found that electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque, a manual toothbrush can clean just as well if used with a proper brushing technique.
Manual brushes also have their advantages – they’re a lot cheaper, lighter and easier to pack and travel with.
Even if you've found the perfect toothbrush, it's important to replace it every 3 months, or earlier if the bristles are frayed or you've been sick.
You can't go wrong with a toothbrush, as long as you avoid firm bristles. Brushing with a firm brush or too aggressively can damage tooth enamel and irritate gums. For most people, dentists recommend soft bristles that are gentler on teeth while still effective at scraping off plaque and food debris.
Some features you might want to look for include bristles arranged in wave patterns that can help clean the back teeth, built-in tongue cleaners and easy-to-grip handles that feel comfortable.
If you have sensitive teeth, Sensodyne® and other brands make special toothbrushes and toothpastes that may feel more comfortable than the standard options.
Like toothbrushes, there’s no shortage of options for toothpaste, and any brand’s products can do a good job of cleaning your teeth and reducing plaque – as long as they contain fluoride.
Fluoride is the naturally occurring compound that’s added to toothpaste at safe levels to fight plaque and help prevent tooth decay. Children’s dentists recommend using low-fluoride kids’ toothpaste up to the age of 7, as they may be prone to swallowing.
Avoid abrasive charcoal toothpastes that can cause damage and other whitening toothpastes that may not contain fluoride, unless these are used separately from your main toothbrushing.
While most fluoride toothpastes will protect teeth, Oral-B Pro-Health toothpaste is popular as it can also help to whiten teeth by removing surface stains and can improve gum health.
This is a topical cream used after brushing, flossing and rinsing with normal toothpaste. It contains calcium, fluoride and phosphate which help to protect and strengthen teeth. GC Tooth Mousse Plus® may be recommended if you have active tooth decay or tooth wear.
Toothbrushing alone doesn’t remove all the plaque and food trapped between teeth. That's why it's important to floss between teeth at least once a day.
If you don't find floss comfortable or find it difficult to use properly, your dentist might recommend trying an alternative such as a floss threader, interdental brush or water flosser.
While most people can clean their teeth well with traditional floss, Piksters interdental cleaners can be more effective at removing plaque and are designed to be easy to use with just one hand. They are often recommended by dentists for reluctant flossers or people having orthodontic treatment.
Mouthwash can be used in addition to brushing and flossing as it’s a great way to improve oral hygiene or to help reduce bad breath, a dry mouth or mouth ulcer.
If you're looking for a mouthwash to help fight plaque and reduce tooth decay or gingivitis, look for one containing fluoride. If you want to relieve discomfort from a mouth ulcer, choose a product with less alcohol to avoid irritation.
As well as helping to freshen breath and reduce plaque, Colgate Savacol® Mouthwash is the recommended choice of many dentists to help reduce gingivitis (gum disease) and discomfort from mouth ulcers.
It's recommended to use the mouth rinse twice daily after brushing to help treat gingivitis or three times daily for pain relief from ulcers.
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment in Australia and there are many products available from stores that promise to whiten your smile. However, home teeth whitening can be risky if it’s not carried out under the supervision of a dentist with custom whitening trays.
If you prefer to use a home whitening treatment, you’ll be better off consulting a dentist first. They can let you know if you're suitable for whitening and provide you with customised trays that fit perfectly over your teeth to reduce gum burns and irritation.
At EVP Dental, we use the Philips Zoom! whitening system for both in-chair and at-home treatments. This treatment is specially formulated to reduce the time taken for whitening and protect teeth enamel. You can also request a sensitive formula to reduce teeth sensitivity.
Read our blog about safe teeth whitening with our dentist Dr Josefina Guimaraes.
If it's been longer than 6 months since you visited the dentist, our dentists in East Victoria Park can give you a complete oral health check, clean your teeth to remove plaque and recommend the best products to take care of your teeth and gums every day.
To book an appointment for you or your family, call our friendly team on (08) 9470 3944 or book online.