Top Oral Hygiene Tools: Mouthwash | Whitening Strips | Water Flossers
What is Super Floss in Oral Hygiene Tools?
The Oral-B Superfloss is designed to help clean those hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, especially when you have braces, dental implants, bridges, or wide gaps between your teeth. Superfloss consists of three components: a stiffened-end threader, a spongy floss section, and regular floss. The rigid end allows easy insertion between braces and under retainers, while the spongy floss effectively removes plaque around appliances, and the regular floss cleans adjacent teeth. Superfloss comes in pre-cut strands, ensuring you always use the right amount.
What is a Proxy Brush?
A proxy brush, also known as an interdental brush, is a type of interdental cleaner used to clean between teeth. The proxy brush features small bristles on a wire connected to a short plastic handle, making it easy to slide between teeth. They come in various sizes to fit different gaps. Using a proxy brush can help remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, areas often missed by regular brushing. Like flossing, you pass it between your teeth until all surfaces are clean.
What is a Gum Stimulator?
A gum stimulator is a common and affordable oral hygiene tool, typically found in most drug stores. It usually has a metal handle with a rubber or silicone tip at the end. The tip is used to massage the gum line, which can help remove plaque and food particles, as well as stimulate blood flow to the gums. Over time, the tip may wear down, but it can be easily replaced. Regular use of a gum stimulator can help improve gum health and reduce the risk of gum disease.
What is Orajel?
Orajel is a brand name for benzocaine, a topical anesthetic used to relieve pain from a sore throat, mouth, or discomfort caused by canker sores. It is available over-the-counter, and Dr. Adatrow can provide specific dosage instructions based on your condition.
What is Peridex, and How to Use It?
Peridex is an antimicrobial mouthwash used to reduce gingivitis symptoms as a supplement to scaling and root planing treatments. It is available over-the-counter or by prescription. Peridex helps control plaque buildup and maintain gum health when used as directed by your dentist.
Best Supplementary Oral Hygiene Tools
How to Use a Gum Stimulator?
To use a gum stimulator, place the rubber tip at a 45-degree angle between two teeth and gently massage the gum line with circular motions. Repeat this process for each space between your teeth. You can also use the stimulator tip to clean along the gum line, helping to remove any remaining plaque or food particles.
How Does a Gum Stimulator Work?
Gum stimulators improve oral health by removing plaque along the gum line and enhancing blood flow to the gums. They are especially useful for people with larger gaps between their teeth, helping to keep these areas clean and reducing the risk of gum disease.
What is a Waterpik?
A Waterpik is a brand of water flossers that use a pressurized water stream to remove food and plaque from between the teeth. Water flossers are ideal for people who find traditional flossing challenging, especially when they need to thread floss between their teeth.
How to Use a Waterpik?
Fill the Waterpik reservoir with lukewarm water, place the flossing tip in your mouth, and turn the device on. Hold the handle at a 90° angle to your teeth and spray the water, leaning over a sink to catch the excess water. The pulsating water effectively cleans between your teeth and along the gum line.
What are the Types of Mouthwashes?
There are two types of mouthwashes: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes temporarily relieve bad breath but offer no long-term benefits. In contrast, therapeutic mouthwashes contain active ingredients that help control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. Using a therapeutic mouthwash can enhance your oral hygiene routine.