Cold Sores

What it is: Dental floss is a waxed or unwaxed thread of string used to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and under gums. Waxed and unwaxed floss both come unflavored or in a variety of flavors.

Why to buy: If you find that unwaxed floss seems “sticky” or disintegrates between your teeth, waxed, which is more slippery, may work better for you. If you find that waxed floss feels too thick to maneuver between your teeth, unwaxed floss may be a better option.

Things to consider: Either product will do a good job, so use whatever one feels like it works best for you. Try different brands and flavors to find something you can feel good using daily.

What it is: Weaved dental floss is made of numerous threads or strings woven together into a thicker, sturdier strand. Single strand and weaved floss both come unflavored or in a variety of flavors.

Why to buy: Single strand floss may work better for people with “tight” teeth that have very little space between them. Weaved floss is a good option for people with more space between their teeth, or who find that regular floss shreds or breaks between their teeth.

Things to consider: Either product can work well, so long as you use it every day.

What it is: Dental tape is similar to floss, but is wider and flatter than the single or weaved strands of dental floss.

Why to buy: Some people find that dental tape is easier to control than floss and allows for more comfortable flossing. Dental tape may be more effective for removing food particles and plaque for people with larger gaps or spaces between the teeth.

Things to consider: Dental tape tends to be more expensive than dental floss. However, if you prefer tape and use it more consistently than floss, it is worth the extra expense.

What they are: Dental picks, also called inter-dental picks, are similar to toothpicks, and come in a variety of shapes and materials. They can be wood, tiny brushes, or little pieces of floss secured between plastic pieces that can be maneuvered between teeth. Picks and brushes come in sizes for tight, medium, and loosely spaced teeth.

Why to buy: If you have a bridge or tooth implant, or if flossing is difficult or impossible for you, try dental picks. Many people find that floss removes particles from tight spaces, while picks work best to knock larger pieces of food from between teeth and bridges, implants, or gums.

Things to consider: If you have a new implant or bridge, work with your dentist to discover which type of flossing product is right for you. You may benefit from using a combination of floss and picks. If you don’t like one type of dental pick, consider another. Use caution with picks so that you don’t poke or cut your gums.

What they are: Some mouth bacteria attack teeth, eating away at the enamel, which can lead to cavities. Other mouth bacteria generate foul odors contributing to bad breath, or cause inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. Antiseptic, antibacterial, and antigingivits mouth wash products are designed to kill these harmful mouth bacteria. These products may or may not contain fluoride.

Why to buy: Antiseptic, antibacterial, and antigingivitis mouth rinses come in many different brands and flavors, and can be used before or after brushing to improve oral health. Many people feel that their teeth aren’t fully clean or fresh unless they use their daily mouth rinse.

Things to consider: These products may worsen mouth dryness or cause stinging if you have existing mouth sores (canker sores or mucositis).

What they are: Anti-cavity mouth rinses contain fluoride to strengthen teeth against decay. Anti-cavity rinses also may contain antibacterial ingredients, which are similar to or the same as some of the ingredients found in antiseptic, antibacterial, and antigingivitis products.

Why to buy: If you live in an area without fluoridated water, an anti-cavity mouth rinse may help reduce cavity formation by supplying fluoride to the teeth. Also, home water filtration can remove fluoride from water, so if you filter your water, an anti-cavity mouth rinse can shore up teeth with fluoride. Anyone concerned about cavities may want to try an anti-cavity mouth rinse.

Things to consider: Exposing teeth to fluoride through a mouth rinse is ideal—but never swallow these products, because ingesting too much fluoride can be bad for health. Overexposure to fluoride, especially during critical teeth formation that occurs between ages one and four, can cause a condition called fluorosis. Fluorosis results in discolored teeth and in severe cases, cracking and pitting of teeth. Fortunately, fluorosis results from ingesting (drinking) fluoride, not from rinsing teeth with fluoride solutions; anti-cavity rinses are safe as long as they are not swallowed.

What they are: Teeth-whitening mouth rinses are designed to remove stains and lighten and brighten teeth. Common tooth whitening ingredients include carbamide hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide.

Why to buy: If your primary goal is to whiten teeth, a teeth-whitening rinse is a good choice.

Things to consider: Be realistic. A teeth-whitening rinse can effectively lift some surface stains from teeth, but it will not give you the dramatic results you’d see from a professional session at the dentist. Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity after using teeth-whitening products, so proceed with caution if you have a history of sensitive teeth.

What they are: Combination mouth rinses contain a mix of ingredients that will address several mouth concerns at once, including whitening, cavity-prevention, and gum health.

Why to buy: If you want an all-purpose, all-in-one product, a combination mouth rinse is a good choice.

Things to consider: Combination products typically cost a little more than mouth rinses that address only one or two issues. If your mouth reacts negatively to an ingredient in a combination mouth rinse, it will be tough to know which one is the culprit.

What they are: Dry mouth rinse products do not contain alcohol, which can dry the mouth further. They may contain soothing and moistening ingredients, such as glycerin, and enzymes designed to improve mouth moisture levels.

Why to buy: If you have a dry mouth, one of these products can provide temporary relief and avoiding ingredients known to dry the mouth is a smart idea.

Things to consider: Some dry mouth rinse products also contain fluoride or antibacterial ingredients and some do not. If cavities and gum disease are concerns, you’ll want a dry mouth product that does offer these additional benefits.

What they are: Manual toothbrushes are the basic, familiar hand-held toothbrushes used to clean the teeth.

Why to buy: Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive and come in a nearly endless variety of choices which include many different shapes, sizes, colors, and features. The head of the toothbrush may be small or large and may be diamond or rectangular in shape. Bristles may be soft or hard, and may be one length or of different lengths. Some toothbrushes have all nylon bristles, while others are a mix of nylon and soft rubber.

Things to consider: For adults with very small mouths, a child-sized toothbrush head may work best. Unless your dentist specifies a harder toothbrush, stick to soft bristles to avoid damaging sensitive gums. Manual toothbrushes should be replaced a minimum of every three months, and more often if the bristles appear worn, bent, or splayed outward. You may want to try different toothbrushes to find the shapes and features that feel best to you. The more comfortable your toothbrush is, the easier it is to brush regularly.

What they are: Electric toothbrushes use either replaceable or rechargeable batteries to power very fast vibration of the bristles. Some electric toothbrushes should be replaced completely when worn out, while other types require replacing the head only.

Why to buy: Many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes because they can do a better job at removing plaque than manual brushing. Electric toothbrushes may be a good option for over-enthusiastic brushers who have trouble with receding gums. Because children do not have the same manual dexterity as adults, electric toothbrushes may also be an excellent choice for helping young ones do a more thorough job of brushing. Electric toothbrushes may also come with additional features, such as timers which help ensure that teeth get brushed for the two full minutes recommended by most dentists.

Things to consider: Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual ones, and may require battery replacement. Electric toothbrushes range widely in cost, with high-end models running over $100, and drugstore versions costing $10 to $20. If unsure about whether you need an electric toothbrush and which brand is best, talk to your dentist. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how frequently to replace the brush or head and consider the cost of replacements in your purchasing decision.

What they are: Single-use toothbrushes are meant to be used once, when you don’t have access to your regular dental care products. Some work well without water.

Why to buy: Single use toothbrushes are nice to have on hand, in a desk drawer at work or in your purse, briefcase, or gym bag, for those times you need a quick mouth freshening.

Things to consider: Single-use toothbrushes are not intended to be a primary method for brushing teeth, and should be used in addition to—not in place of—your regular dental care routine. On a per-use basis, these products can be more expensive than a manual brush and tube of toothpaste. Some single-use toothbrushes contain sorbitol or xylitol, substances which can be drying. Avoid these products if dry mouth is an issue for you. Sorbitol and xylitol are toxic to dogs; even small amounts can be life-threatening. If your four-legged friend gets into any of your dental care products that contain these ingredients, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

What they are: Teeth-whitening toothpaste, brushes, and mouth rinses are designed to remove stains and lighten and brighten teeth. Common ingredients include carbamide hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Whitening brushes may come in packs and each brush may be designed for single use.

Why to buy: These products can effectively remove surface stains from teeth and are relatively inexpensive. They are quick and easy to use.

Things to consider: Some tooth-whitening products can increase tooth sensitivity. If this is a problem for you, try a combination product that both whitens and lessens sensitivity, or alternate a tooth whitening product with a product for people with sensitive teeth.

What they are: These products typically contain the same whitening ingredients as toothpastes, brushes, and mouth rinses, but may have them in higher concentrations. They also may contain additional ingredients to increase the penetration of whitening substances into the teeth, which can remove tougher stains.

Strips are applied daily and left on the teeth for a period of time, while pens and syringes are used to “paint” the whitening product onto the teeth. Specialty kits may contain several options to get whitening ingredients onto teeth or may target a particular problem, such as tobacco stains.

Why to buy: These products tend to be more effective than toothpastes and mouth rinses, they work quickly, and may result in a whiter, brighter end result.

Things to consider: Whitening strips, pens, syringes, and kits cost more than toothpastes and mouth rinses and they may cause more problems with sensitivity because they are left on the teeth longer.

What they are: Your dentist can do in-office teeth lightening procedures that work faster and give more dramatic whitening than over-the-counter products. Your dentist may use trays that are specially molded to fit your teeth. A lightening solution is applied to the teeth with the tray and left on for a period of time. You’ll be sent home with the trays and additional lightening solution to continue the process.

Why to try: In-office teeth whitening procedures are more effective than over-the-counter products and they work very quickly.

Things to consider: In-office procedures tend to be expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars, and they are usually not covered by insurance. As with over-the-counter products, in-office procedures can contribute to sensitive teeth. Your dentist may be able to lessen post-whitening sensitivity with special products applied in-office or to be used at home.