Oral Health Just Got Easier

Whiter teeth, better breath, stronger gums, healthy mouth. This sounds perfect, but like anything perfect, it doesn't just happen. It takes work. It takes dedication, and it takes knowledge. I know perfection is not necessarily the right word here, because it is arguable that perfection does not exist. But, getting close to a perfect habit of oral care is possible with the right information. I've gathered some of my favorite items, many tested and true (and recently approved by my dentist). I’ve also included some helpful resources to help you care for your smile. Even if you don’t feel like smiling. 

First, let’s begin with a new favorite of mine, Euthymol Whitening Toothpaste. Made in Korea, it’s a UK brand. It is spicy, refreshing, whitening, and pretty. Dental Hygienist, Tiffany S. Kim got me hooked on it and after reading the reviews, I have become a new follower of the Euthymol Toothpaste. They also have Euthymol Purple Whitening Toothpaste (for yellow and sensitive teeth), which I have yet to try. Then, there's the OG, Euthymol Original Pink Toothpaste (it's a fluoride-free toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums)

Second, the toothbrush. Yes, the toothbrush makes all the difference. I learned from my favorite influencer dental hygienist that soft bristles are the way to go. They are smoother and kinder to the gums, and when I made the switch, I felt the difference. I was able to reach areas a strong headed toothbrush would normally miss and hurt me. I go between a manual soft bristle toothbrush (like Euthymol Whitening Toothbrush 6 Pack or Mouthwatchers Soft Flossing Manual Toothbrush, 2 pack) and my Oral-B iO3 Electric Toothbrush, which I will admit, I have gotten a few people hooked on. I love it! There are two favorites, especially after watching a review video on them (see below). Based on your needs and pocket,  you can choose the one that's right for you. It is worth it. It’s better to care for the teeth now than to have to spend more later in reconstruction and painful procedures at the dentist. Not to mention, there is a correlation between poor dental hygiene and Alzheimer’s disease (read more at National Library of Medicine).  So, if not for your mouth, then for your brain. ​

Third, the Water Flosser. This Operan Water Flosser for teeth cleaning is a rechargeable oral irrigator with four modes. We have this brand at home and right now, it's on sale. These things are underrated.  Perhaps not an every day thing on its own, but it is a total game changer and worth the investment. To take it further, you can add salt or mouthwash to the water flosser and it will help remove some of that build up and keep the in-between of your teeth and gums clean. This, however, does not replace the flosser, which leads me to my fourth item. 

The floss.  Flossing is non-negotiable. You either do it or deal with the consequences later. It’s important to floss correctly and not harshly. Take a look at my hygienist “friend” to see the proper way. Get in between those gums gently. I like the floss picks, but I use both the string as well. To get the molars, a floss pick is most efficient for me. I also use Interdental Brushes (tiny slim brush to clean between teeth), which my gal, Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri (who received the Best Young Dentist Award in London) talks about and gives some really nice tips on maintaining proper oral health. She shares how to use the Interdental Brush here. Add some toothpaste to the brush and slide it between your teeth. It helps keep the teeth look and feel clean. ​

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A post shared by Dr Shaadi Manouchehri (@dr.shaadi.manouchehri)

Number five goes to mouthwash. It’s important to use a good one too. I love TheraBreath Healthy Gums Mouthwash​. Recently, my sister ordered her favorite mouthwash, ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash with Zero Alcohol and mistakenly got it delivered to my apartment, so I was obliged to try it. It is also a great option. The squeeze technique on the bottle is rather cool. I still prefer TheraBreath (the two pack is a great deal), but given that she said to keep it, I have been using it (the ACT mouthwash) and can recommend it as well.

Whitening goes in number six. I like the Crest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening Pen for surface stains. I use it every now and then. I first dry my teeth, then I apply the gel where necessary, and let it dry for a minute or two before closing my mouth. It’s not a miracle worker, but I have noticed the shade color change a bit. I had a little stubborn stain in the back of a tooth and it has visibly brightened it up. I will say, there is this one affordable whitening kit I have yet to get my hands on, but will. It is recommended by Tiffany S. Kim and the reviews are convincing.  It's called Live Orals PureDia Teeth Whitening Kit. The set includes the gel and mouthpiece along with a shade guide to track the progress. What draws me to this kit is that it is formulated with a blend of hydrogen peroxide and lettuce extract, which is supposed to be 'safe and non-damaging to the enamel or gums.' Plus, it reads as a 'gentle formulation even for sensitive teeth.' If you give it a try, let me know. 

I'll add to number seven, a Tongue Scraper. Given that dental hygienists as well as dentists reinforce the need to cleanse the tongue, it only makes sense to add this last one before sharing some extras. The tongue is part of the mouth and if we are adamant about removing bad bacteria, our mouth will be in good shape. Here's a good affordable option, GuruNanda Tongue Scraper for Adults (2 Pack) with Travel Case. It's 100% stainless steel and 420 medical grade. 

Some extras I have found helpful to keep handy are a mirror and Dental Tools Kit for those (absolutely) necessary moments. A mirror helps take a closer look, especially behind your teeth and in the back of your mouth.  These tools are helpful to clean gently around the tooth.

Remember, dental hygiene is not just vanity, it’s part of self-care. It’s preventative and it’s necessary. It's been helpful and life-changing for me to have all these tools and knowledge to maintain good oral hygiene. I hope it does the same for you.

​Don’t forget to brush behind your teeth! 

​by Jessica G Ferrer

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​Be kind to yourself. 

​Disclaimer:
I am not a dentist or a medical doctor. I am only sharing what I have learned. Because good information is meant to be shared. Always consult your doctor and/or specialist/hygienist/dentist.