April 5,
2007 Newsletter
Shocking
Proposition:
Selecting the Best (and Safest) Dental
Products
An Israeli company says it has
created a device that will protect teeth from cavities for 5
whole years. The catch? You start by slathering a special gel
inside a form-fitting mouth tray tethered to an electrical
outlet, inserting it over your teeth, and then zapping it with
electricity. (Yikes!) Sounds a bit dangerous, doesn’t
it?
When it comes to dental care,
or anything else related to your health or well-being, it’s
best to stick with science that’s been used and tested for
years. Getting caught up in new fads may not only be
disappointing, but downright dangerous. Here are some tips for
selecting dental products that are guaranteed safe and
effective.
Selecting a Toothbrush
When it comes to basic dental
care, nothing tops brushing. If you choose to use a manual
toothbrush, be sure that it is small enough to reach your
entire mouth easily. Also, bristles that are too firm can cause
your gums to bleed. Those who prefer something a bit more
convenient and comfortable might consider an electric
toothbrush. Be sure the head is soft and the bristles move in a
back-and-forth motion.
Picking
a Dental Floss
It’s amazing how much variety
you can find in dental floss. From regular dental floss or
ribbon to dental flossers, it’s easy to find something that
works well for you. All types remove cavity-causing plaque and
food debris from between your teeth. Here are a few of your
choices:
- Dental Flossers: Often
regarded as being easier to manage than conventional floss,
flossers are a popular choice. There’s no need to wrap any
excess thread around your fingers, which some find
uncomfortable.
- Conventional Floss:
There’s nothing wrong with sticking with traditional types
of floss. Just tear off a piece at least 18 inches long and
wind it around your index fingers. If you find traditional
thread-like floss is uncomfortable for your gums, try
dental ribbon, its smoother counterpart.
- Floss Threaders: If you
have a fixed bridge in your mouth, it doesn’t mean you get
out of flossing. Nifty little floss threaders allow you to
thread (gasp!) the floss between your teeth, under the
bridge work.
Finding the Perfect
Toothpaste
From whitening to
ultra-sensitive, there are a multitude of toothpastes available
on today’s market. How do you choose? Start by selecting one
with fluoride, which will prevent cavities. Other things to
consider are flavor, whitening potential, tartar control and
price. Often the biggest difference between two brands is
packaging, so don’t get hung up on the finer details. Consider
selecting fun flavored toothpaste for children, as it will
encourage them to brush regularly (though don’t let them
swallow!). Very young children require a fluoride-free variety
for safety.
Picking
a Mouthwash
Mouthwash can not only freshen
your breath, but kill germs and bacteria that lead to cavities.
Try to select a formula with fluoride. Many contain alcohol,
which dries up the protective saliva in your mouth, so it's
best avoided. While mouthwash a wonderful dental product,
however, please remember that it cannot replace regular
flossing and brushing. In our office we feature Smart Mouth
alcohol-free fresh breath mouthwash with zinc to control bad
breath.
Remember, your health is our
first concern. Please do not hesitate to call our office at
(212)988-8822 or email us at info@DrSimonRosenberg.com
with your dental care questions, or to schedule a
check-up!
Best Regards,
Dr. Simon W.
Rosenberg
P.S. If you have any friends
or family members who you feel could use our services, please
don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good
care of them.
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