“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”
– Miguel de Cervantes
REGULAR soft, smaller is better, angled helps – name brand, e.g. Oral-B.- ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH, All powered brushes improve effectiveness — rechargeable is best.
- Philips Sonicare rechargeable toothbrush (HX6631/96; three settings for greater comfort), click here.
- Oral-B Pro 7000 rechargeable toothbrush, click here.
- DENTURE BRUSH, for retainers, bite guards, dentures.
REGULAR soft, smaller is better, angled helps – name brand, e.g. Oral-B.- DRY BRUSHING, brush until your teeth feel smooth (soft), not by time, click here.
- TARTAR PROTECTION (ingredient: pyrophosphate)
>> preferred: PEROXICARE, ADVANCE WHITE, or COMPLETE CARE (Arm & Hammer) - SENSITIVE
- 5% potassium nitrate (with tartar protection / control): Colgate Sensitive Complete Protection or Sensodyne Tartar Control (also SLS free). Colgate and Sensodyne have the only desensitizing toothpastes with tartar control
- MI Paste for sensitivity and remineralizing tooth surfaces
- BIOTENE for dry mouth. Also for canker sores, it has no SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).
TARTAR PROTECTION (ingredient: pyrophosphate)Sensitive toothpaste warning label
If I have recommended that you can/should use sensitive toothpaste, it is best used exclusively all the time.
- Q: Why does the package state that if the pain or sensitivity still persists after 4 weeks of use, we should visit the dentist?
- A: The FDA requires this statement on the packaging of all over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes. Sensitive teeth may indicate a more serious problem that may need to have prompt care by a dentist. Your dental professional may recommend that you use Sensodyne daily if he or she has ruled out other dental or medical issues.
- FLOSS, GLIDE, Teflon shred resistant, easiest to use. Also available in GLIDE FLOSS PICKS. Floss your the lower front teeth every brushing (and … work up to flossing all of your teeth every time you brush). Professional flossing: floss on middle fingers.
- Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Threader Floss, floss under bridges, splints, and/or braces, click here.
- GUM SOFT PICKS, ADVANCED longer than the ‘Original’ and easy to use even on back teeth, click here.
- PLATYPUS FLOSSERS for braces, click here.
- OTHER, Flossmate floss holders, toothpicks, Stimudents, etc.
FLOSS, GLIDE, Teflon shred resistant, easiest to use. Also available in GLIDE FLOSS PICKS. Floss your the lower front teeth every brushing (and … work up to flossing all of your teeth every time you brush). Professional flossing: - SALT WATER, more effective than mouthwash any day. A saturated solution (4 teaspoons table salt / pint of water, or 1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of water) swished between teeth for at least a minute. More effective because: much more comfortable and tolerable, antibacterial, no alcohol, easily available, cheaper. Time of day doesn’t matter, often leaving it premixed in the shower is very helpful (pint bottle with a sport top).
- THERASOL, antibacterial (ethoxylated tertiary amine and capryl/capramidopropylbetaine). Special order, click here.
- PEROXYL, diluted, mild mint flavored hydrogen peroxide (1.5%), no alcohol.
SALT WATER, more effective than mouthwash any day. A saturated solution (4 teaspoons table salt / pint of water, or 1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of water) swished between teeth for at least a minute. More effective because: much more comfortable and tolerable, antibacterial, no alcohol, easily available, cheaper. Time of day doesn’t matter, often leaving it premixed in the shower is very helpful (pint bottle with a sport top).NOTE, try to limit use to 2 weeks – PerioGard, Peridex, chlorhexidine gluconate. Although these products are antibacterial, the side effects of increased tartar and stain can be substantial, and there is an equally effective solution without those side effects, TheraSol.
Irrigation
- Waterpik® (model WP-660, White Aquarius) With baking soda, two teaspoons per full reservoir at the highest pressure setting that is comfortable, click here.
- XYLITOL, cavity-free, products. Sorbitol and mannitol are the primary sweeteners in most sugarless gums, and although they reduce decay compared to sucrose (commonly referred to as ‘sugar’), xylitol does not cause decay.
- Spry gum / mints (Amazon, VitaminShoppe, Annie Kay’s [Blacksburg])
- Dr. John’s Candies
- XYLIMELTS, dry mouth discs adhere to your teeth or gums to relieve persistent dry mouth, click here.
- DENTEK CANKER COVER for canker sores, more info click here.
- KANKA®, ORAJEL® for irritations from braces, retainers or dentures.
- NICOTINE REDUCTION (patch / gum / lozenge / Rx tablet – inhaler) an aid to overcome the physical dependence of tobacco.
- DENAVIR, prescription required $$$$$, antiviral cream for cold sores.
- RED CROSS TOOTHACHE MEDICATION, use only in teeth with persistent, throbbing pain; not for gums – only teeth. Temporary relief only – see dentist ASAP.
- FLUORIDE SUPPLEMENTS, prescription required, for children up through age 16.
- VITAMIN/MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS: Centrum or it’s equivalent. You can check the effectiveness/requirement by your fingernails.
- STRESS REDUCTION: physical exercise, meditation, biofeedback, medication, nutrition.
- BRUSH / SCRAPE YOUR TONGUE, stain is from bacteria that “pick-up” dark pigments from your diet. Tongue scrapers can also help prevent halitosis.
- DISCLOSING SOLUTION / TABLETS / GEL to show where plaque remains on teeth, 2 Tone Disclosing Solution, 2 Tone Disclosing Tablets, GC Tri Plaque ID Gel
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