“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”
- Miguel de Cervantes

Toothbrush

• REGULAR soft, smaller is better, angled helps. My favorite is an Oral-B toothbrush.
• ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH, Sonicare (FlexCare H6911).
• DENTURE BRUSH, for retainers, bite guards, dentures.

Toothpaste

• DRY BRUSHING, brush until your teeth feel smooth (soft), not by time, click here.
• PEROXICARE,  ADVANCE WHITE, or COMPLETE CARE (Arm & Hammer)
• DESENSITIZING, 5% potassium nitrate: Sensodyne® Full Protection or Sensodyne® Tartar Control with whitening. Sensodyne has the only desensitizing toothpaste with tartar control.
• BIOTENE for dry mouth. Also for canker sores, it has no SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).

Sensitive toothpaste warning label

If I have recommended that you can/should use Sensodyne 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? [from the Sensodyne web site]
• 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.

Between Teeth

• FLOSS, waxed is easy, but even easier is Glide™. Professional flossing: floss on middle fingers.
• GLIDE FLOSS PICKS, for kids. These are GREAT for adults and children, click here.
• GLIDE THREADER, floss threaders for under bridges, splints, and/or braces.
• INTERDENTAL BRUSH (Oral-B) or PROXABRUSH® (Butler), save your handle – replace the brushes. The Oral-B handle is much easier to use. Butler and Oral-B make travel versions. Use this from both the cheek side and tongue side.
• OTHER, floss holders, toothpicks, Stimudents®, etc.

Rinses

• SALT WATER, more effective than mouthwash any day. A saturated solution (4 teaspoons / 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, flavored hydrogen peroxide (1.5%).

I specifically recommend against PerioGard, Peridex, chlorhexidine gluconate. Although these products are antibacterial, the side effects of increased tartar and stain are too great, AND there is an equally effective solution: TheraSol.

Irrigation

• Waterpik® (model WP-60W) With baking soda, two teaspoons per full reservoir at the highest pressure setting that is comfortable, click here. Wall mounting bracket available (1.800.525.2774). [220 volt internationl model, WP-60E - special order from Water Pik].

Etc.

• Fragmints (mints) (available online / by phone) contain xylitol, and do not cause decay.
• Xponent gum (available online / by phone) contains xylitol, and does not cause decay.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Sea-Bond Denture Brightening Gel Cleanser (formerly Ban-A-Stain), for retainers, bite guards, dentures. Available in drug stores.
• 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.
• DECAFFEINATED coffee, soda, tea.
• DISCLOSING SOLUTION to show where plaque remains on teeth, click here (2 Tone Disclosing Solution).
• CANKER COVER for canker sores, more info click here.
• KANKA®, ORAJEL® for irritations from braces, retainers or dentures.

SOAK for dentures, biteguards, retainers: plain, undiluted, white vinegar.