Dentists Share Their Favorite Oral Care Products
Dental hygiene is something most people learn about from a young age. And even if it isn’t your favorite thing in the world, most of us know how important it is to go to the dentist regularly. But when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as can be, Dr. Michael Wei, a dentist in New York City says that maintaining a proper care routine between appointments is “crucial.”
While you’re likely already aware (though we all occasionally need a reminder), prosthodontist Dr. Samantha Rawdin says there are two things that you should be doing at minimum every day: Brushing twice with a toothpaste that contains a remineralizing agent — more on that later — and flossing at least once.
Below, we spoke with the dentists about the right way to do each (because, yes, there’s a right way) as well as all the products that can help you maintain your oral health between appointments.
How to properly brush your teeth
“Proper brushing technique and consistency are key to maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental issues,” Wei says. But both dentists say that there are some common mistakes they see people making when brushing. Here are their biggest tips:
- Use proper technique: “The proper way to brush is to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums so the edge of the bristles can just tuck under the gums,” Rawdin says. “That’s where plaque likes to hide.”
Additionally, you don’t want to scrub back and forth with the brush. “You actually want to make tiny circles,” she adds. However, if you’re using an eclectic toothbrush, it will do the work for you and you can simply “walk it along the gum line and on the biting surfaces.”
- Use a toothpaste with a remineralizing agent: To help protect against decay, you want to make sure your toothpaste contains a remineralizing agent. The most common one is fluoride, but Rawdin says, “Studies show that nanohydroxyapatite can be just as effective.”
- Brush for at least two minutes: “Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth to ensure you’re reaching all areas in your mouth,” Wei says.
How to properly floss
When it comes to maintaining good oral health, Wei says that “proper flossing is just as important as brushing.” Below, the dentists share their tips on how to get the most from your daily flossing session. (Or sessions if you’re an overachiever.)
- Use enough floss: You’re probably not using as much floss as you actually need. Wei says you should be using around 18 inches. “This will give you a clean piece of floss for each tooth.”
- Be gentle: When guiding the floss between your teeth use a gentle back-and-forth motion to shimmie it down. “Avoid snapping the floss into your gums, as this can cause injury,” Wei says.