Good oral care goes beyond achieving a bright smile and preventing tooth decay or tooth loss. it can also provide insight into your overall health. Aside from keeping your pearly whites sparkling, maintaining proper dental hygiene is vital to avoiding various health problems. “Bacteria from your mouth can make its way into your bloodstream, which can infect different parts of your body,” said Irina Kessler, DDS, a dentist at Family Dental Arts of New York, in New York. “There is scientific evidence to support that [that] “An unhealthy mouth has negative effects on the heart, brain and blood vessels, which can increase the risk of disease.”
While brushing and flossing can help control bacteria in your mouth, regular checkups and dental cleanings are just as important. “If the mouth is constantly acidic and overpopulated with acid-loving bacteria, which cause oral diseases, [it] will remain at risk,” said Laura German Lawrence, DMD, director of dental services at Signature Health in Painesville, Ohio. “An oral hygiene routine should be closely followed that raises the pH of the mouth to a level where only healthy ‘normal’ bacteria can survive and allows the demineralized tooth structure to remineralize with the proper levels of calcium, phosphate and fluoride.”
However, you want to ensure that when you choose products with the aforementioned ingredients, you are administering them in the most effective way. If it’s toothpaste you’re using, make sure you brush with it for at least two minutes, for example. This should properly remove food particles, plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, said dental hygienist Rebecca Recchia, RDH, Family Dental Arts of New York: “The most common mistake patients make is not spending enough time brushing and flossing. When you brush for less than two minutes, you’re almost certainly missing various particles and stains in your mouth.”
To select our top picks, we used the guidance of expert dental professionals based on their years of experience, the guidance they give to their patients, the products they personally use, and their knowledge of how to create an effective oral care regimen. We’ve also thoroughly researched and tested publishers, scrutinizing our picks to ensure they’re of the highest quality. Our goal is to help you maintain proper oral hygiene.
Here are its winners Health Oral Care Awards 2023.
Colgate Total Plaque Pro-Release
Courtesy of Colgate
Plaque is the basis of most dental problems, so it is vital to ensure that it is removed regularly. Incorporating a daily brushing routine with a product like Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release can help. Its foaming action allows it to effectively eliminate the sticky film that hardens and contributes to gingivitis and tooth decay.
Crest Pro-Health Clean Mint Toothpaste
Courtesy of Crest
Dr. Lawrence is a fan of Crest Pro-Health toothpaste. He emphasized the importance of brushing your teeth before bed, noting that you produce less saliva as you sleep. Skipping this important step “gives bad bacteria the perfect environment to create problems,” he explained. And when used in the AM, this toothpaste’s minty flavor fights morning breath.
Toothpaste Made By Dentist Total Care
Courtesy of Made by Dentists
Formulated with 0.24 percent fluoride, Made by Dentists Total Care Toothpaste is Dr. Kessler to keep cavities at bay. “It’s refreshing, sulfate-free and non-abrasive,” she said.
Cocofloss Cocoshine toothpaste
Courtesy of Cocofloss
You’ll find it easy to remove surface stains with Cocofloss Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste. Its active ingredient, baking soda, acts as a mild abrasive and the paste creates a glossy surface without the use of bleach. This non-GMO product also contains no sulfates, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, peroxide, artificial colors, or artificial sweeteners.
Crest 3D White Brilliance
Recchia uses Crest 3D White Brilliance toothpaste. He also recommends seeing a hygienist at least twice a year.: “You should add an extra visit or two each year if you’ve had problems with tooth decay or gum disease in the past,” he noted.
Sensodyne Pronamel Active Shield whitening toothpaste
Courtesy of Pronamel
If you’ve ever experienced a jolt of nerve pain after eating hot or cold food, Sensodyne’s Pronamel Active Shield Whitening Toothpaste will provide relief. It covers your most sensitive zones and makes eating easier. Sensitive teeth are usually caused by receding gums or enamel erosion and this can lead to exposed root surfaces. Discuss additional treatment options with your dentist: “Excessive gum recession can be corrected by moving your palate tissue and grafting it to [problematic] area,” Dr. Kessler said. This procedure, called genioplasty, is usually done by a specialist.
The Original Tom’s of Maine Sensitive + Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
Courtesy of Tom’s
Original Tom’s of Maine Fluoride Free Sensitive + Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste is made without animal ingredients, artificial flavors or preservatives. In addition to brushing with it, you can also apply it directly to sensitive areas for targeted relief.
Curaprox Travel Set
Courtesy of Curapox
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or opting for a backpacking vacation, the Curaprox Travel Set is the perfect way to maintain an oral care routine on the go. Its compact design is similar to the size of a deck of cards. Includes travel toothbrush, toothpaste and interdental brushes.
The mouthguards of Dr. Plotka
Courtesy of Dr. Plotka
Get deep between your teeth with Dr.’s Oral Watchers. Plotka. Each bristle tip on this toothbrush is only a micron in size—making it finer than a human hair—allowing you to remove even the tiniest bits of debris from your gums.
Oral-B iO Series 10
Courtesy of Oral B
Dr. Lawrence chooses an Oral-B iO electric toothbrush with a medium head. “Electric toothbrushes provide a superior clean,” he said, noting that the iO’s bristles get the job done “without being overly aggressive.” A built-in sensor provides feedback on brushing pressure, letting you know if it’s too hard or too soft, so you can adjust the intensity accordingly.
Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige
Courtesy of Philips
Dr. Kessler highlighted the potential dangers of over-brushing, which can include enamel abrasion, receding gums and sensitivity. However, he noted that “electric toothbrushes walk you through the correct brushing, so it’s hard to mess up [your] teeth.” That’s the idea behind the Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige, which reduces its intensity when you apply too much pressure. It also has long bristles for deep interdental cleaning. To customize your experience, connect the toothbrush to the brand’s app.
Davids Professional Tongue Scraper
Courtesy of Davids
According to Dr. Lawrence, using a tongue scraper can “improve bad breath and taste and reduce bacteria.” A Davids professional tongue scraper, made from medical grade stainless steel, effortlessly removes debris from your tongue, leaving behind a refreshed, clean feeling.
Cocofloss
Courtesy of Cocofloss
Dr. Lawrence finds that waxed floss feels more comfortable around the gums. She likes to use Cocofloss with coconut oil, citing its “antimicrobial benefits.”
GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threaders
Courtesy of GUM
If you have a Marilyn bridge, implants or other dental work that makes it difficult to get between your teeth, GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threaders are a great choice. As the name suggests, they’re easy to floss with: You just use the nylon loop to thread the floss in and around the spaces between your teeth, removing hard-to-reach plaque and debris.
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional
Courtesy of Waterpik
Dr. Kessler and Dr. Lawrence and both recommend WaterPik floss as a great alternative to traditional flossing for cleaning hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. The brand’s Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush is equipped with an LED power indicator and high/low settings for its two brush heads.
Up & Up Anticavity Alcohol Free Fluoride Mint Mouthwash
Courtesy of Up & Up
Banish bad breath and skip the burn with Up & Up Anticavity Anticavity Fluoride Free Peppermint Mouthwash. Its inclusion of fluoride helps protect the cavity while supporting enamel health.
Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit
Courtesy of Colgate
Coffee, tea and wine are known to stain your teeth. While your dentist can remove discoloration, you can also consider OTC products like the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit. It only takes a thin layer of the included hydrogen peroxide-based serum and its LED device to get luminous results.
Laura German LawrenceDMD, director of dental services at Signature Health
Irina KesslerDDS, dentist in Family Dental Arts of New Yorkin New York
Rebecca RekiaRDH a dental hygiene at Family Dental Arts of New York
