Homecare Recommendations

TOOTHBRUSH

Manual (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 (HX3681/23), click here.
- Oral-B iO Series 3 rechargeable toothbrush, click here.
Denture brush, for retainers, bite guards, dentures.

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

TOOTHPASTE

Dry Brushing, brush until your teeth feel smooth (soft), not by time, click here.
Tartar Protection (ingredient: pyrophosphate), recommended: Arm & Hammer (Peroxicare, Complete Care, Advance White)
Sensitive
- 5% potassium nitrate (with tartar protection / control): Colgate Sensitive Complete Protection or Sensodyne Clinical White, Stain Protector (also SLS free). Colgate and Sensodyne have the only desensitizing toothpastes with tartar control
- MI Paste One (no Rx required) for sensitivity and remineralizing tooth surfaces
Biotene. Also for canker sores, it has no SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).

sensitive toothpaste warning label

If you have been recommended to 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.

BETWEEN TEETH

Glide Floss, 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). Professionally 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, floss holders, toothpicks, Stimudents, etc.

RINSES

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), only sold online click here.
Peroxyl, diluted, mild mint flavored hydrogen peroxide (1.5%), no alcohol click here (do not rinse with peroxide after extractions or oral surgery).

chlorhexidine products (PerioGard, Peridex): try to limit use to 2 weeks. 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.

WATER FLOSSER

Waterpik® (model WP-660, White Aquarius) With baking soda, two teaspoons per full reservoir at the highest pressure setting that is comfortable, click here.

ETC.

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.
Canker Cover for canker sores, more info click here.
Kanka, Orajel for irritations from braces, retainers or dentures.
Nicotine substitutes: patch / gum / lozenge / Rx tablet – inhaler. Nicotine pouches (Zyn, On!, and Velo).
Rx Valtrex for cold sores.
Red Cross Toothache Medication, click here, use only in teeth with persistent, throbbing pain; not for gums – only teeth. Temporary relief only – see dentist ASAP.
Rx fluoride supplements, for children up through age 16.
Vitamin/mineral supplements to aid healthy gums, immune system, healing (Centrum or it’s equivalent). You can check the effectiveness/requirement by your fingernails.
Stress reduction for a healthier immune system, reduction clenching / grinding: 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 to show where plaque remains on teeth, 2 Tone Disclosing Solution, 2 Tone Disclosing Tablets.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTH

Products, devices, supplies recommended are all name brand, proven, reliable, effective. They are recommended for your health and well-being without compensation.