By Samer S. Alassaad, D.D.S.

A walk through the oral care aisle can be overwhelming today with all the different products available to us especially when each manufacturer promotes its own products well.

Research shows that the ultimate oral care regimen involves both mechanical and chemical cleaning. Mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush and floss is necessary to remove plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums and causes cavities and the gum disease gingivitis. Plaque can then be washed out and the mouth can be disinfected chemically by antiplaque mouthrinses. While the damaged tooth surface is being exposed by brushing, flossing and rinsing, it can be repaired to health by certain ingredients in toothpastes, mouthrinses, and also naturally by our own saliva.

There is rarely any advertisement today promoting manual toothbrushes, we hear more often about powered ones. The two most common powered toothbrushes operate either by rotation oscillation (rotation in one direction and then the other such as Oral B Professional Care) or by sonic motion (side-to-side motion such as Phillips Sonicare or Oral B Pulsonic). These powered toothbrushes can provide better cleaning than manual ones. There are, however, more studies that favor the use of rotation oscillation brushes over other types. An important advantage of these brushes is the built-in two-minute timer that ensures brushing for the recommended time. Keep in mind that not everyone needs to switch to a powered toothbrush. Those with excellent plaque control using manual ones may not necessarily have additional benefits by switching.

Along with toothbrushes, toothpastes were originally used as an abrasive to aid in removing plaque. Today, many toothpastes have additional ingredients that meet specific needs. All toothpastes awarded the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride which is added for its anticavity properties. Other ingredients such as Triclosan is added for its antiplaque, Potassium nitrate for its antisensitivity, and enzymes and peroxides for their bleaching properties.

Next to a toothbrush, the floss is the most important tool to clean between teeth where the brush can’t reach. Studies show that all types of floss, mono or multifilament as well as waxed or unwaxed, are very effective without statistically significant differences among them when used properly. However, using fluoridated floss has shown to have added benefits of repairing teeth and strengthening them against cavities. Therefore, your choice should depend on the ease of use to develop this habit.

When it comes to mouthrinses, Listerine has the largest body of evidence that supports its effectiveness against plaque germs when used as directed. Because of its alcohol content, other new non-alcohol mouthrinses such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection and the Natural Dentist are gaining popularity especially when emerging studies are showing their effectiveness against plaque. These rinses have “Antiplaque”, “Antigingivitis” or the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the package label. Beware that some mouthrinses, such as Scope, Listerine Zero, and Cepacol are effective against bad breath germs but not against plaque germs. An advertising claim “deep clean” does not necessarily mean antiplaque. Anticavity fluoride rinses are not effective against plaque either; however, they can be used after antiplaque rinses for the added benefits of strengthening and repairing teeth.

Your choice of any of these products is best made along with your dentist to meet your specific needs and eliminate any confusion.

Samer Alassaad is in private dental practice in Davis. Contact him at [email protected]

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