If you are looking for additional dental tools for your at-home oral health regimen, there are multiple devices available beyond a toothbrush and dental floss that can help keep your mouth free of plaque. Plaque, which is the sticky substance that is formed when oral bacteria combine with leftover particles of food, can quickly incite tooth decay. The bacteria in the plaque feed on the carbohydrates in the mouth and release acid that weakens tooth enamel and promotes tooth decay. Here are a few devices that you can use at home to maintain your oral health:
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are often recommended by periodontists and dental hygienists. The small brushes only exert gentle force on sensitive gum tissue and tend to effectively clean the irregular curves of the teeth at the gum line. The brushes can be selected based on individual preference and are available in many different sizes and shapes.
Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators work by directing a concentrated stream of water along the gum line and between the teeth to help remove plaque, bacteria and accumulated food. The water can be sprayed as a continuous stream or pulsated for a massaging sensation along the gums. These devices can effectively help you maintain good gum health, but they should not be used to replace regular flossing and brushing.
Tongue Cleaners
Many of the anaerobic bacteria that release volatile sulfur compounds that are associated with bad breath are located on the tongue. Although a toothbrush can help remove some of these microbes, a tongue cleaner is more effective.
As you sweep a tongue cleaner over the surface of your tongue, food particles, fungi and oral bacteria are removed. These devices may be made of plastic, metal or wood and are usually shaped to match the contoured surface of your tongue.
It is usually best to use a tongue cleaner before you brush your teeth. This can help prevent the swallowing of dislodged microbes.
Rubber Tip Stimulators
Another tool that can be used to help remove debris from between your teeth along the gum line is the rubber tip stimulator. The soft rubber tip helps dislodge plaque while it stimulates the flow of blood to the gums. The device can be rinsed and reused until the rubber starts to degrade. Then, it should be replaced.
To learn more ways to keep your teeth and gums clean, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area.
Share1 July 2016
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.