There is no shortage of quality flosses and mouthwashes available today, but making a decision about which ones to choose can be overwhelming due to your seemingly limitless options. However, choosing one that is right for you doesn’t have to be a confusing process. Next time your supply of mouthwash or floss runs out, use these tips to help you restock with a product that will offer you the best protection against oral diseases.
Buy a multipurpose mouthwash.
Different varieties of mouthwash protect you against any number of tooth or gum conditions, but many of these are single-purpose products that only protect against gingivitis or tooth decay specifically. For best results, look for a mouthwash that can protect against more than one condition. Ideally, look for a product that fights gingivitis, cavities, tartar, and bacteria.
Choose floss for sensitive gums.
If you’re just beginning to floss, you may notice that your gums bleed frequently during the process, and this is something that may discourage you from flossing. However, you can still reap the benefits of flossing without worrying about excess bleeding if you choose a brand marketed specifically for sensitive gums. This type of floss is much softer than traditional floss, which means that it’s not as likely to make cuts to your gums. Keep in mind though, that bleeding gums can be an indication of gum disease and not just an indication of rough floss.
Choose products with fluoride.
Fluoride is one of the most important tools you have in the fight against tooth decay, so be sure to choose a mouthwash or floss that contains it. Luckily, fluoridated products are incredibly easy to find. Fluoride protects your teeth against acid-causing bacteria that eat away at your enamel, and in some cases, it can even reverse the damage done by them.
Watch out for cosmetic mouthwash.
There are some varieties of mouthwash available that are made specifically to mask the signs of bad breath. Unfortunately, these “cosmetic” products don’t offer you any protection from oral conditions like tooth decay and gingivitis. If you’re trying to mask bad breath as well as promote oral hygiene, there are plenty of brands out there that can do both.
Go for convenience.
If you want to make flossing a habit, you’ve got to make the process as easy and quick as possible. Traditional floss is a perfectly acceptable (and probably cheaper) method for keeping your teeth clean, but many people find the process tedious and unsanitary. Thankfully, there are other options out there. For example, floss picks are handheld and disposable, which means they can quickly and easily get into hard-to-reach places that might be difficult to address with traditional floss. Additionally, since they have a small handle you never have to worry about coming into contact with used floss.
