Water Picks, Electric Toothbrushes, Mouthwash, Floss: Just How Full Does My Online Shopping Cart Need to Be?

You can spend a lot of money on your teeth without ever stepping foot in a dentist’s office. There are tons of products out there designed to remove plaque, eliminate bacteria, improve the freshness of your breath, and enhance the whiteness of your teeth.

All it takes is a few hundred dollars and many precious minutes out of your busy daily routine. How worthwhile are these products? And at what point do you need them?

In this article, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of popular oral hygiene products, including water picks and advise you on how to make your purchasing decisions.

Electric Toothbrushes

One of the most expensive and arguably useful tools in the dental hygiene arsenal is an electric toothbrush. You can spend anywhere from forty dollars to several hundred dollars on a good model, and they come with a wide variety of helpful features.

This will include different intensity settings, brush stroke styles that are designed to match specific needs, and even timers and pacers that ensure you’re giving every section of your mouth adequate time and attention.

Which features are necessary, and how worthwhile is an electric toothbrush? Well, to start, it is worth pointing out that the strength and intensity of an electric toothbrush will genuinely be about twice as efficient as a manual brush on average. That can be a serious difference maker for someone who was previously struggling with their dental health.

On the other hand, for people who are getting by just fine with a manual brush, the impact will be negligible, if observed at all. There is a component of preventative care to keep in mind. That’s to say that just because you haven’t fallen victim to the ramifications of plaque and staining now, that doesn’t mean they won’t start to creep up on you in your late thirties or early forties.

Investing at an early age in good equipment can help you prevent bigger problems later on. That said, you probably don’t need the two hundred dollar electric toothbrush to live a healthy, happy life.

Good habits are ultimately better than fancy products in the long run. If you can’t afford an electric toothbrush, focus instead on making sure that you’re brushing twice daily for two minutes at a time. If you can afford a brush, the same recommendations still apply.

Find one that you’re comfortable with and that suits your budget. It will make a difference, but it’s certainly not an emergency acquisition.

Water Pick

For those that don’t know, a water pick is typically used as either a replacement or supplement to regular flossing. It’s typically advisable for people who would otherwise skip flossing altogether, maybe because they have an aversion to sticking something between their teeth or even just have gum sensitivity.

It could also be recommended for people that have some sort of physical barrier to flossing, like dental implants or braces. It is effective and efficient for those who need it, but not typically recommended for those who are fine with traditional string floss.

There’s that old saying: you don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep. If a water pick gets you on the right side of that equation, then by all means, invest in one.

You can pick up a decent model online for thirty dollars or less. Your bathroom counter might start getting crowded with this and the electric toothbrush charging stand, but it’s all in the name of good oral health, right?

Mouthwash

You know it. You’ve used it. You might even appreciate its unparalleled ability to create a sparkling fresh feel. But do you need it?

There are actual benefits that go beyond making your mouth date-ready. Mouthwash kills bacteria. A particularly useful application for hard-to-reach places. It can also reduce the chances of gum disease.

Good things to be sure. Also? Redundancies within a typical, healthy oral hygiene routine. If you are brushing and flossing regularly and in the dentist’s recommended way, you can skip mouthwash without guilt.

The Bottom Line

The most important factor in oral hygiene and health? Consistency. Good care done regularly. Yes, fancy products can help you along the way. They can even be a difference maker for people who are struggling a bit.

You don’t necessarily need them, particularly not if the cost would put you in a position of financial hardship.

For more personalized recommendations, speak with a dentist. You can schedule a regular appointment at Integrated Dental.