Oral health is an essential part of our overall well-being, but when you already have a family of your own, you’ll realise how your standards rise just to find the best dental products that are safe, especially for your kids. Supermarket shelves present us a vast array of options, and they all claim to be the best in teeth cleaning, but how can we personally know which ones are genuinely beneficial and effective?

What Are Dental Products?

Dental products are items designed to maintain the oral hygiene of you and your family to prevent dental issues over time. These include the standard essentials like toothpaste for teeth cleaning, toothbrushes to remove plaque, mouthwash to kill the bacteria that stayed even after every brush, floss and other brushes for those that are unreachable by regular toothbrushes, and other products for whitening and gum health.

Key Factors in Choosing Safe and Effective Dental Products

Look for Australian Dental Association (ADA) approval. This is probably one of the easiest ways to ensure the safety and effectiveness of a product, as this means that experts have evaluated it to ensure it meets the standards of high safety and efficacy.

Consider fluoride content. We all see fluoride in all of the toothpastes and mouthwashes available in the market, and for a good reason. A dental product that has fluoride in it strengthens the enamel of your teeth and helps it prevent cavities. However, keep in mind that there are only fluoride levels appropriate to kids, so make sure that you get a milder toothpaste for them.

Avoid harmful ingredients. Be mindful of some dental products that contain ingredients that may do more harm than good, especially regarding toothpastes that have antibacterial properties or if your mouth is sensitive to strong ingredients.

Choose the right toothbrush. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a manual or electric toothbrush—what matters is the type of bristles that is best for your teeth and gums. For most people, a soft-bristled toothbrush is a safer option, especially for kids and those older adults that need assistance in their everyday activities.

Mouthwash. Mouthwash is a helpful addition to your routine; however, keep in mind that it should not lead your mouth to dryness or irritation. You can opt to use alcohol-free options with antibacterial properties if having bad breath is your concern.

Flossing and interdental cleaning. Did you know that flossing is just as important as brushing? Although it is not taught to us at an early age, flossing works, especially if you have braces or gaps between your teeth. If you find it hard to floss regularly, water flossers are another excellent option.

Special Considerations for Children

While our mouths are not as sensitive, kids would definitely require a different set of dental care products because the ingredients that their toothpaste has and their toothbrushes should have low fluoride concentration and be easy for them to grip onto.

Choosing What’s Best for Your Family

Your family’s teeth and gums are a priority, so if you still don’t know which ones to get at the supermarket, your resident dental professional knows and might just have something to recommend to you.