Toothpaste

If your teeth have a tendency to form plaque or tartar, you should ideally be choosing toothpaste that helps fight this condition. Within the available brands, choose one that is evaluated and approved by the appropriate government agency. This becomes all the more important as there are a number of brands that will do the job, but do not adhere to or fall within the accepted levels scientifically. Choose one that has fluoride content as it helps in preventing cavities. Finally, it comes down to a personal choice of taste and feel of the toothpaste. If the toothpaste is irritating to your cheeks or lips, causes sensitivity to the teeth or your mouth feels irritated after using it, change the toothpaste.

Toothbrush

Once you have your toothpaste, then you need to choose the right toothbrush. Dentists recommend the use of a toothbrush with soft bristles, particularly for those people who have sensitive teeth or gums. There is a misconception that hard bristles help in the removal of tartar and stains. This is not so, as sustained use can even cause damage to the teeth. Choose a toothbrush that is contoured to the alignment of your teeth and gums. Be sure to select a toothbrush that has a small head and can clean one or two teeth at a time. The toothbrush should be replaced every three months or when the bristles begin to look frayed or start spreading out.

Mouthwash

Most people use a mouth rinse too. This also should be one that contains fluoride which helps prevent cavities. However, it is not advisable for children below six years to use mouthwash, as they may swallow the rinse. You can always check with your dentist on what will work best for you. It makes choosing the right oral product easier.