Mouthwashes - Should I Use One?

Mouthwashes are used as an adjunct to brushing & flossing. Most mouthwashes are effective oral antiseptics that freshen & reduce bad breath; however, other mouthwashes are targeted to specific needs.

The type of mouthwash one should use depends on their specific needs which can include the following:

Anticavity/Fluoride - These mouthwashes contain fluoride. This is a simple, effective, and clinically proven way to prevent tooth decay. Anticavity/fluoride rinses on the market include:

• ACT
• Fluorigard
• Tom's of Maine
• Listerine Total Care

Antiplaque - These are designed to be used as a pre-brushing rinse to help loosen plaque. Studies show only a 20-25% effectiveness in plaque reduction. However, if rinsing, along with brushing & flossing, make you more diligent about your home care, then by all means, rinse away. Plax & Viadent are two OTC pre brushing rinses.

Antimicrobial - Listerine products reduce the bacteria found in plaque, therefore, they help combat gingivitis. Peridex is a prescription strength antimicrobial rinse often prescribed by periodontists and oral surgeons post surgery.

CoQ10 rinses - Helps to prevent and recerse the beginning symptoms of gum disease. One brand name is JASON and can be found online, in health food stores and at Wegmans.

Fun Facts!

Did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body?

Snacking on carrots, celery and apples helps clean away food debris!!

Toothbrushes should be changed every 2-3 months and after an illness such as a cold or flu.

(Source- American Dental Hygiene Association)

The above information is for general education purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist to determine an individualized treatment plan.

Which toothpaste is right for you?

Just take a walk down the toothpaste aisle in the supermarket and you are presented with numerous choices. The following information will answer some questions you may have. Characteristics of today's toothpaste include:

• Fluoride- Fluoride can help in the prevention of cavities. Most toothpaste contains fluoride. Studies show that the most effective concentration of fluoride is around .1%.
• Treatment of sensitivity- Sensodyne is the brand widely recognized for the relief of sensitivity. The main ingredients are Strontium Chloride, found in original Sensodyne, and Potassium Nitrate.
• Abrasiveness- We do not recommend a highly abrasive toothpaste.
• Ph level- Toothpastes are mainly base and that is what you want.
• Whitening formulas- These contain tiny mildly abrasive particles that help to remove stain, thus making your teeth look whiter.
• Flavor- Use any that appeals to you.
• Plaque prevention- Colgate Total contains Triclosan to help fight plaque buildup.
• Pronamel- This toothpaste fights sensitivity and erosion or recession. Erosion can be caused by acidic foods. Recession can be caused by over aggressive brushing or periodontal disease. Pronamel helps to strengthen the enamel. It contains Potassium Nitrate and fluoride.

The most important thing to remember is that frequent and effective brushing and flossing along with your toothpaste will help you to maintain good oral health.

The above information is for general education purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist to determine an individualized treatment plan.

Electronic Tooth Brushes...Should You or Shouldn't You?

One of the most common questions we are asked in our dental practice is, "Should I be using an electric toothbrush?" The truth is the answer to that question depends on each patients' individual situation and dental needs.

Most patients do well with a manual toothbrush; however, there are some patients who would benefit from using an electric toothbrush such as:

· patients with arthritis

· Parkinson's patients

· patients with physical limitations

· patients with heavy plaque and tartar build up

The electric toothbrush you choose is a matter of preference. However, whichever toothbrush you choose, it is important to use it properly. This means allowing the brush to do the work. When using an electric brush, you do not need to use pressure or the movement of your hand and wrist. The electric brush does all the work; all you need to do is place the bristles on the tooth along the edge of the gumline and follow along the edge of the gumline. Easy!

It is also important to realize that using an electric toothbrush DOES NOT take the place of flossing. Although an electric brush may reach some areas better than using a manual brush, it still does not get in between the teeth completely.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your individual needs, we would be happy to discuss this with you at your next dental visit.


The above information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist to determine an individualized treatment plan. All information provided is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or healthcare advice, or to diagnose medical problems, or to take the place of professional medical care. Consult a qualified dentist or physician to determine an individualized treatment plan or to gain medical or healthcare-related advice.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the contents of this educational piece is current, accurate and complete, neither David A. Dersh, D.M.D., P.A. nor any other party involved in the publication of this paper make guarantees of any kind as to its accuracy, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and are not responsible for any errors or omissions of any kind.