Dental Products by Dona at Cerritos Southcoast Dental, Mary Compean, D.M.D., Carlos Compean,D.D.S.

Dental Products

By Dona 

Our Registered Dental Hygienist

                Have you ever found yourself standing in the dental product aisle confused and wondering which product to buy?  Welcome to the club!  The shelves are full of different products made from different companies. 

As a dental hygienist, it is my job to make recommendations to my patients.  My recommendations vary depending on the individual’s need.  For toothbrushes, I prefer electric.  A rotary toothbrush is ideal because it is designed to brush your teeth one tooth at a time.  The brush is placed along the gum line for about 5-10 seconds.  This allows the bristles to clean the tooth thoroughly.  Flossing is recommended daily, whether string floss or a floss pick is used. Some people do not like using floss.  In that case, I advise the patient to use other interproximal cleaners, like a proxabrush or soft pick.  Proxabrushes are good for those who have large spaces between their teeth.  Proxabrushes come in Christmas tree or cylinder shapes.  The sizes come in wide, moderate and narrow.  Proxabrush is fitting because it removes more plaque between the teeth than floss.  If a proxabrush is too wide for the space, soft picks are excellent. A Stimulator is not a very well- known tool but I find it to be one of my favorite.  Not only does it stimulate the gums, but it also removes plaque below the gum line that the toothbrush is unable to reach.

Many ask which toothpaste or mouthwash is the best one to use. I recommend a toothpaste or mouthwash that addresses your needs:  tartar control, whitening, sensitivity, anticavity and antigingivitis. Buy a product with an ADA Seal.  It means that the product has been tested and approved.  Tooth sensitivity is a very common complaint.  Sensodyne is an over-the-counter product available to relieve sensitivity.  ProNamel toothpaste helps protect teeth against the effects of acid erosion.  This paste is good for people who drink or eat foods that are acidic: wine, fruits, sodas, juices, sports drinks.  If sensitivity persists, Fluoridex or MI Paste is recommended. (These products are only available in dental offices)  Listerine is an alcohol-containing antibacterial mouthwash.  It kills the bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis.  However, I do not recommend it for people with dry mouth.  Alcohol-containing mouthwash can exacerbate the dryness.  Biotene products are recommended for those with dry mouth.  It comes in mouthwash, toothpaste and moisturizer to help treat and relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.

With the suggestions that I have given, I hope that your visit to the dental product aisle becomes easy and less confusing.

Dona, R.D.H

Cerritos Southcoast Dental
Mary Compean, D.M.D.
Carlos Compean, D.D.S.