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While visiting your dentist on a regular basis (every 6 months) is a critical part of good oral hygiene, it’s not the only thing worth remembering. There are other activities you need to practice regularly at home using the correct equipment. A solid oral health regimen is a combination of in-office and at-home procedures. You need both so you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.

Check out 5 great dental tools for your at-home use:

1. Using the Right Toothbrush

Grocery stores, pharmacies, and small retailers often have a selection of toothbrushes that you might like. We frequently make purchases based on our personal interests or the commercials that catch our eye. When selecting a toothbrush, pay attention to the following features.

• Size

Adults can access hard-to-reach areas in their mouth by using half-inch wide toothbrush heads. Aside from the head size, the length of the handle is also crucial to consider so that you can comfortably hold the toothbrush.

• Bristle Type

If you're currently using an electric toothbrush, the head will need to be replaced sooner or later, or if you're going to change your toothbrush, you'll have to select between soft, medium, or hard nylon bristles toothbrushes. According to Ottawa dentists, most individuals should use soft-bristled toothbrushes. Some people harm their teeth by brushing them with abrasive bristles too often. As a result, dentists usually recommend soft-bristled toothbrush heads with gentle edges. 

• Expert’s Recommendation

Because everyone's teeth are different, it's always better to contact your dentist and ask for recommendations on the best toothbrush to use for your teeth. After all, your dentist is the expert on your teeth.

1. Interdental Brushes and Dental Floss- Is it Necessary? 

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. However, only three of your teeth’s five surfaces are reached and cleaned by your toothbrush. Food particles get lodged in between your teeth all the time, and if left unchecked, bacteria and plaque can build up. Dental floss is said to remove 80% of plaque buildup in the spaces between your teeth.

So, what's the difference between dental floss and interdental brushes?

Interdental brushes and dental floss serve the same purpose: to access hard-to-reach places in your teeth and between your teeth. If your interdental spaces are wide, interdental brushes are the greatest alternative for you; if your interdental spaces are tight, flossing is a preferable choice.

1. Tongue Scrapers

When you eat or drink, bacteria can accumulate on your tongue's tiny bumps with spaces between them. You'll probably notice a thin white coating on your tongue if you don't cleanse it thoroughly enough. That's a result of the bacteria in your mouth that break down food.

You may clean your tongue in a variety of ways. For one thing, you can clean it with your toothbrush by drawing it near the rear of the tongue and then dragging it forward. The majority of people, however, vomit throughout the cleaning process. That's when tongue scraping devices come in handy.

Tongue scrapers are commonly used by those who desire to get rid of or avoid bad breath. Devices with handles in the shape of a spoon or a u-shaped gadget are widespread. Tongue scraping devices should be placed towards the back of the tongue, but not too far back. The device is then brought forward and the process is repeated as needed.

1. Choosing the Right Toothpaste 

We frequently purchase toothpaste based on taste and price. In general, all kinds of toothpastes are made to help you keep your teeth clean. Others, on the other hand, are more suited to you and your oral situation as a whole. Patients are routinely reminded at dental offices that fluoride toothpaste can help prevent cavities. This isn't always the case, though. If your teeth have special needs, regular toothpaste may not be appropriate. 

For example, if you've been visiting a dental office in Oshawa for a regular basis and your teeth are in good, healthy shape, you might be advised to use ordinary toothpaste. However, if you are relocating to, say, Canada and you will need to see a denturist in London, Ontario to get dentures fitted, your new dentist may recommend a different toothpaste this time. Don't be scared, though. It’s not because you’ve been recommended to use the wrong toothpaste. It’s because your teeth now have new requirements, and your toothpaste must meet those requirements.

Because toothpaste is such an important part of your daily oral hygiene routine, it's always preferable to have the correct one on hand.

1. Mouthwash Does More Than You Think

Mouthwash, contrary to popular opinion, does more than only wash away foul breath after a hearty meal. Mouthwash, in fact, helps to prevent plaque accumulation, remove loose particles, and heal canker sores. However, even though it appears to perform as effectively as your toothbrush, mouth washing should never be used in place of dental brushing. Mouthwash should be used after brushing your teeth for maximum effectiveness.

You might consider skipping your routine dentist appointment due to the abundance of convenient and easy-to-find dental tools. Don’t. It's best to see your dentist on a regular basis to avoid serious mouth and tooth problems. Some oral and teeth problems have no symptoms at all and can go unnoticed for a long period. These concerns can be assessed, prevented, or corrected by visiting your dentist on a regular basis, and you should always question your dentist about proper dental hygiene habits. Always seek your dentist's advice before using these at-home dental instruments to ensure you get the most out of them in terms of protection and efficacy.