As dentists, we spend a lot of time around teeth, and that means we have some idea of what is going to be needed to clean them and keep them in tip-top shape. So we’ve got the knowledge of what needs to be around the home in order to make sure that our patient's teeth are clean. But sometimes our own dental care falls by the wayside, we work with patients every single day and then we spend all of our time telling them to clean their teeth, and we fall into the case where we aren’t cleaning our teeth enough.
So whenever it comes to the best dental supplies to have at home to keep our teeth clean, here are some of the best dental supplies recommended for dentists by dentists.
A Good Way To Floss
Some people like to use the old string floss, others like to use picks, and still more like to use water flossers that brush and floss all at the same time. No matter which one you use, you need to figure out your way to floss and then keep doing it. Cleaning between the teeth once a day might seem like an extra step, but you need to find the flossing technique you are most comfortable with and then make sure to do it every single day. The bristles of your manual or your electric toothbrush won’t be able to dig deep and get in between all your teeth and that is where things will start to fester.
So make sure to always brush twice a day for two minutes and then get flossing as well, and find a way to floss that you will stick to. Additionally, make sure you keep on top of the supplies as well, because it can be very easy to run out of floss and then simply skip flossing until you buy more.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Fluoride can keep your enamel safe and can keep your teeth shielded from the effects of bacteria and other problems that can plague your mouth. As dentists, we know how important enamel is as well as how it can be destroyed (and not replaced) by simple actions that we do every single day. So that makes it even more imperative that you keep fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash in stock and make sure to use them.
Consider A Powered Toothbrush
Powered toothbrushes can be easier to use for some people, especially those with sensitive gums or teeth, and many of them even come with little timers that signal that two minutes have gone by once you are done. Powered toothbrushes can also come with other features, such as ones that brush and floss at the same time, and that can make them more likely to be used than a manual toothbrush.
And some dentists need that! Despite what our patients might think, we aren’t perfect and need to be reminded to brush sometimes!
Whiten Your Teeth
Take home teeth whitening systems are also great supplies to have at home as a dentist. Sometimes teeth get stained or turn yellow and a great solution can be to use a whitening system to clean them up. These can be a lifesaver if you are a dentist with stained teeth and don’t want to show them to your patients!
A Good Lifestyle
Finally, while not technically a supply that you can have, this is something that starts at the home. As dentists, we tend to focus on the technical side of taking care of our teeth, such as using toothbrushes and proper flossing. However, we can’t forget that our diet and lifestyle play a role in how our teeth work.
We need to eat healthily, limit sugar and sugary drinks, quit smoking, and do all those other things that can limit the buildup of bacteria in our teeth in the first place! The more lifestyle changes we can make in our home, then the easier things will be in the office.
Keep Your Home Well Stocked And Tell Your Patients
If you have a good collection of dental supplies that are keeping your teeth white and are locking you into good oral habits, don’t be afraid to talk to your patients and give some recommendations! The more you can speak from personal experience on the matter. The more that your patients will listen to your recommendations and keep their teeth clean!
