With so much focus on wellness these days, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve added more self-care to your daily to-do lists. We agree this is one of the best things you can do for yourself, with one little caveat: Don’t forget to include your oral health. Your teeth and mouth are just as important as the rest of your body in contributing to your sense of well-being and helping strengthen your immune system. We thought we’d share a few health and beauty tips to pamper yourself in the dental aisle!
Pamper Yourself In The Dental Aisle With These Products
Gum Stimulators
When it comes to dental products to pamper yourself, the logical place to start is with a relaxing gum massage. This is a tool you might not know about or even recognize when you see it in the dental aisle. A gum stimulator is a rubber tipped tool that allows you to gently massage your gums and get in between your teeth.
This simple action increases blood circulation to keep gums healthy, pink, and firm while also helping to loosen debris caught between your teeth. Take it from us: massaging your gingival tissues is a stimulating experience that not only feels good but also contributes to a healthy mouth.
Interdental Brushes
If you aren’t a fan of flossing, you’re putting your oral and general health at risk for all kinds of trouble, including:
- Bleeding gums
- Tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Chronic health problems
- Less attractive smile
- Increased chance of cavities
- Issues with pregnancy related to excess bacteria
- Pneumonia
- Acquiring HPV
But fear not, a handy little reusable tool found in your dental aisle is the answer. Interdental brushes do the same job as flossing using a little handled brush that slips between teeth easily. It is reusable and just needs a rinse between uses. You can choose the size of brush tip suited to the spaces between your teeth, and you can even use several sizes for different areas of your mouth.
Sulcabrushes
Although we always say flossing is non-negotiable, we understand there are some legitimate reasons not to floss. Whether you have sensitive gums, dexterity issues, hand and finger pain, or are short on time (okay, maybe not so legit that last one), the Sulcabrush might be the better choice to help get the same healthy benefits as flossing. This tool is a two-ended handle with cone-shaped brushes on each end.
It allows you to get between teeth and has the additional benefit of providing the perfect way to remove plaque along the gum line. It’s designed to make it easy to reach all areas of the mouth with an inside and outside brush, and it feels a lot better than floss if you have sensitive gums.
Sensitive Teeth Formula Toothpastes
Pampering yourself often includes indulging in a sweet treat every now and then. However, if you suffer from tooth sensitivity, that ice cream cone, latte, or slice of cake might cause a painful sensation that takes away from your enjoyment. Tooth sensitivity tends to be triggered by hot, cold, and sweet foods and drinks. But using a sensitive teeth formula toothpaste will reduce sensitivity, so your little indulgences offer a sweet release from the stresses of the day instead of a painful jolt!
Water Flossers
Perhaps the ultimate indulgence when it comes to flossing alternatives, water flossers are highly effective at removing debris and plaque from your teeth. The burst of clean water has enough force to make short work of the job while providing a pleasing sensation as a bonus.
New Toothbrushes
Whether you suffer from sensitive teeth, receding gums, or enamel erosion, using the right toothbrush can help resolve many teeth-related issues. Using the wrong toothbrush and brushing technique can cause or contribute to all these issues, as brush bristles that are too stiff and brushing too aggressively do more harm than good.
Shop for a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush gently to avoid issues with sensitivity, gum recession, enamel erosion, and exposure of your sensitive tooth root. You can also speak to your dentist about the best electric toothbrush for your needs to help address your particular issues. The rotating brush head assists with plaque removal, has a 2-minute timer to keep you brushing long enough, and often alerts you when you’re brushing too hard.
Dental Floss
You’re probably wondering why dental floss is on our list, with so many other more enjoyable alternatives available? Let’s look at other ways you can pamper yourself every day with dental floss:
- Avoid unmanageable hair days: Whether humidity destroys your smooth hair, you tend to have the “frizzies,” or you want to tame fly-away hair, thick, waxed dental floss could be the answer. Simply use a long piece of floss, hold it firmly in both hands and drag it over your hair from your part down to the tips. The wax acts as a pomade to smooth and tame bad hair day woes.
- Pop off fake nails: A dental flosser with a little plastic handle has all kinds of uses, including removing fake nails. Just use the taut floss on the flosser to place pressure at the top of the nail at the cuticle, and it should come right off.
- Lip liner and eyeliner: If you find it difficult to define your eyes and lips with liner products, a dental flosser can help. Simply apply lip liner, lip gloss, lipstick, or eyeliner to the floss of your flosser, and then press it to the area in question. Be sure to lift the flosser instead of dragging it to create a clean line, and then fill in your liner or lipstick to finish the job.
How Does Pampering Your Mouth Affect Your Oral Health And Well-Being?
There are several oral health and wellness benefits to pampering your teeth and mouth. First, plaque and oral bacteria impact your immune system as the first point of defense. Second, plaque is also tied to conditions and diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s/dementia, heart disease, and immune issues. As a result, good oral health contributes to good overall health.
Next, as you know, effective plaque removal reduces the risk of decay and gum disease, both of which can lead to pain, infections, and the risk of bone and tooth loss. When you allow these issues to progress, it impacts your financial health as well, as you’ll require costly treatments, causing stress. With the right oral care regime, you can also improve self-esteem through the confidence of having a healthy, bright smile.
To understand the best pampering tools for oral health, book a checkup with your dentist.
Give us a call at (416) 232-2033 or request an appointment by clicking here.