Tooth care products

Produced by Rebecca Canvin, Bupa Health Information Team, December 2011.

This factsheet is for people who would like information about tooth care products.

Tooth care products, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and dental floss, help to keep teeth clean and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Toothpaste

The main purpose of toothpaste is to help clean your teeth and gums and to provide fluoride, which helps to prevent tooth decay. It’s found in many foods and tap water, although depending on where you live there may be more or less fluoride in the water. In some areas, fluoride has been added to tap water supplies. This has caused controversy because some people believe that it may be harmful. However, research has shown no evidence that the level of fluoride added to drinking water is harmful to your health.

You can find out how much fluoride is in your toothpaste by looking on the box – this will be given as ‘ppmF’, meaning parts per million fluoride.

There are many different types of toothpaste. Your dentist will be able to give you more information about which are the most suitable for you and your family.

• Total care toothpastes (eg Colgate Total or Aquafresh Complete Care) usually contain 1,350 to 1,500ppmF. They contain ingredients to help fight gum disease, freshen breath and reduce plaque build-up.
• Children's toothpastes (eg Aquafresh milk teeth) contain 1000ppmF, which is less fluoride than standard toothpastes. This helps to limit the amount of fluoride that children may swallow when they are brushing their teeth.
• Sensitive toothpastes (eg Sensodyne) aim to reduce the sensitivity of the nerve fibres in your teeth.
• Whitening toothpastes (eg Colgate Total Plus Whitening) contain added ingredients that help remove superficial stains such as coffee stains. They don’t change the colour of your teeth.
• Natural toothpastes (eg Toms of Maine or Kingfisher) usually contain herbal ingredients and are often free from fluoride.

If young children (under six) have too much fluoride, it can damage their enamel and lead to a condition called dental fluorosis. This is when the permanent teeth develop a mottled or stained appearance. Therefore, it's best to use only a very small amount of toothpaste. The general rule is to use a smear of toothpaste containing 1000ppmF for children under three, and a pea-sized blob of toothpaste containing 1350 to 1500ppmF for those aged three to six.

Your family dentist can give you more information tailored specifically for your child's needs. Keep a close eye on your child to make sure he or she doesn't swallow too much toothpaste, and never let them lick paste from the tube.

Toothbrushes

There are many different types of toothbrush available, both manual and electric. Ideally, it's a good idea to choose one that has a small head so it's easier to move around inside your mouth, and that has bristles made of nylon that aren't too hard.

There is some evidence to suggest that certain electric toothbrushes may be more effective at removing plaque and preventing gum inflammation. These are the ones that work with a rotation oscillation movement – meaning that the toothbrush head spins in opposite directions in quick bursts. Other electric toothbrushes don't seem to be any more or less effective than manual ones. However, the novelty value may appeal to children and electric toothbrushes with built-in timers can help ensure you brush for the full two minutes. The most important thing is to brush every surface of every tooth.

Most dentists recommend that you replace your toothbrush every two to three months.

Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to give you advice about how to brush your teeth properly.

Interdental cleaning

There are many interdental cleaning tools that can help you clean between your teeth and under your gum line. Dental floss is a thin thread that can be waxed or unwaxed. Some types have a mint flavouring that may make flossing more pleasant. The basic technique is described below.

• Take a length of the floss (about 45cm) and wrap it round your index finger of each hand.
• Keep about 5cm of floss between your fingers and gently rock it down between your teeth.
• Pull the floss tight, slide it up and down against your tooth surface and under your gum line.
• Repeat this action for both sides of all your teeth making sure that you use a clean length of floss for each one.

There are a number of alternatives to dental floss. Your dentist or hygienist will recommend the products that are most appropriate for you. He or she will show you how to use them so that you don't damage your gums.

Dental tape is like floss but flat and wider. You use it in the same way you use dental floss.

Interdental brushes look like tiny bottle brushes, and can be very effective for cleaning small spaces between your teeth. They come in various sizes so your dentist or hygienist will recommend the correct size for you.

Mouthwash

The best way to get rid of plaque is through brushing and flossing your teeth, but mouthwashes can be helpful as an extra method of cleaning.

There are many different mouthwashes available.

• Fluoride mouthwashes. If your dentist thinks you need additional fluoride to strengthen your teeth, he or she may suggest you use a fluoride mouthwash.
• Antiseptic mouthwashes. Your dentist may recommend an antiseptic mouthwash if you get bad breath (halitosis) or if you have a gum or mouth infection. Many of these products contain a chemical called chlorhexidine, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria. Chlorhexidine mouthwash can temporarily stain your teeth, alter your sense of taste and gives some people a sore mouth, so always follow the advice of your dentist or hygienist.
• Total care mouthwashes. These help to control decay and freshen your breath.

You should be aware that many mouthwashes contain alcohol. Check the list of ingredients if you’re concerned about this. Most dentists usually recommend using an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Plaque disclosing tablets

Disclosing tablets contain a harmless dye that stains plaque a bright colour, showing up areas you've missed after brushing your teeth. Disclosing tablets won't remove the plaque, but it will be easier for you to brush away once you can see it.

For answers to frequently asked questions on this topic, see Common questions.

For sources and links to further information, see Resources.