Key takeaways about oral health helpers:

• There’s no substitute for a consistent oral health routine, but oral health helpers can be great additions to your dental care routine.
• Plaque disclosing tablets, mouth mirrors, tongue scrapers, water flossers, dry mouth oral rinses, and teeth whitening strips can all contribute to a healthier mouth.
• Talk with your dentist about which of these oral health helpers is the right fit for you.

There’s no substitute for the fundamentals of good oral health, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly.

However, there are additional tools that can help support your oral hygiene routine and promote a healthier smile. When used alongside healthy habits, these oral health helpers can provide an extra layer of support.

What are the best oral health helpers?

When it comes to oral health helpers, personalization matters. Choosing the right tools should be based on your individual oral health needs and guidance from your dentist.

Plaque disclosing tablets

These fun oral health helpers contain a dye that stains plaque-filled areas you missed while brushing. After you’re done, chew the tablet and swish for 30-60 seconds. Once you spit it out, look in the mirror to see which areas need more attention.

Mouth mirror

For those hard-to-see areas around your teeth, a small dental mirror works wonders. You can run the mini-mirror under warm water to prevent it from fogging.

Tongue scraper

A tongue scraper cleans crevices and removes debris from your tongue. Your tongue is full of bacteria that can lead to bad breath, so a scraper is a key tool to help banish it. After you brush, gently move your tongue scraper downward to remove any bacterial buildup.

Water flosser

As an alternative to string floss, a water flosser can help with those awkward or hard to reach areas. A water flosser can also help protect gum tissue from damage from vigorous or incorrect flossing techniques.

Dry mouth oral rinse

Around one in five adults live with dry mouth, also called xerostomia. Dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition that can affect taste, speech, and make individuals more likely to have bad breath.

If you suffer from dry mouth, a mouthwash designed to help moisturize the mouth can be a lifesaver. Many oral rinses designed to treat dry mouth also help to freshen breath and keep symptoms at bay for hours.

Teeth whitening strips

Food, beverages, medications, tobacco use, and the natural aging process can all contribute to tooth discoloration over time. The good news is maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent and reduce many common surface stains.

However, if you’re looking to brighten your smile even further, teeth whitening strips may be a convenient option. For safety and effectiveness, be sure to choose whitening products that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Smile brighter with oral health helpers

No matter where you are in your oral health journey, having the right tools can make it easier to care for your smile. From improving your daily routine to addressing specific concerns, oral health helpers can provide valuable support between dental visits.

Be sure to always discuss any changes in your oral health routine with your dentist!