Do you ever have someone ask you what you want for Christmas and draw a big blank? Now is a perfect time to consider what you might need to stay healthy in the coming year. Your oral health is a wonderful place to start. Several dental tools can help you accomplish these goals, so consider them as an option the next time gift giving comes up in conversation.
Oral Irrigator
If you’ve got gingivitis or other gum issues, or you want to take extra care of those hard to reach places between teeth, an oral irrigator might be the perfect solution. Sometimes called a Waterpik, the oral irrigator uses pulsating water to clean out plaque and food debris under and along the gum line. It’s also very effective at getting them out from around orthodontic devices. While an oral irrigator can’t replace floss, it’s a wonderful way to supplement additional benefits for your mouth.
A review of periodontal disease studies done by Nature.com found that the pulsating water of the Waterpik “reduce[s] the levels of inflammatory mediators in the gingival pocket, and alter the gingival response to microbial challenge, thereby contributing to gingival homeostasis and health.”
At a price point somewhere between $40-$80 depending on tips and features of the unit, you can feel great about placing an oral irrigator on your wish list.
Interdental Brushes
Does the price point of the oral irrigator make you uncomfortable? Consider asking for high quality interdental brushes instead. Using these micro-brushes to clean between teeth and around fixed dental contraptions can significantly reduce plaque. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicated that the interdental brush used in combination with a toothbrush is more effective in the removal of plaque from proximal tooth surfaces than a toothbrush used alone or in combination with dental floss. (However, we still HIGHLY recommend daily flossing in conjunction with bi-daily brushing and interdental brush use.)
Electronic Toothbrush
If you’re still brushing with the old manual standby bristles, but have been meaning to try out an electronic toothbrush at the urging of your dentist, consider asking Santa for it.
Choosing a toothbrush is a very personal thing, so if you do decide to put it on your list, make sure that you give the gift-giver some recommendations to ensure they choose the best one for you and your dental needs. Firstly, consider head size and rotation type. Usually, a brush 1 inch long by .5 inch wide is ideal for most mouths. Not all rotation types are created equal. A 2005 independent study by Oral B found that “Brushes that worked with a rotation oscillation action removed more plaque and reduced gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes in the short and long-term.”
Another factor to consider that coincides with cost is whether you want a battery operated electronic toothbrush or a rechargeable one. Lastly, consider recommending that whoever may be buying you an electronic toothbrush as a holiday gift get one with the American Dental Associations Seal of Approval. This will guarantee that it’s of high quality and will be effective at maintaining your oral health.
A Tongue Scraper
This may not be your ideal holiday gift to unwrap, but a tongue scraper can do wonders for your oral health. Not only can these little tools help with up to 50% of bad breathe, but they have also proven to help reduce overall plaque in the mouth as well as remove food debris, fungi, toxins, and dead cells from the top of the tongue. The practice of tongue scraping has been around for thousands of years and finds its origins rooted in the Ancient Indian self-care system of Ayurveda. Tongue scraping has been proven to be more effective than using a toothbrush on the tongue by about 55%.
Flossers and Plaque Tablets for the Children in Your Life
If you’re trying to figure out how to help your children increase their oral health, consider stuffing stockings with colorful and shaped flossers. These often brightly colored dental tools make for a great way to encourage flossing daily. In addition to flossers, plaque tablets can help make brushing more effective. You can inform your child that when they chew them, they can see exactly where they need to brush. Giving children this visual makes brushing have more of a tangible goal. Plus, children can feel proud that they cleaned their teeth so well each and every time.
Make Your Teeth Happy This Holiday Season
There is no shame in asking for something you need or have been wondering about that could help make your mouth happy and healthy as a holiday gift. The ideas above are a wonderful place to start. By adding these to your list or receiving them as a gift, you can increase your ability to properly care for your mouth and your overall health.
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