5 Little Known Dental Tools You Can Use At Home

We've all heard of a toothbrush and floss, but have you heard of a tongue scraper? Join us as we explore 5 little known at home dental tools you could be adding to your daily routine!

1. Tongue Scraper

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Have you ever been in contact with someone whose breath is so foul you have to step back, or politely excuse yourself from the conversation? They probably are not using a tongue scraper!

Thousands of bacteria flourish in the tiny grooves and surfaces of our tongues. This bacteria can break down proteins and fester creating bad breath, or halitosis. A tongue scraper is an easy solution.

Simply place the scraper as far back on the tongue as you can and pull forward. Be gentle, pressure is not needed. You should see a coat of white or yellow being pushed forward off your tongue. Rinse the scraper and repeat as needed.

Congratulations! You're on your way to sweet smelling breath!

2. Disclosing Tablets

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Plaque is the sticky bacteria that forms a coating over our teeth. Most of the time it is colorless, which can make it difficult for us to know when it has completely been brushed off. Disclosing tablets are an excellent way for people to be able to see the plaque that has been left on our teeth.

Disclosing tablets are made from harmless vegetable dye. You chew and swish around the disclosing tablet, rinse with water, and look in the mirror! Everywhere you see pink, is plaque. These are great for both kids and adults!

3. End Tufted Brush

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An end tufted brush is a jack of all trades. It's a small headed toothbrush with compact, angled bristles. This tool is great for reaching wisdom teeth, brushing around brackets and orthodontic appliances, implants, crowns, bridgework and hard to reach places. The list goes on and on.

If you've got a tough spot to reach, try an end tufted brush!

4. Platypus Flosser

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We know flossing can be difficult for people with braces, but it is still a very important part of daily oral hygiene. Plaque build up around braces can soften the enamel of the teeth, leave white spots around the brackets, and prolong orthodontic treatment.

Try a Platypus Flosser! Platypus Flosser's are made specifically to reach under the wire and in between the brackets. They are used just like a regular floss pick. Insert the floss between the teeth, gently move the floss up and down, and remove. Rinse the floss before inserting again.

5. Interproximal brushes / Soft Picks

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Tried flossing and not a fan? Try an interproximal brush, or soft picks.

Carefully insert the brush or pick between your teeth near your gumline. Be careful not to poke your gums. Once the brush is inserted, gently move the brush back and forth, then remove from in between your teeth. This brushing motion will help break up hard to reach plaque that your toothbrush may miss.

Interproximal brushes and soft picks are also great for cleaning around brackets and orthodontic.