There are many oral hygiene products on the market and choosing the right one can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for selecting dental care products that will work for most patients:

• Electronic Toothbrushes (Sonicare, Oral-B, etc)- are safe and effective for the majority of users. We see excellent results with the electric toothbrushes “Rotadent” and “Interplak.”
• Proxy Brushes- are small toothbrushes manufactured in varied widths, lengths and shapes. The device is made up of a plastic handle and a brush. For example, you can find proxy brushes that are as long as traditional toothbrushes that you use daily, or you can find proxy brushes that are shorter in length and shaped differently. Some brushes contain an indentation for your thumb to rest. This feature makes the device more comfortable to use. The brushes are disposable and can be thrown away when they are worn down.
• Mouth Rinses- If used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help control signs of early gum disease. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.
• Waterpik- Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator.

Dr. Bordlemay is the best person to help you select the products that are appropriate for you.