Over-the-Counter Products We Love

At Timberlake Dental, we understand that not all people have the same dental problems.  Because of our unique, individualized approach to risk management in dental care, we often give our patients specific recommendations for dental products that improve oral health in a specific area of risk.  We strongly believe that each person should use a customized oral hygiene regimen aimed at fighting his or her specific risk factors.

We also listen to our patients and seriously consider their complaints and concerns.  We make recommendations for products to alleviate problems or irritations that do not necessarily cause dental disease.  Our goal is to improve the quality of life for every patient we see.  We believe some of these products can do just that.

Biotene

Biotene is a brand of oral health products that we love.  Biotene is hypoallergenic and mild.  It does not contain any harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive tissues inside the mouth.

The most common condition for which we recommend Biotene is dry mouth.  A dry mouth is usually a sensitive mouth.  Biotene’s gentle formula will not burn, sting or irritate your gums, lips, cheeks and tongue.

Biotene products include toothpastes, mouthwash, dry mouth gel and dry mouth spray.  If your mouth is extremely dry, you should be using the entire line of Biotene products.  The gel helps moisturize a dry mouth and is great for nighttime dryness.  The spray is perfect for periodically moisturizing the mouth throughout the day.

Who Should Use Biotene?

• People who take multiple prescription medications causing dry mouth as a side effect
• People suffering from multiple mouth ulcers
• People who have lost salivary function due to cancer treatments
• People suffering from Burning Mouth Syndrome or other soft tissue disorders that cause the inside of the mouth to be extremely sensitive

Crest Sensi-Stop Strips

Do you drink room temperature water?  Do you dread taking a bite of ice cream?  If your teeth are sensitive, Crest Sensi-Stop Strips might be your new favorite dental product.

Crest Sensi-Stop Strips treat tooth hypersensitivity through the application of an active ingredient that is different from those of other products aimed at sensitive teeth.  According to Crest’s research, the ingredient oxalate blocks the tiny pores on a tooth surface, which allows cold sensations to reach the nerve inside the tooth.  By blocking these pores, the nerve is insulated from the cold temperature, stopping sensitivity in its tracks.

These strips are also unique in their delivery method.  As opposed to the typical forms of a toothpaste or mouthwash for sensitivity, these strips are applied directly to the sensitive tooth surface.  Studies show that using Crest Sensi-Stop Strips three days in a row for 10 minutes each day relieves tooth sensitivity for over a month!

Who Should Use Crest Sensi-Stop Strips?

Only patients who have seen a dentist recently and ruled out other important causes of tooth sensitivity, including cavities and cracks!

CocoFloss

CocoFloss is a relatively new brand of floss, and it’s just fun!  Not only is it a truly great way to clean your teeth, it comes in a variety of yummy tropical flavors.  CocoFloss’s packaging is bright and stylish; it makes you feel like you have just splurged on a designer purchase.

CocoFloss is so named because it contains coconut oil to soothe and nourish your gums.  It also uses thick fibers to gently scrub the sides of the teeth.  It is great for teeth with small gaps that may be difficult to clean with regular floss.

Designed by a dentist and made in Italy, it is currently available online only.

Who Should Use CocoFloss?

Anyone who wants to up their flossing game!

Any Electric Toothbrush

You know we love electric toothbrushes.  They just clean teeth better than manual toothbrushes do.  We truly believe everyone is better off brushing with an electric toothbrush.

Multiple scientific research studies show better plaque removal with electric toothbrushes.  Better plaque removal means lower risk for cavities and gum disease.

A few of our favorite electric toothbrushes include the Oral B Sonic Complete and the Philips Sonicare.  These two have the best plaque removal by far.  The new quip toothbrush is very small, quiet and affordable.

Who Should Use an Electric Toothbrush?

Everyone!  But seriously, here is a list of people who would greatly benefit from an electric toothbrush.

• Elderly people who have noticed a decrease in their manual dexterity due to conditions like Parkinson’s disease or arthritis
• People with special needs
• Children
• People with high risk for gum disease

Phos-Flur

Phos-Flur is a mouthwash made by Colgate that has a high concentration of fluoride.  It was originally available with a prescription only, and now is for sale over-the-counter.  It was created to fight the white spots, called demineralization, that often occur around braces.

Phos-Flur’s high concentration of fluoride strengthens enamel and fights the cavity-causing bacteria in plaque.  Because of this ability to combat decay, this mouthrinse is great for anyone who is prone to cavities, as well as anyone wearing braces.

Who Should Use Phos-Flur?

• Patients wearing orthodontic braces
• Patients with more than one new cavity at your last dental evaluation
• Patients with a large amount of dental work (lots of fillings, crowns, etc . . .)

Ice Cubes Gum

This is the one product you won’t find in the dental aisle at Walmart.  It is at the checkout counter.  Ice Cubes gum, by Ice Breakers, is the easiest and most flavorful way to fight cavities.

Research has shown that xylitol, a natural sweetener found in plants, has the ability to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.  Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that bacteria ingest but cannot digest.  There are multiple dental products containing xylitol, including toothpastes, mouthrinses, mints and gum.

Ice Cubes gum contains 2 grams of xylitol per piece, which is as high as, if not higher than, any other mint or gum on the market today.  Studies show a decrease in cavity risk when you chew 5-6 pieces of xylitol containing gum each day.

Who Should Chew Ice Cubes Gum?

• Any patient with a high cavity risk
• Patients with dry mouth problems
• Children with a moderate or high cavity risk
• PATIENTS WITH TMJ PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT CHEW GUM!

What OTC Dental Products do You Love?

Is there something we did not mention that you love?  Let us know what your favorite over-the-counter dental products are!  Call 940-382-1750 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chowning or our wonderful dental hygienists to discuss what products are right for you.