No one appreciates foul breath—least of all your dentist—and your regular check-ups will be a lot less painful if you spend a few extra minutes caring for your pearly whites. October is Dental Hygiene Awareness Month, so we’ve rounded up the 11 products you should keep in your oral care arsenal.
This isn’t the electric toothbrush you used as a child. Its handle and brush head vibrate in 30-second intervals, so you can thoroughly tackle your mouth in quadrants without fail. Bonus: The charging glass looks sleek on your counter, and keeps the brush charged for three weeks at a time.
No two sets of teeth are alike. So whiten yours with trays that are custom to your mouth. After soaking these COMFYTRAY applicators in hot water, they can be molded for a comfortable one-time-use fit, sans dentist.
Oral care involves your lips, too. Conditions like cheilitis (when the corners of your mouth are cracked) can be caused by excessive saliva and extremely dry lips, so apply a balm to protect the area rather than licking your dry pucker.
If a manual toothbrush is more your speed, choose one with thin bristles that will get into hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and gums. This one also has a tongue cleaner on the back to rid of bad breath germs.
Although they look like shorter whitening strips, these target sensitive teeth faster than your sensitive toothpaste. They’re placed along the gumline for 10 minutes and guard vulnerable spots at the base of your teeth for 30 days, so you can treat yourself with an ice cream without fear.
Effective stain removal comes down to your reaction time. If you wait until your nightly routine to brush, that morning coffee or red wine from dinner will already be absorbed into your enamel. Keep this pen in your desk drawer or briefcase to tackle stains before they set.
These picks make flossing easy and won’t get tangled between your fingers. Its case is also convenient for your gym bag—so you don’t need to carry an economy-size pack.
You might know Carmex for its lip balm, but the brand can also help treat those painful and itchy cold sores. A thin layer of the lightweight cream heals and soothes your sore. Plus the tube is small enough to conceal in your jean pocket.
To maintain your white smile, use a whitening toothpaste. This one has fluoride and peroxide to target plaque while keeping your grin bright. If you have additional concerns, like tooth sensitivity or tartar buildup, alternate this paste with the one you use daily.
This isn't your average pack of sugar-free gum. These pieces contain CalproxÂ, an active ingredient that gently tackles the thin layer of protein that attracts stains and plaque. Chew one before that 10 o’clock meeting—just remember to spit it out before you start your presentation.
Cavities and stains be gone. This mouthwash helps get rid of both by fighting bacteria and fortifying your enamel. It doesn’t burn or make your mouth dry like other mouthwashes, either, thanks to its alcohol-free formula.