BEST AT HOME DENTAL TOOLS: ACCORDING TO A 17 YEAR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL – WISH LIST WEDNESDAY 16

If you have read my about me page you may have noticed that I have been a pediatric dental assistant for over 17 years. Over those many years I have tried and tested thousands of dental products for both adults and children. Here’s my list of the best at-home dental tools.

Updated February 1, 2024

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BEST AT-HOME DENTAL TOOLS: ACCORDING TO A 25-YEAR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL.

Because I have been in the dental field for so long I have tested tons of samples. Whether it be new toothbrushes, toothpaste, Orthodontic (braces) products, or child safety products. Purchasing dental products may not seem like a big deal to you but your oral hygiene is pivotal to your overall body’s health.

All of these products that I am recommending I have tried personally and/or have had family members use and I can attest to their quality and effectiveness.

Keep in mind that every dental professional has their favorites and this list is MY own opinion of what the “best” is.

TOOTHBRUSHES

BEST MANUAL TOOTHBRUSHES:

GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush – 525 Soft Compact, Colors May Vary (Pack Of 3) – By far the best toothbrush I have ever tested and used! When you first try this brush you may think that it is too soft. I even did. But let me assure you that you will love this brush because it is so soft. The tapered feathery head flares well under the gum line where most brushes just scrape along.

Bio-degradable toothbrushes: Being eco-friendly is important. Given that you need to change your toothbrush every couple of months having a good biodegradable alternative is awesome.

BEST RECHARGEABLE TOOTHBRUSH: For adults, a sonic or spinning toothbrush can do wonders in helping with the overall health of your gums. The trick is, you have to still brush your teeth with them. There is generally two different types of electric brush: sonic and spin. Truly a matter of preference I like them both for different reasons.

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BEST CHILD TOOTHBRUSH:

This was a trick. ANY child-size toothbrush your little one will use is the best. Just getting them to brush is a success. I do have some favorites of my own after brushing little guys’ teeth for 25 years.

Oral b brand: I love the size of this toothbrush head and handle. It’s well-suited for little hands and is comfortable for an adult to hold when they need help.

GUM brand: Again I love the GUM brand. They seem to hold up the best over time and the bristles are soft but effective.

BATTERY OPERATED / RECHARGEABLE TOOTHBRUSHES: There are many brands of “electric” brushes to choose from. Keep in mind they do not necessarily do a better job than a manual brush. You still have to brush with them just like a manual! Not just let them sit on your child’s teeth and wiggle around.

Oral B makes some cheap battery-powered brushes that engage children in brushing. For a little more money, you can buy the Philips Sonicare toothbrush. This brush can be pretty tickle-y. It comes with an app to show children how to use the brush and plays a game with them while their brushing. Equip with a timer this brush will make sure they are brushing the full 2 minutes recommended by dental professionals.

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SPECIAL NEEDS DENTAL CARE TOOLS: Caring for a special needs child can be challenging enough. Trying to clean their teeth is often a long production at home. Having the right tools is imperative for your success. Here I have an assortment of different brushes and tools that I have used in the office that may help.

Multidirectional toothbrush head: this allows a child with limited motor skills to try brushing on their own. This toothbrush has a 360-degree head that allows brushing without twisting your wrist.

Three-sided surround toothbrush: Having a way to quickly clean an autistic child’s teeth is the idea behind this brush. You will be able to clean the back, front and chewing surfaces all at once.

Ezhold silicon cuff: Sometimes they just need a little help holding their toothbrush. This tool will allow them to try to brush on their own. You may have to brush after them but at least they have the opportunity to try.

Chewing brick: Some special needs children have oral fixations and tend to put things into their mouths. This food-grade silicon brick provides a safe soft toy for them to chew on.

Chew tube: This is another example of a motor device to help children practice chewing and biting, I would say this is the most common chewing device I have seen used with special needs children.

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BABY BRUSHES AND ORAL CARE: There are loads and loads of baby oral care products out there. After spending time with thousands of families I have narrowed it down to the most common and effective oral care products according to thousands of families.

Oral care wipes: We all love dental wipes. They are the very first dental care most infants receive. You will find many different brands on the market. The ones most parents prefer is wipes that contain Xylitol.

Baby Sonic toothbrush: Okay before you think I’m crazy hear me out. While babies are teething vibrating toothbrushes seem to help with the pain and make them feel better by gently massaging their gums. I have been told over and over how great they are.

Babies first toothbrush set: You don’t necessarily need a set but this one has you covered for a while. It comes with the finger brush which most parents swear by an assortment of gum massagers and a regular toothbrush.

Teeth cleaning wash cloth: A personal favorite of mine. This cute little guy allows you to play with your child and scrub all the plaque off WITHOUT the use of a toothbrush. This is for the times when you have a squirmy, cranky little one on your hands.

Amber teething toy: Yes believe the hype! I have had at least 1000 moms over my career tell me that this works. Not to mention the Pediatric Dentist I worked with used it as well. It does not work for everyone, but worth trying for your little one.  I no longer recommend the necklace as I have seen on several social media posts that a baby chocked to death on his.

Frozen washcloth: A simple frozen washcloth has been the most widely recommended teething tool from parents over my 17 years in the industry.

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DENTAL TOOLS

There are so many different dental hygiene tools on the market today. Don’t think that just because you have some pointy instruments you should be poking it into your teeth!!! DO NOT POKE YOUR TEETH WITH ANYTHING! Anywho…. Make sure that you are using these tools responsibly.

DENTURE CARE:

Just because you don’t have your “own” teeth doesn’t mean you can skimp on oral hygiene. Some great tools and products will make you feel fresh when putting your pearly whites in.

Ultrasonic cleaner: I love ultrasonic cleaners! They not only shake all the particles off your dentures and dental appliances but your jewelry too! Pretty handy to have around. This model is amazing. You do not have to use any cleaning solutions other than water and it uses UV technology to kill the bacteria on your dentures or retainers.

Large head denture brush: This is an absolute must for denture care. Its large bristle head allows for quick clean-up jobs on your dentures.

Denture adhesive: I believe that this is a preference just like what toothpaste to use. All of the elderly family and friends that I have used Poligrip.

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ORTHODONTIC TOOLS AND PRODUCTS:

Braces are EXPENSIVE! So take care of your teeth and braces well. Here are my favorite tools I used while I had braces.

Water flosser: For all the times you don’t listen to the Dentist on what you shouldn’t eat. This little guy was a lifesaver!

Flossers: LOVE these flossers. I flossed my teeth 4-5 times a day with braces on because I never felt clean. These platypus flossers are great for easy flossing between all teeth.

WAX: An absolute must-have! I think I used a whole pack the first week I had my braces on. I know that they have silicon covers now but in a pinch, the wax is faster to get on and tastes minty fresh.

Ultrasonic cleaner: I love this thing. After you get your braces off and get your retainer this little guy is invaluable! Cleans with just water and uses UV light to sanitize your dental appliances.

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GENERAL TOOLS:

Tool kit: This is handy for taking a look at sore areas or maybe you have something stuck and need a little help. Again, DO NOT USE THESE TO POKE IN THE HOLES IN YOUR TEETH. I can not tell you how many times I have seen a patient do more damage than good.

Tonsil light with irrigation syringe: Yes, gross. I have this kit and use it more than I care to admit. I love the light for many other uses (both oral and in ear) and love the syringe. Not something everyone needs but certainly handy when you do.

Flossers and picks: Flossers to me are a thing of convenience. I use them on occasion but prefer good old-fashioned floss.

Floss: I LOVE TO FLOSS. Like 4-5 times daily. And my gums, teeth, and heart love me for it. I only use waxed floss. I find that it is the ONLY thing that removes the plaque and food from between my teeth. You may have to use the Teflon tape floss if you have tight contacts between your teeth.

Tongue scraper: Because bad breath sucks. Scraping your tongue should be a daily habit everyone adheres to.

My toothpaste: I am not going to recommend toothpaste for everyone. There are soooooo many debates on the effectiveness of one ingredient or another. This toothpaste is what I use. It’s not cheap, at more than $20.00 per tube. It simply works and works well. I love it and have been using it under another name for years. My gums and teeth feel, look, and are healthy partly due to this paste. Like I said this MY favorite toothpaste. You may want to note that this past does not foam like others that have soap in them.

There you have it. All of what I consider the best at-home dental products and tools. What do you swear by? Anything I missed or have never used before? Follow me to be the first to get my eBook on how to choose a dentist for yourself and your child.