Cool Dental Products You Should Know About

If you’re new to my site, then you probably didn’t know that I work in a dental office…..well….now you know.  I’ve actually worked in the dental industry a little over 10 years now and always look forward to finding out about new, or at least very cool things related to dentistry.  Don’t start yawning, this isn’t going to be a video on how to brush your teeth…I just found some awesome “dental” related things I wanted to share with you.

Sonicare’s AirFloss

Perfect for those who have difficulty flossing, Sonicare’s AirFloss uses micro-droplets of water and pressurized air to blast away harmful bio films that develop into plaque.   Easier to use that traditional floss, the Airfloss will help you in preventing/fighting gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis (a more severe form of gum disease).  Some studies claim it moved up to 99% of bacteria found on the teeth and gums versus just brushing alone.  The flosser retails for $89.99 on their site, which may be a hefty price to pay for some, but can be extremely helpful to those with dexterity problems or hard to reach back teeth.

Why is flossing important?  Seriously, I know so many people skip it, but that’s really where you need to take care–at the gum line.  Bacteria is teesy-tiny and can fit into those crevices between your teeth and underneath the gum line.  As bacteria stays in the area longer, an inflammation (red, puffy gums) can develop creating a sometimes painful and unattractive appearance.  As you begin to floss on a more regular basis you can expect your gum tissue to look healthier, more pink, and tighter around the teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign is not just about having a straighter smile, its really beneficial for you in a health-wise way! When someone needs invisalign or braces its because their teeth are not in correct alignment.  Having teeth without the correct alignment can lead to wearing,chipping, and an increased risk of gum disease and other systemic inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, etc. Say wha? In short it means that when your teeth are out of place, they grind against each other in places where they typically wouldn’t, wearing changes the shape of your teeth.  The more mis-aligned your teeth are, the more places bacteria can call a home.  Invisalign is virtually undetectable ( I see several patients daily wearing their trays) and can easily fit into most lifestyles.

How do I know if this is really for me?  You can start with the self assessment test they have on their website by clicking here, you can also ask your dentist about what options you have.  Invisalign treatment costs will vary from state to state and from practice to practice.  When choosing, look for quality in the doctor and the facility and their results–not just the price.   It also means you need to be “a compliant patient”—wait, what does that mean? All that means is that you better wear your trays if you want invisalign to work!

Perioscience – first topical antioxidant oral care line

I have been hearing about this brand over the past couple of months and it totally makes sense.  We all try to include vitamins and antioxidants into our diet and even our skincare routines, but we never think of our own mouths.  Mouths need antioxidant love too!  in case you didn’t know, antioxidants fight free radical damage that is potentially caused by dental materials, alcohol and nicotine.  This is of particular concern for those who are already dealing with things like dry mouth, healing from oral surgery, or even cancer treatment side effects.  The product line consists of three items; AO Provantage, a gel that can be applied to the gums, AP Provantage Blast,a concentrated gel for nicotine users, and AO Provantage Rinse, a alcohol-free mouthwash for a fresh and clean feeling.  It relies on phloretin and and ferulic to neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation and promote healing of soft tissues in the mouth.

Why do I need this?  Antioxidant oral care can potentially help in healing after having oral surgery, dry mouth caused by medications or medical treatments, and freshens your breath.  Not to mention, gives those who enjoy a cigarette or drink a little more of a fighting chance. against potential damage it could be doing to your mouths. eep.

Holocuren – Miracle Lips Serum (or salve)

Holocuren was the brain-child of Dr. Robert Heinman, the formulator behind the ever magnificent skincare line, Epicuren.  Using his research of how enzymes work with the body, Dr. Heinman developed an all natural lip and mouth care line that utilizes the power of Australian Tea Tree Oil and Brazilian Bee Propolis; together forming a powerful anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral lip treatment while soothing and protecting the lips.  Formulated with over 25 nourishing butters and oils, this lip serum is sure to improve the appearance (and feel) of your lips with daily use.  It also claims to help in preventing and healing fever blisters and cold sores!

Does this really work?  Just like most products, you’ve got to apply it daily in order to reap the benefits.  Want to know more?  Check out my review I did a few weeks back!

Tooth Soap – an all-natural alternative to toothpaste

Ok, tooth soap sounds totally weird to me…and yet I’m dying to know what those little chewies are really like!  Tooth soap was developed as an alternative to our regular ol’ toothpaste–toothpaste that contains some chemicals our all-natural lovers prefer to stay away from.  TS removes oils, residues and other contaminants found on the teeth and gums, and cleans just as well as what the rest of us use.  Using only ingredients like organic coconut oil, olive oil, honey  and essential oils, teeth will be clean and protected in a very natural way.

But Soap?  I know, it sounds weird–but we all like things that are weird, right?  I’d totally try the chewies if they would let me do a review.  I have never seen this type of product sold in store around me–maaayyybee at the local follow your heart store, but I’d have to go back and check. I personally do not have a problem using regular toothpaste, I feel I’m ok using it as long as you don’t swallow gobs of it–but still very intrigued!

Radius- Source Toothbrush – An eco-alternative

Radius makes toothbrushes that are ergonomically shaped for both the left and right hand, reducing stress on the teeth and hands. You’ve seen them, right? Well now they have Source, a toothbrush with a replaceable head, and a handle made from recycled dollar bills, wood, or flax!  I think they actually look pretty, and like the idea for my travel bag, in which I don’t carry my sonicare in.  The replaceable head reduces 93% of waste from standard toothbrushes and lowers the cost of brushing, and features a slim head designs to clean heard to reach places.

Ok,So how much? As I type this post, it shows on sale on their website for as low as $5.95 for a single toothbrush.  The two-pack replacement heads are listed at $5.49.  So you aren’t going to break the bank saving the earth. You can also get them in packs of 6 if you want to gift all your eco-conscious friends who also want to reduce their impact on the environment.

Cadent by iTero – digital impressions for people who gag at the dentist

Do you totally gag at the dentist when they have to take molds of your mouth?  You aren’t the only one!  Impressions are needed when you get a crown or bridge done, but what if they could take a picture of your mouth instead?  With Cadent, they use this wand and take 3-D pictures of your teeth and gums to build a 3D picture  on the computer screen.  Not only do you not gag and feel like your dying in the dentist chair, but it also helps the doctor and the people making your cap, crown, or bridge.    Taking a digital picture is going to be more accurate and show every crevice and bump there is to show–meaning it will fit better in your mouth.

Is it really ALL that?  It is. I’ve had the experience of seeing it used in the office, and had the assistants use me as a guinea pig for scanning.  I found it quite entertaining to watch the teeth show up on the screen and I got to see where my teeth were worn away and all the little details I never noticed before!  Cadent isn’t something that all dentists are going to have, it’s fairly new and it can be expensive to keep up with all the available upgrades out there, however it really does help those patients who are frightened of the traditional goopy impression or mold-taking method. You can at least ask 🙂

So, do any of those things sound like they may help you?  I’d love to know, especially since  I work in an office too!  I think the tooth soap sounds so interesting, Im so stuck on that one!

Until next time beauties!

XOXO

C