{"id":2358,"date":"2014-10-30T07:00:52","date_gmt":"2014-10-30T11:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hearthsidehome.wpengine.com\/?p=2358"},"modified":"2014-10-30T07:00:52","modified_gmt":"2014-10-30T11:00:52","slug":"stop-confusion-over-the-counter-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/2014\/10\/30\/stop-confusion-over-the-counter-products\/","title":{"rendered":"Stop the Confusion with Over-the-Counter Oral Care Products"},"content":{"rendered":"<p align=\"center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-Featured-Image-NORMAN-DENTAL.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2359\" title=\"Image property of  NORMAN DENTAL Greensboro NC\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-Featured-Image-NORMAN-DENTAL-300x167.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"167\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Stop the Confusion with Over-the-Counter Products<\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">Dr. Matthew Norman and Michelle Phillips, RDH<\/p>\n<p>There are several over-the-counter products that aid in excellent oral health.\u00a0 The \u201cOral Care\u201d aisle in your drug store can be very overwhelming with all the different brands and products available.\u00a0 Hopefully these tips will help you better decide on everything from toothbrushes and toothpastes, to fluoride, chewing gum and rinses.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-toothbrush1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2362\" title=\"OTC - toothbrush image property of Norman Dental\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-toothbrush1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> Choosing the best toothbrush is a simple decision, the toothbrush needs to fit your mouth!\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0You never want to get a toothbrush too large for your mouth.\u00a0 If you have a smaller mouth, some adult brushes may be too large and a youth brush may be more comfortable.\u00a0 Also, you want to make sure the bristles are extra-soft or soft. \u00a0Brushes with stiffer bristles can cause damage to your gums and cause them to recede over time.\u00a0 When using a worn-out toothbrush (the toothbrush starts to look \u201cfrayed\u201d), the inner bristles are the ones cleaning your teeth.\u00a0 The inner bristles tend to be stiffer and can therefore cause damage to your gums.\u00a0 Pay attention to the handle too\u2026you want to make sure it\u2019s going to be comfortable to hold.\u00a0 Those with arthritis, or any other problem with grasping, may want to choose a toothbrush with a larger handle.<\/p>\n<p>It is easy become overwhelmed with the variety of toothpastes available today.\u00a0 When choosing a toothpaste, the most important consideration is whether or not it contains fluoride.\u00a0 Most toothpastes contain fluoride to aid in cavity prevention.\u00a0 Other oral health issues to consider when selecting a toothpaste include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gingivitis: If\u00a0you have, or at a higher risk of developing gingivitis, Colgate Total is\u00a0the only toothpaste on the market that is approved by the FDA to prevent\u00a0gingivitis.\u00a0 Colgate Total contains\u00a0 the ingredient triclosan, which is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-toothpaste.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2361\" title=\"OTC - toothpaste image property of Norman Dental\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-toothpaste-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Stain:\u00a0\u00a0If you are prone to collecting stain from coffee, tea or red wine, whitening toothpaste may be beneficial. These\u00a0types of toothpaste tend to be a little more abrasive to help remove\u00a0stains.\u00a0 Crest and Colgate both have\u00a0 several variations of whitening toothpastes.<\/li>\n<li>Sensitivity:\u00a0\u00a0For those with gum recession and\/or tooth sensitivity, a toothpaste\u00a0containing concentrated amounts of fluoride will be beneficial to help desensitize\u00a0 the exposed root surfaces. Crest and Colgate both have sensitivity-countering toothpastes.\u00a0 Sensodyne is highly-recommended\u00a0 sensitivity toothpaste.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Fluoride provides three very important benefits to your teeth: remineralization of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-bitewing.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2363\" title=\"OTC - bitewing property of Norman Dental\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-bitewing-150x148.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"148\" \/><\/a>teeth, resistance to tooth decay and it slows down the formation of acids that cause tooth decay.\u00a0 Fluoride can actually remineralize or repair the enamel (the outermost layer of a tooth).\u00a0 When you get a cavity that must be filled, the decay must pass through the enamel into the inner layer of a tooth (the dentin).\u00a0 If a cavity has just started (as often seen on routine bitewing x-rays) and is still contained in the enamel, the area can remineralize.\u00a0 Excellent oral hygiene and regular fluoride exposure is necessary for this process to occur, but this hard work can prevent a filling!\u00a0 Fluoride can be found in most toothpastes and several over-the-counter rinses.\u00a0 Most dental offices have prescription-strength fluoride toothpastes, like Prevident, that can be dispensed to those who are at a higher risk of developing cavities.<\/p>\n<p>Most of the sugar-free chewing gum on the market contains xylitol, which has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-xylitol-gum.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2364\" title=\"OTC - xylitol gum image property of Norman Dental\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-xylitol-gum-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a>proven to help prevent cavities.\u00a0 A cavity is formed when sugars are introduced to an acidic environment\u2014plaque on your teeth is acidic and when sugars are presented, it begins the demineralization process.\u00a0 Xylitol is a natural sweetener that doesn\u2019t break down like sugar, and helps keep a neutral pH in your mouth.\u00a0 It also helps prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth.\u00a0 Several mints also contain xylitol.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Dental rinses can be beneficial to achieving optimal oral health.\u00a0 The main thing to look for when choosing a rinse is to find one without alcohol.\u00a0 Alcohol dries out the tissue in your mouth and can sometimes cause pain.\u00a0 Dry mouth also causes a person to be more susceptible to tooth decay.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0Everyday\u00a0Rinses:\u00a0 Scope and Crest Pro-Health\u00a0are two <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-daily-rinses.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2366\" title=\"OTC - daily rinses image property of Norman Dental\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-daily-rinses-150x149.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"149\" \/><\/a>great rinses that do not contain alcohol for someone looking for\u00a0an everyday rinse to help freshen breath.\u00a0Listerine also has an alcohol-free rinse available, Listerine Zero.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Dry\u00a0Mouth Rinses: \u00a0If you take\u00a0 medications that tend to make your mouth dry, \u00a0Biotene is a great daily rinse to\u00a0use.\u00a0 Biotene helps re-moisten and\u00a0lubricate your mouth.<\/li>\n<li>Fluoride Rinses: \u00a0For someone that has poor oral hygiene or\u00a0 is prone to cavities, a fluoride rinse may be indicated.\u00a0 Act Mouthrinse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-fluoride-rinses1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2367\" title=\"OTC - fluoride rinses image property of Norman Dental\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2012\/08\/OTC-fluoride-rinses1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a>and Colgate\u2019s Phos-Flur\u00a0 are available in most drug stores and are great rinses to use on a daily\u00a0basis. These rinses should be used right before bed, after brushing and\u00a0flossing, and should not be rinsed out afterwards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t get intimidated or overwhelmed when standing down the \u201cOral Care\u201d aisle now that you\u2019re educated on the different products; just choose what works best for you!<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>This article is posted with the permission of Dr. Matthew Norman and Michelle Phillips, RDH, of Norman Dental Greensboro, NC. The original article is found on Norman Dental&#8217;s blog :<a title=\"Norman Dental Oral Hygiene\" href=\"http:\/\/normandental.wordpress.com\/2012\/07\/31\/stop-the-confusion-with-over-the-counter-products\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> http:\/\/normandental.wordpress.com\/2012\/07\/31\/stop-the-confusion-with-over-the-counter-products\/<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Norman Dental is located at 2511 Oakcrest Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408 Telephone 336-282-2120 Website : <a href=\"Norman Dental \">http:\/\/www.norman-dental.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stop the Confusion with Over-the-Counter Products Dr. Matthew Norman and Michelle Phillips, RDH There are several over-the-counter products that aid in excellent oral health.\u00a0 The \u201cOral Care\u201d aisle in your drug store can be very overwhelming with all the different brands and products available.\u00a0 Hopefully these tips will help you&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[720,200,721,207,722,723,724],"class_list":["post-2358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-1blog","tag-dental-rinses","tag-fluoride","tag-otc-products","tag-tooth-decay","tag-toothbrush","tag-toothpaste","tag-xylitol-gum"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2358"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-guilford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}