***
TOOLS
Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes have a timer, pressure sensor, and are good for people with limited dexterity. Manual toothbrushes are comparable when used correctly. At minimum, use new soft bristles each season (i.e., spring, summer, fall, winter) and after illness.
between teeth
Floss, floss picks, soft picks, proxabrushes, stimudents, and waterpiks clean where a toothbrush cannot. Cordless waterpiks used in the shower spare the bathroom counter.
Clinpro Toothpaste
Prescription-grade high-fluoride tri-calcium phosphate toothpaste for those with or without dry mouth. To be used without rinsing, eating, or drinking 30 minutes after use for best results.
CHLORHEXIDINE
Prescription antibacterial mouth rinse. To be used one minute per day for one week per month without rinsing, eating, or drinking 30 minutes after use for best results.
Baking soda
Baking soda rinses are good for pH neutralization after meals and soothing oral tissues in general but are also good to use before brushing in the event of vomiting (e.g., flu, pregnancy, chemotherapy, etc.). Dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup water.
MED-Project
What should you do with your unwanted and expired medication? Find a disposal location.
Toothpaste
There are different over-the-counter toothpastes that accommodate those with an allergy or aversion to certain ingredients. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate-free toothpastes are suitable for those whose sensitivity presents as canker sores. Or arginine, which neutralizes plaque biofilm, and can be a fluoride alternative. Try Bite tablets for sustainability.
Carifree CT3 Rinse
A mouth rinse containing xylitol to fight cavities, fluoride to strengthen teeth, and pH neutralization to impede the breakdown of teeth.
Biotene
Biotene makes several products, one of which is a fluoride-free rinse for those experiencing dry mouth.
XYLITOL
Xylitol (6-10 grams) helps fight cavities. Chewing gum can be found in stores and treats online.
Carifree CT4 rinse
A two-part mouth rinse that has an antibacterial component as well as xylitol, fluoride, and pH neutralizing components.
Education
Oral health fact sheets are available in multiple languages courtesy of the California Dental Association. TedEd creates educational videos on multiple topics.