Oral health routine product quick picks
Electric toothbrush: Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush
Anticavity toothpaste: Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste
Manual floss: SuperMouth Hydroxamin With Fluoride MouthFloss
Tongue scraper: MasterMedi Tongue Scraper
Alcohol-free mouthwash: TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash in Icy Mint, 2-Pack
You’ve got your daily skin care, hair care and grooming rituals down to a tee, but what about your oral hygiene routine? Like the rest of your body, it makes sense that your teeth need daily attention and care. But in a world looming with brightly packaged pastes, washes and dental gadgets, it can be hard to sort through which products are cleaning and protecting your mouth and which are not.
To help you get a better handle on what you need to craft the perfect routine at home, we went straight to the experts to find the best oral health products to stock up on.
Why is oral hygiene important?
Aside from getting the thumbs-up from your dentist, there are plenty of good reasons to stay on top of your oral hygiene. It’s no secret that proper oral hygiene can help prevent the onset of tooth decay like cavities, gum disease and other infections that, if left untreated, could lead to uncomfortable and expensive procedures like root canals. But your mouth is also connected to the rest of your body and your overall health and wellness. In fact, several studies have explored the possible links between oral health and systemic health issues like cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, diabetes and even cancer.
Though these studies do not directly connect poor oral health to these conditions, there are some correlations to be aware of, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). And, of course, there’s general personal hygiene to consider. We all want our chompers to stay pearly white and free from unsavory odors or unsightly plaque buildup. Plus, as we get older, we’re reminded that we’re only allotted so many natural teeth in a lifetime.
“Teeth are a nonrenewable resource and the mouth has so many connections to your body, so investing in your oral health is really an investment in your overall health,” says Dr. Erin Fraundorf, an orthodontist and the founder of Boca Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in St. Louis, Missouri.
What does the perfect oral health routine look like?
Brushing twice daily does a good amount to keep your mouth clean, but the dentists we spoke to all agree that flossing is essential too. “Flossing removes food particles, debris and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line in areas your toothbrush cannot,” Fraundorf says.
For the best results, our dentists also recommend tacking on a few more steps. Here are their expert directions for optimal oral health.
- Flossing at least once daily with manual floss and following up with a water flosser for a deeper clean.
- Brushing twice daily — once in the morning and again at night — for two minutes each time with a toothpaste made with fluoride or hydroxyapatite.
- Tongue scraping at least once daily.
- Rinsing with a mouthwash minimally once a day.
Doing some of this twice daily might sound daunting, as well as time-consuming, but Fraundorf believes it’s well worth it. “I encourage my patients to embrace it and treat it just like they would skin care,” she says. “Pamper yourself with the best products to ensure your smile is the brightest and healthiest it can be.”
Ready to embrace oral health to its fullest? Here are our dentist-approved product recommendations, along with all the advice you need to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.
Best toothbrushes for oral hygiene
Both electric and manual toothbrushes use physical force to break up and remove plaque in your mouth, but, per the ADA, manual toothbrushes are only effective if you brush with proper technique for the full two minutes. This is why so many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes, since they can take the guesswork out of brushing with handy features like timers, pressure sensors and added vibration, all of which help deliver a more robust cleaning.
For an optimal routine, Dr. Kami Hoss, a dentist, bestselling author and founder of the oral care company SuperMouth, says you should brush twice a day — before breakfast and before bed — using a soft-bristled brush. Most people brush to start their day, but even if you’re feeling sleepy, quality brushing at night is just as, if not more, important.
“You’ve had bacteria and food all day in your mouth, and you want to clean that off, but also, when we sleep, we have less saliva flow,” says Dr. Kelly Aten, a general dentist at Aten Orthodontics in Janesville, Wisconsin. “Saliva is like a natural cleanser, a natural buffer, so not only do you have all that sitting on your teeth, now you don’t have anything rinsing it off.”
Since you’ll be reaching for your toothbrush often, you’ll want one that will not only clean your teeth but that you enjoy using.
“I personally can only recommend one toothbrush to my patients, friends and family — the Oral B iO,” says Fraundorf, who specifically likes the series 9 or 10 models. “It delivers a professional-like clean at home that makes you feel like you just got your teeth cleaned at the dentist." This toothbrush features a pressure sensor to prevent you from brushing too hard and risk wearing away gum tissue and enamel, as well as a timer (brushing for a full two minutes is longer than you think). Remember to change out your brush head every three months too.
“This high-end electric toothbrush provides superior cleaning with its Sonic technology, [is] gentle on gums and has smart features like a pressure sensor and different brushing modes,” says Dr. Michael Wei, a cosmetic dentist based in New York City. You can even connect this DiamondClean toothbrush to a smartphone app that shows you exactly how to improve your brushing for ultra-personalized care.
If you are looking to switch from a manual to an electric toothbrush but want something more affordable, we recommend this Philips Sonicare 4100, our best-tested electric toothbrush pick. It's got all the features you want in an electric toothbrush: a timer, a pressure sensor and a long battery life, all for under $50.
Best toothpaste for oral hygiene
Your toothbrush may break down and clear out buildup, but it’s your toothpaste that helps clean and restore your teeth. All toothpastes that receive the ADA Seal of Acceptance must contain fluoride, and fluoride toothpaste is a popular choice since it strengthens your teeth’s enamel, which is the hard outer surface that protects the sensitive pulp and nerves within your tooth. However, while fluoride is safe to use in low concentrations, the World Health Organization points out that it can be toxic in excessive doses — something that more commonly affects children under 6 years old, who tend to accidentally swallow their toothpaste.
For anyone looking for an alternative to fluoride, Hoss suggests using a toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite, which is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up the main component of your enamel. Although it does not offer the coveted ADA Seal of Acceptance, research has shown it can be effective at preventing cavities in the absence of fluoride.
“The only downside is that it doesn’t make the teeth any stronger,” Hoss says. “It’s just your natural enamel that you’re putting back.”
Whatever you do, don’t be taken in by just any old toothpaste on the shelves, Aten says. “What you want to stay away from [are] the all-natural toothpastes that don’t say anticavity on them because they’re not doing anything,” she adds.
Fraundorf recommends Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify, which is a fluoride-based, anticavity toothpaste that also gently whitens teeth while cleaning.
Looking for a nano-hydroxyapatite option? Fraundorf likes this bamboo salt-enhanced paste from Ojook, which has a natural pine and peppermint flavor and comes in a recyclable aluminum tube.
If you often deal with teeth sensitivity, Fraundorf recommends integrating a toothpaste like Sensodyne into your oral routine, either as your regular toothpaste or for one of your two daily brushes. Fraundorf says to look for the ingredient potassium nitrate, which will help to make teeth less sensitive overall. She adds that sensitive toothpaste can be great for those whitening their teeth too.
Wei likes the Colgate Total collection because it also helps to prevent cavities, gingivitis and plaque buildup. “Colgate Total Toothpaste offers complete protection with its unique formula that fights bacteria not just on teeth but also on the tongue, cheeks and gums,” he says.
Davids toothpaste takes an all-natural and sustainable approach to oral care. While the brand has other options, this sensitive and whitening version is the only one made with nano-hydroxyapatite to help remineralize your enamel.
This all-encompassing system from SuperMouth includes everything you, your kids and even your braces-bound teen needs to brush, floss, rinse and scrape effectively. You can shop fluoride and nonfluoride kits, both of which include toothpaste made with SuperMouth’s proprietary Hydroxamin ingredient, a blend of hydroxyapatite designed to mimic your teeth’s enamel, plus other vitamins for oral health like D3 and K2.
Best manual flosses for oral hygiene
Dentists know there are two kinds of patients: those who floss and those who lie about flossing. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, flossing is critical for cleaning parts of the tooth that your toothbrush can’t penetrate — cleaning food particles, debris and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline. When done in tandem with brushing, flossing can further reduce instances of plaque and mild gum disease, which will also help keep bad breath at bay.
“You’re probably going to bleed if you haven’t been [flossing],” Aten says. “A lot of patients say, ‘Well, I was bleeding, so I thought I was flossing too hard,’ but it’s actually the opposite. If you have bleeding gums, that means there’s bacteria in there you need to get out.”
There is a proper technique for flossing: gently curving the thread around your tooth and sliding all the way to your gumline. If you’re having trouble finding the right angles and getting a good clean at home, Aten says asking your dentist for a demo during your next checkup is nothing to be shy about. “As a kid, maybe they showed you how,” Aten says. “A lot of adults really don’t know the proper techniques.”
This compostable floss is made with luxe Italian silk and ingredients like roasted Korean bamboo salt to help restore the mouth’s pH level, ethical beeswax and hydroxyapatite for remineralizing enamel. “This is hands down the best floss I have ever used,” Fraundorf says. “It is a game changer as far as its effectiveness at removing debris from in between your teeth.” It also comes in a reusable and refillable glass container so you can cut back on the single-use plastic in your routine too.
“Ideally, your floss [should have] key toothpaste ingredients in it,” Hoss says. “That's actually where most of the cavities occur — between the teeth.” If your floss doesn’t have ingredients built in to care for your teeth, Hoss says you can dip your floss in your toothpaste too. This SuperMouth floss is free from harsh chemicals, artificial colors and flavors. It’s also formulated with nano-hydroxyapatite, vitamins D3 and K2, plus fluoride to strengthen teeth. Or you can grab a fluoride-free version, but they are all available in Mint, Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla flavors.
While Fraundorf says she normally recommends her patients avoid floss picks, she likes these Plackers ones for those with braces who might need help maneuvering around wires and brackets. These handy picks are designed specifically to fit into the gap between your teeth and the wire of your braces so you can get a clean down to your gumline.
Offering a more convenient way to floss, while also keeping your fingers out of your mouth, the Flaus flosser uses sonic vibrations to help free debris that’s wedged into your teeth. Along with the ergonomic design, our editor found using the Flaus led to easier and faster flossing, which is just what you want if you're looking to build a daily habit.
Cocofloss makes flossing a bit more fun with a whole range of delightful flavors. This travel pack will keep all your toiletry bags stocked and let you try four of Cocofloss’ most popular flavors: mint, orange, strawberry and coconut. You can shop even more floss flavors like Apple Cinnamon, Confetti Cake, Passion Fruit and Summer Watermelon on the brand’s site. Plus, the floss is made of hundreds of woven threads to grab on to food particles, and it’s coated in coconut oil and vegan wax for an effortless glide.
Best water flossers for oral hygiene
Water flossers have become all the rage in recent years, but they’re not a total replacement for regular flossing. While they’re great for cleaning along the gumline, they can’t get deep between the teeth in quite the same way manual floss can.
“Think of manual flossing like wiping with toilet paper (like after using the restroom),” Fraundorf says. “Think of a water flosser as a bidet. Wiping is absolutely critical and a little water stream from the bidet is a very effective, very luxurious bonus to give you that extra clean.”
Granted, doing any flossing — whether manual or with a water tool — is better than not flossing at all.
“This water flosser is like a luxurious power washer for your mouth,” Fraundorf says. “It deep-cleans and detoxifies below the gumline. With it being cordless, you can use it easily and even take it in [the] shower to avoid the mess of cleaning up your mirror.” Fraundorf adds that if you have orthodontics, like braces or Invisalign aligners, a water flosser will be your new best friend for getting those harder-to-reach areas.
If you’ve heard of any water flosser, it’s probably the Waterpik. It's cordless, waterproof and has two pressure settings for safety, and recommended by Wei. “[It’s] gentle and ideal for those with braces, implants or sensitive gums,” he says.
We’ve tested our fair share of water flossers here at Underscored too, and the Waterpik Ion is our current top pick. Our tester loved the Ion’s 360-degree rotating nozzle handle and pulse timer that reminds you to move and floss all areas of your mouth.
Best tongue scrapers for oral hygiene
It’s been all teeth and gums up until now, but proper oral hygiene also means not neglecting your tongue, which can be a haven for bad-breath-inducing bacteria.
Imagine your tongue as a meadow of capped mushrooms, Fraundorf says. “Food particles, bacteria and fungus get trapped in between and under this meadow. Under the caps, the environment is very anaerobic, oxygen poor. Bad bacteria thrive in these anaerobic areas, making it a major source of halitosis (bad breath).” Your tongue scraper is a handy tool that breaks up and thins out the film of this bacteria, allowing the healthy nutrients from your saliva to get underneath the caps. While you can use your toothbrush to brush away some of this tongue bacteria, a specialized tongue scraper will do a more thorough and effective job.
This stainless steel scraper is Fraundorf’s pick to add to your routine. “These are long-lasting and so easy to use and keep clean,” she says. “Totally affordable, an absolute must and game changer.”
If metal scrapers sound a little intense, you can pick up a soft-bristled option like this scraper from SuperMouth, which gently exfoliates your tongue without upsetting the delicate mouth ecosystem.
This tongue cleaner brushes and scrapes your tongue at the same time for a more efficient clean. The extended handle makes it easy to reach the full length of the tongue, clearing it of coffee-colored or sugar-coated films in just a few swipes.
Best mouthwashes for oral hygiene
Mouthwashes can serve a purpose in all parts of your daily oral routine. In the morning, before brushing your teeth, mouth rinses can help loosen up plaque that has settled overnight. At night, you can use a mouthwash as the last step of your routine to freshen your breath, add a boost of fluoride protection or help kill bacteria in areas you may have missed with flossing and brushing. Between meals and brushing, mouthwash can also be a quick way to help reset the pH of your mouth and prevent acidic substances from lingering. Note: Mouthwashes are not a replacement for regular flossing or brushing.
Our dentists advise against using an alcohol mouthwash, though. Even if you might think that the burning sensation is deep-cleaning your mouth, the alcohol kills good and bad microbes, creating an acidic environment that Fraundorf says can demineralize and weaken your enamel.
When using mouthwash at night, swish for one minute and spit it out. You don’t need to rinse out your mouth with water since that can dilute the fluoride and strengtheners you’ve just coated your teeth in. Hoss does add that those under 6 years old should not use mouthwash or rinses since kids that age don’t have good control over their swallowing reflexes.
And if you’re a fan of melatonin gummies or a sleepy-girl mocktail to wind down at night, Aten reminds us that those are things should be consumed before you brush your teeth, not right before your head hits the pillow. “At night, you want to do your oral routine and [then] the only thing that you’re eating or drinking after that is water,” Aten says.
For a daily mouth rinse, Fraundorf recommends choosing one formulated without alcohol. Her favorite? This TheraBreath mouthwash, which features a classic mint flavor, is made without added dyes or colors and is accepted by the American Dental Association.
For a nonfluoride rinse option, this SuperMouth wash is made with hydroxyapatite. Its alkaline pH will help reset the balance of your mouth, and it's free from alcohol, antiseptics, essential oils and artificial colors too.
This basic fluoride rinse from Act comes with a built-in dose cap in the bottle’s neck, which prevents countertop messes and ensures you’ve got the right amount to protect your entire mouth from any potential cavities.
Other oral hygiene products for fresh breath
There are times when you just can’t (or really shouldn’t) brush your teeth — like right after a meal, for instance. While it might seem imperative to clear out food particles and smells lingering in your mouth, Hoss says you shouldn’t brush your teeth until 30 to 60 minutes after eating.
Hoss explains that the saliva in the mouth is normally at a neutral pH level of around seven, but every time we eat or drink anything besides water, the mouth becomes more acidic. Once the mouth’s pH reaches about 5.5, our acidic saliva starts to break some of the minerals in our teeth. Brushing right then, when our teeth and enamel are in a weakened state can damage our mouths. Once we stop eating, our saliva gradually starts to return to normal, neutral levels and our teeth begin to remineralize.
“As long as there’s a balance between this demineralization and remineralization, you don’t get a cavity,” Hoss says. “But if you eat too much bad food, or if you do it too often, and the body doesn’t have enough resources or time to put these minerals back, you start getting a hole in the tooth that’s called a cavity.”
Luckily, there are some dentist-approved options for keeping your breath fresh and your mouth happy between brushings.
This SuperMouth Mouth Spray is perfect for between meals, especially when you’re out and about and might not have access to your at-home mouthwash. This alkaline spray helps restore your mouth to normal pH levels faster and comes packed with prebiotics to feed the good bacteria that help protect your oral microbiome. It also fights bad breath, keeping your mouth conversation-friendly for your peers.
You might think of gum or mints as a go-to way to freshen your breath, but not all gum is created equal. Wei and Aten recommended xylitol gum to freshen your breath without additional sugars that can alter your mouth’s pH. Wei explains that xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that can help reduce bacteria and prevent tooth decay in the mouth. This Pur gum is also vegan, gluten-free and made without artificial flavors.
If you’re in a rush to clear away food particles, Fraundorf recommends swishing with plain water or chewing sugar-free gum for five minutes after you eat, which will help increase saliva flow and remove debris. Another gum option, from the makers of TheraBreath mouth rinse, is this xylitol chewing gum with a citrus mint flavor.
FAQs
Editor’s note: The products listed in this article are not a replacement for routine cleanings, checkups and exams with your dentist. Dentists can help detect issues early and treat problems before they worsen. The products listed here are intended to help keep your mouth healthy between visits to your dentist.