I want to know if mouthwash really does something for oral hygiene.
130712
do you feel that burn right after you spit it out...MAN!!.. it has to be doing something amazing hahaha
199075
Here's the real answer...  You should replace your toothbrush every 3 months or if you have some sort of bacterial or viral illness.  Also, if you notice that the brushes are getting frayed, replace it.\n\nAs for cleansers, they do work.  There are also UV Light toothbrush holders that kill bacteria.  Placing your toothbrush in boiling water or in a cup with a single drop of bleach would do the same job.  It is a little overkill though.  If you use Listerine (which you should) you can soak your brush in Listerine overnight once a week.  You should store your brush so that it is upright and free from moisture.  Storing your brush with a head cover or in a moist area will promote bacterial growth.
316231
Here's the correct answer. It is OK to use hot water, and it actually may kill some bad breath-causing bacteria as a bonus. Obviously don't make it scalding hot though. The important thing is to make sure you are cleaning your teeth properly; the water is incidental. Also use super hot water to rinse your brush when you are done, to clean it. Be sure to use a strong mouthwash rinse like Listerine afterwards...don't use those weak soda pop tasting mouthwashes; they are virtually useless in killing bacteria. Hope this helps.
654658
Sounds good; does it neutralize bacteria etc?
490945
As long as you oral hygiene is good, you don't have to worry much. In the absence of certain medicines, smoking, tea, coffee, curry, etc. it is a slow process. If your concern is based on esthetics, then better start looking for affordable teeth whitening system/product to address it.
306653
I'm a dentist.\n\nGenerally, dentists and hygienists recommend electric brushes to patients specifically because they are more gentle on the teeth and gums.\n\nSonicare is an excellent toothbrush.  I use it myself and recommend it to my patients (whenever I talk about toothbrushes, that is).  Oral-B has a longstanding history of making dental products, and it is very unlikely that they would manufacture a product that wasn't similarly gentle to the gums.  You may have been using it wrong.\n\nIn either case, as long as you're happy with the Sonicare, stick with it.
459877
Because you're using listerine, use non-alcohol mouth rinses. The alcohol can make bacteria build up more and stink. I had the same problem and the dentist gave me Fresh X or something like that and no more problems.
280612
The crest whitening products work great. I use Crest whitening toothpaste and it's made a difference.
143155
Both my dentist & family Dr had perscribed Magic Mouthwash, well it's rather expensive, when i needed it again & told my Dr I couldn't afford it, she said it's only half Maloxx & half Benedryl, so i made my own it works wonders for all kinds of mouth sores & irritations, even sore throats, swish it or gargle with it for 10-20 sec longer if you want & then spit it out. You can find rave reviews on line for the kind the pharmisist gives you, but why buy the expensive stuff when you can make it at home? If you have a small bottle just put in half Mayloxx & half Bendryl shake bottle good each time you use it, it can be done 3-4 times a day. The Mayloxx puts a coating over the area allowing it to heal faster & the Benadryl numbs the pain.
136423
You are actually supposed to brush your tounge. It helps clean your tounge, and unless you want to use a tounge scrubber, you should clean your tounge every time you brush. And no, it's not harmfull (Unless you do it 50 times a day or something. That's probably not good)
600559
Colgate Total is a great toothpaste because it is the only one on the market containing Triclosan.  It is that ingrediant that helps keep bacteria from attaching to the teeth.  Problem is how long does it really work on an individual?  Also if you dont brush after meals then it will be the food stuck in your mouth that will cause bad breath and cavities because it will essentially be rotting in your mouth till that 12th hour when you brush it off!  Yuck!  And it cant get all the way to the bottom of your gums (pockets) so the bacteria will still be thriving down there, that is where periodontal disease starts.  \nSo no, brush at least 2-3 times a day and be sure to floss daily.  There is no miracle toothpaste or product out yet!!
628641
Does an electric toothbrush really clean your teeth better than a manual toothbrush? Many dental experts say "no," maintaining that if you brush for two minutes at least twice a day, floss, and visit your dentist regularly, manual brushes and electric toothbrushes are equally effective. Some dentists note, however, that they've seen improvement in periodontal disease after patients started using an electric toothbrush. \n\nThe best reviews compare electric toothbrushes not only with other electric brushes, but also with manual brushing. Consumer Reports magazine does the best electric toothbrush testing in the U.S., enlisting testers who normally brush manually. Although not all tested toothbrushes are available in the U.S., Australia's Choice Magazine and England's Which? Magazine also compare electric toothbrushes with a test methodology equal to that of Consumer Reports. We found more scientific data at the Web site of the American Dental Association and The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.\n\nThe problem with any kind of toothbrush is that most of us just aren't very dentally self-disciplined. A number of articles we came across in our research say that most Americans brush for only 30 to 60 seconds, which is half the time recommended by dentists, and not nearly long enough to enable the fluoride in toothpaste to work properly. Reviews say the best electric toothbrushes come with a two-minute timer and are able to reach hard-to-clean areas better than most of us tend to do with a manual brush, making them a worthy addition to your collection of dental-hygiene products.
202876
tongue scrapers work wonders.\nif i brush my teeth, but I don't use my scraper, I still get bad breath.
522300
ORAL HYGIENE FOR ORTHODONTICS\nIf you thought brushing and flossing were important before you got braces…well, you were right. But people undergoing orthodontic treatment need to be even more dedicated to good oral hygiene.\n-"Braces trap food very easily, which contributes to plaque formation," says Thomas Cangialosi, D.D.S., chairman of the Section of Growth and Development and director of the Division of Orthodontics at Columbia University. "If plaque is not carefully reomved from teeth and from around braces, patients run the risk of developing gum disease, dental decay and bad breath."\n-Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, debris and food particles. The bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids, which irritate your gums, erode the enamel on your teeth and contribute to bad breath (halitosis).\n-It's important to remove the plaque thoroughly and often. Then, when your braces come off, the teeth underneath will be healthy and strong. Here are some tips to help you.\n\nBrushing  \n-Use a soft-bristle toothbrush — Soft bristles are better than medium or hard bristles at getting into those nooks and crannies, and they don't irritate your gums. \n-Some companies make toothbrushes especially for people with braces. Known as bi-level brushes, the brushes have longer bristles on the edges and shorter ones in the middle. You don't need to seek out these brushes, though, because many regular toothbrushes are now made this way as well.\n-The most important thing is to look for a brush that's soft and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). After that, the size of the brush, the shape of the handle and other variations are up to you.\n-What about an electric toothbrush? It's not necessary, but if you have one, it's safe to use it on your braces. Just be careful not to hit the plastic back of the brush against the brackets on your braces because it can damage the brackets. Also, it should be used on a moderate setting so as not to break or loosen appliances.\n-Brush at least two or three times a day — Brush before bed and at least one other time every day. It is best to brush after meals to make sure there's no food trapped in or around braces.\n-Brush for at least two to three minutes each time "Brushing should be done slowly and carefully," says Dr. Cangialosi. "It's important to brush the braces and all the surfaces of the teeth, that is, the inside and outside surface and the chewing surfaces, too. You should take at least two or three minutes each time your brush." It's best to use a watch or timer to make sure you are brushing long enough.\n\nFlossing  \n-Floss at least once a day — It might seem like you can't possibly floss while you have braces, but you can and you should. There are special flossing products — including floss threaders and a special kind of floss — to help you get into the space between the wires and your gumline. When your braces are first put on, someone in your orthodontist's office should review flossing techniques. If you're not sure you're doing it right, ask your orthodontist during your next visit.\n\nFluoride  \n-Use a fluoride toothpaste — It doesn't really matter which one — just make sure it has the ADA seal of approval. \n-For more fluoride, try an over-the-counter fluoride rinse — Over-the-counter fluoride rinses usually provide enough fluoride to help protect and strengthen teeth during orthodontic treatment.  However, if you have a history of cavities or are otherwise at risk of decay, you orthodontist may prescribe a fluoride rinse that is highly concentrated, Dr. Cangialosi says.\n-Office treatment — You can get a fluoride treatment — usually in the form of a gel or varnish — from your dentist during a regular visit. If you have a history of decay, your dentist may suggest this type of treatment.\n\nTools To Help You  \n-Rubber-tipped and end-tuft or single-tuft brus
100146
If I tell you, would it improve your teeth???
426097
toothpaste, I have never tried it, but apparently it works???
642883
Brushing all the time wont help.  It is likely because you have bacteria growing on the back of your tongue. To combat this, brush your tongue with your toothbrush or use a tongue scraper (available in the toothbrush section of your drug store). WaterPik makes a great high powered water spray tongue scraper/blaster that does a good job. The basic model is about $30 at Wal-Mart. It will keep your gums in shape too if you use it to clean your teeth.