Chewable Toothpaste and Other Nontraditional Methods of Teeth Cleaning

When most people think of teeth cleaning, they envision a toothbrush, toothpaste, and maybe some floss or mouthwash. While brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is recommended by the American Dental Association, it is not the only way to remove food and plaque from the teeth. There are many nontraditional methods of teeth cleaning that can do a decent job at eliminating debris from your smile. From chewable toothpaste to laser dental cleaning, here are a few unorthodox teeth cleaning methods.

Chewable Toothpaste

Forget to brush before heading out the door this morning? With chewable toothpaste, you can achieve a fresh, clean feeling on-the-go. Chewable toothpaste tablets have been boasted as a better alternative to toothpaste in terms of sustainability.

These tablets look similar to breath mints and claim to clean teeth, strengthen tooth enamel, and help users achieve a whiter smile. They crumble and foam while you brush and no water is needed. However, while chewable toothpaste is okay to use on occasion, it is not as reliable as conventional brushing.

The toothpaste that make up these chewable tablets do not always distribute evenly across the teeth. This can result in missed spots where bacteria and plaque can build up. In addition, many of these products do not contain fluoride which is important for strengthening enamel and preventing tooth decay.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that is still used by some people today. It involves swishing oil around the mouth to eliminate harmful bacteria and promote good oral hygiene. However, it is not entirely clear how oil pulling benefits oral health. It is believed that oil pulling “pulls” bacteria from the mouth and moisturizes the gums.

Certain types of oil also contain properties that are known to reduce inflammation which can help improve gum health and reduce the risk of gum disease. Oil can also kill certain types of bacteria. This can lower the risk of tooth decay and improve other oral health issues, such as bad breath.

According to the American Dental Association, there is insufficient research to support the practice of oil pulling. Some oil pulling advocates state that this practice can be used instead of brushing. However, most report that it should be used in addition to brushing. There is no evidence that oil pulling prevents cavities or strengthens the teeth.

Activated Charcoal

Charcoal has gotten a lot of attention in recent years and can not be found in everything from face masks to toothpastes. It is essentially a form of carbon that has been treated to make its particles more porous. This allows any debris to be easily absorbed and wiped away with the charcoal.

Activated charcoal toothpastes claim to bind to anything that may be on the teeth, from tartar and stains to viruses and bacteria. Unfortunately, a 2019 study published in British Dental Journal found that charcoal provides little protection against tooth decay.

There are also certain concerns relating to the abrasiveness of charcoal. When used regularly, charcoal could potentially cause damage to the enamel. Many charcoal-infused teeth cleaning products also do not contain fluoride; therefore, many local dentists warn against replacing charcoal with standard fluoride toothpaste.

Laser Teeth Cleaning

The use of laser technology for health purposes has grown exponentially in recent years. Today, you can even use lasers to clean your teeth. These advanced, computerized devices work by delivering a powerful beam of light directed at the teeth. Dental lasers have been found effective in removing plaque and tartar on the teeth.

One of the biggest advantages of laser teeth cleaning is that the lasers actually sterilize and seal blood vessels to reduce the risk of bleeding. There is typically no pain during the procedure and your Clermont dentist will usually not need to administer local anesthesia.

While laser teeth cleaning can be an effective way to achieve a deep clean, it does not replace regular brushing and flossing. It is still recommended that you visit your dentist in Clermont, FL for regular dental cleanings every six months. However, laser teeth cleaning can be a good option for individuals prone to bleeding.

Contact a Clermont Family Dentistry Practice

Not all nontraditional methods of teeth cleaning are effective and most are not a suitable, complete substitute for traditional dental care. Contact us for an appointment with a Clermont dental professional at Hancock Village Dental today for a professional dental exam and cleaning.