Dentist Reveals Best and Worst Products at the Supermarket
If you find yourself constantly browsing the beauty and hygiene aisle during your weekly shop wondering what products are a must have and what products you should avoid, then we’ve got you covered. With seemingly endless choices of dental products now available in supermarkets, from charcoal toothpaste to whitening tools, choosing the right product can be challenging.
Dr Minoo Ghamari, from Gorgeous Smiles Dental in Melbourne frequently shares tips and tricks to her Instagram page, where she boasts 67,000 followers, on how to get your teeth pearly white.
The acclaimed dentist has now also revealed the best and worst dental products you can purchase at your local supermarket, sharing a list of accessible and affordable products that will make your teeth shine from a mile away. Next time you’re shopping for groceries, make sure to pick up or stray away from these dental products.
MUST HAVE PRODUCTS
1.Sugar Free Chewing GumIf you love chewing gum, then we have good news for you. While many purchase gum to fix up a case of bad breath, Dr Minoo believes chewing gum has many more benefits than just giving you some minty freshness. Yes, you heard us! The Melbourne dentist says a pack of chewing gum really does do wonders for your oral health in a number of ways – from promoting saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria, to strengthening tooth enamel, making your teeth more resistant to tooth decay and damage. Dr Minoo recommends purchasing a sugar-free gum and chewing for at least 10-15 minutes after every meal.
2. Using an Electric ToothbrushAn essential step for maintaining good oral health is brushing your teeth twice a day, as recommended by acclaimed dentist, Dr Minoo. When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, Dr Minoo reveals that electric toothbrushes are preferred over regular ones.
The electric toothbrush is designed to provide more effective and faster cleaning than regular toothbrushes. If possible, Dr Minoo suggests opting for the pricier option as the rotating brush head reaches more areas that are typically difficult to access with a regular toothbrush while removing additional plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums.
The Melbourne dentist adds that an electric toothbrush is the much more environmentally friendly option as you only need to replace the brush head every three months, rather than throwing away an entire, single-use toothbrush.
3. Fluoride Mouthwash
Another must-have product for maintaining good oral health is fluoride mouthwash. According to this dentist in Glenpool, OK, fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay and cavities. Using a fluoride mouthwash daily, especially after meals or brushing, can help wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and protect your teeth from plaque buildup. It's an easy addition to your routine that provides an extra layer of defense against tooth decay, especially for those prone to cavities or who consume acidic foods and drinks regularly.
PRODUCTS TO AVOID
Charcoal toothpaste has become a popular trend in recent years, with claims that it can whiten teeth and remove toxins. However, Dr Minoo warns that using charcoal ingredients can actually be bad for your teeth.
The principal dentist at Gorgeous Smiles Dental says charcoal toothpaste as a tooth whitening remedy is not the most effective option. In fact, charcoal toothpaste is far too abrasive and can actually
remove the outer layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to stains in the future. Dr Minoo goes on to share that the harmful ingredient can also cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities. If you’re still on the hunt to perfect that smile, the accredited dentist recommends professionally applied teeth whitening as an alternative to charcoal toothpaste.
2. Whitening StripsWhitening strips have flooded grocery aisles, with many adopting the trend to achieve a brighter, whiter smile on a budget. But unfortunately, Dr Minoo believes that whitening strips are not reliable or healthy for your teeth and gums.
The Melbourne dentist stresses that the bleaching agent found in whitening strips can damage the enamel of your teeth and can cause serious gum irritation. Dr Minoo shares that once tooth enamel is stripped away, it’s gone for good! Overuse of whitening strips can even cause serious tooth sensitivities and discolouration over time. Instead, Dr Minoo recommends booking an appointment at Gorgeous Smiles Dental for a professional tooth whitening consultation.
Find out more do and don’ts about what to purchase at the supermarket by following Dr Minoo on Instagram (@gorgeous.smiles.dentistry) or booking an appointment with Dr Minoo and her leading team at Gorgeous Smiles.