I want this experience of wearing braces and having my bite corrected to be as healthy and sustainable as possible.
That means seeking out the healthiest options for the dental products I’m supposed to be using. Some are regular oral care; some are specific to braces. The products I’m using are:
TOOTHPASTE
JASON Seafresh Spearmint. I love the taste of this toothpaste. My teeth and mouth feel great after I use it. (I also recommend Tom’s of Maine
toothpastes.)
FLOURIDE RINSE
#1 My favorite is Tom’s of Maine’s Lemon-Lime flavored Natural Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash for a Dry Mouth. Read my review.
#2 The Natural Dentist Fluoride Rinse which was sweeter than I’d wanted. I prefer the Tom’s, but this would have been an OK alternative. I couldn’t find it in any store nearby, so have asked the local Whole Foods to order it for me. But it looks like you can get it on Amazon. Read my review.
#3 I do not recommend Tom’s of Maine’s Spearmint-flavored Anticavity Flouride Mouthwash, unless you think that mouthwashes aren’t effective unless they torture your mouth. It stung and felt like overkill. Read my review here.
LIP BALM
Burt’s Bees lip balms, both regular and tinted. Traditional lip balms are petroleum-based, which doesn’t work for your health nor the planet’s long-term health. For more lip balms recommendations, read this Ideal Bite tip.
Desert Essence Dental Tape. This floss uses natural antiseptic tea tree oil in its wax, which gives it an added boost. Read my review.
I do not recommend Tom’s of Maine Natural Antiplaque Flat Floss because it shreds easily. Read my review.
Reviews of other floss options: dental flossers and Brytonpick floss alternative.
Still to be researched:
- toothbrush
- floss threader
4 comments
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March 6, 2007 at 11:13 am
healthy option: dental floss « What’s in a Smile?
[…] Healthy Options […]
March 17, 2007 at 2:33 pm
healthy option: fluoride rinse « What’s in a Smile?
[…] Healthy Options […]
November 7, 2007 at 8:59 am
Matt Frith
This part is off topic and you probably get this a lot but, you are too young looking to be 41.
Ok back on topic.
Treatments for braces seem to take at least 2 years (at least since my HS days). How long are you anticipating having have your braces on?
My story is,
I’m trying to convince my gf to get it done, but I haven’t even confronted her with it. I’d hate to say this but, she has teeth that are shaped like a canine. Not to mention an under-bite to go with it. Added to that her top teeth show lines where her bottom teeth have been rubbing against. Having her get braces will help her in appearance and for her health. Ok maybe I’m being a little selfish š but I have her on my dental plan that will pay for half of it and the rest I can put on medical reimbursement. J
November 12, 2007 at 8:13 am
wakowa
Hi Matt,
My treatment will be one year or so. I’m at 8.5 months now, and my doc says I’m on track.
I had braces as a teenager, too, and I don’t remember it being this uncomfortable. It takes longer for my mouth to heal. That said, my primary concern was for long-term dental health, so this is totally worth it, from my perspective. One way to think about it is that the sooner I get it done, the longer I have to enjoy my better and nicer-looking bite.
Your girlfriend is lucky if she can benefit from your good dental insurance and med reimbursement. But, she’s the one who is going to have to deal with the discomfort for more than an year.
Good luck!