October is National Dental Hygiene Month, the perfect time to share with your patients the importance of effective home dental care products that are not damaging to their smiles.
Many patients show up to the store and grab whichever toothpaste captures their attention, without understanding why a low-abrasion toothpaste is important. Many patients experience sensitivity or are at risk of damage due to highly abrasive toothpastes. Are you able to recommend the right toothpaste to be effective AND protect?
Why Does Abrasion Matter?
The Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA) value is assigned to dental products and became the international standard based upon laboratory tests. Any number below 250 clears it for daily use; however, depending on the patient and their oral concerns, a paste with a 250 RDA may be too damaging and increase sensitivity. (Studies report 1 in 8 people deal with significant tooth sensitivity, and it is a common patient complaint in dental practices.) Always gentle yet effective, the Oxyfresh line of toothpastes ranges between 40 and 95 on the RDA scale.
Common abrasives added to toothpastes are hydrated silica, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and sodium metaphosphate, just to name a few. Whitening toothpastes are generally on the higher end of the RDA scale due to the abrasives used to buff surface stains on the dentition. While they may be effective, they are not the best choice for many patients, as these ingredients may be damaging to cosmetic restorations and areas of recession, abfraction and abrasion.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
Oral hygiene is not a one-size-fits-all regimen; different patients have different needs and goals. The care plan starts with the toothpaste and toothbrush. Most dental patients have at least one dental restoration, and for cosmetic restorations, a gentle paste is a must. Consider the RDA value of any recommended paste to protect the patient’s dental investment and oral health. Oxyfresh’s Pro Cosmetic Formula paste boasts a very low RDA value and is free from harsh abrasive chemicals.
The Cavity Protection Fluoride paste protects with essential oil, zinc and Oxygene® to provide an incredibly gentle formula that is effective and soothing on the dentition. Looking for a fluoride-free option? Look no further than Oxyfresh’s Fresh Breath Lemon Mint Toothpaste, which gains efficacy from Oxygene®, zinc and essential oils, all while delivering it with a gentle formulation that will not cause damage. Whether used alone or combined with a mouthrinse and dental gels to address additional needs, each patient has a solution option.
October is a time to acknowledge dental hygiene and encourage great habits that last all year long. Education and recommendations on effective and gentle formulations to ensure healthy and strong smiles for years to come are things your patients will truly appreciate.
