Can my husband and I use an electric toothbrush and anticavity mouth rinse to maintain oral health?

Question

Hi doctor,

I would like to consult with you about dental care. My husband and I have not gone to a dentist since COVID hit, and I am wondering if, besides brushing and flossing, there are other things we can do to ensure our oral health is taken care of.

We use a regular toothbrush and an anti-cavity mouth rinse, along with flossing. I saw that there are electric toothbrushes with an application that helps brush thoroughly, such as Philips or Oral-B. I was wondering if you could recommend any tools or toothbrushes so we can take care of ourselves until we can see a dentist.

Kindly give your opinion.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query, am very happy to help you in every possible way.

It would be very helpful if I had seen the current oral hygiene status of you and your husband. Kindly upload an image, keeping your mouth open, making sure the teeth are visible.

I will guide you if I find any concerning issues. Apart from this, except for brushing and flossing, you can use chlorhexidine mouthwash and rinse, mixing it in lukewarm water two to three times a day.

Once I receive the image, I will assist immediately and help in every possible way.

I hope this was helpful.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please attach the pictures. I will help in every possible way.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I went through the images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity).

Overall oral hygiene is fine, by the way. But your husband has a few carious teeth in the upper right second premolar, upper left first premolar, second premolar, and first molar. They need attention, such as fillings or a root canal, as per the carious spread.

But if it is not safe for you to go out and get help, you can maintain oral hygiene till then. Yes, an electric toothbrush gives promising results. But they are expensive. You can use them or just a simple ultra-soft toothbrush. Rinse every time you eat any sticky food. Use a mild mouthwash, but do not prolong its use. Give breaks in between two to three weeks, then continue again as they can impart staining too.

Since it is a COVID situation, try rinsing the mouthwash in lukewarm water. Saltwater gargle works like a charm. Eat healthily and take vitamin supplements to boost immunity.

I hope it was helpful.

Let me know if any further queries. I will be very happy to help again.

Thank you.