Electric Smile...

My dentist considers Halle Berry to have the ideal smile. Perhaps she uses the Sonicare...

I'm not a big "beauty gadgets" person. But there are a couple I consider must-haves -- I've extolled the virtues of one of these in a previous post; the other is my electric toothbrush. I know -- not the most glam gadget, but after my post on teeth whitening, several people expressed to me their concerns about going the bleaching route and asked about basic maintenance options that would help control staining and enhance the natural whiteness of their teeth. In my experience, a good electric toothbrush makes all the difference.

Not that I ever thought I'd be an electric-toothbrush type person -- to me, they seemed like a pointless gadget that cluttered up your bathroom counter with ugly cords. Then someone gave me one for Christmas several years ago -- with no "return gift card" included. I decided to give it a whirl, and have been a devoted user ever since. My dentist Dr. Kwong says that the electric toothbrush is for people who are "really, really concerned about taking care of their teeth". Um, that would be me. I come by it honestly -- my mom used to stand over us kids, making sure we brushed each tooth ten times -- and an obsession was born. (I admit it: I'm one of those floss-twice-a-day people, too).

There are a few well-known brands out there, but the Sonicare, in my and Dr. Kwong's opinion, wins hands down. It has proven oral health benefits (awesome tartar control) and purports to naturally whiten teeth up to two-and-a-half shades whiter in two weeks.

So if, like me, the thought of exposing your sensitive gums to a potent bleaching solution gives you the same shivers as does someone running their fingernails down a chalkboard -- you might want to invest in a Sonicare (or get someone to give you one for Christmas).

Also, a reader emailed me to ask what kind of toothpaste I use. Well, I hope my dentist isn't reading this, but I use a non-fluoridated, natural toothpaste. Right now, I'm using Weleda, a holistic brand that was founded in Switzerland, and now produced in the UK and available world-wide. I like their Plant Gel formula, which purports to be extremely gentle on tooth enamel. There's a lot of controversy out there regarding fluoridated toothpastes, and adamant arguments on both the "pro" and "no" sides. I made a personal decision to avoid fluoridated toothpastes.

But aside from the fluoride concerns, I especially dislike some other ingredients found in conventional toothpastes. I really don't want to be putting artificial sweeteners and colourants, sudsing agents, and other toxic chemicals into my mouth. The toothpaste companies warn you not to swallow the stuff, but of course it still gets absorbed into your system to a certain degree.

Anyway, as a reader commented, a great smile definitely wins over artificial enhancements like make-up... And as my dentist says, what really makes a great smile is a healthy smile -- I've found the Sonicare-natural-toothpaste combo to work well for me. Along with, of course, regular professional cleanings (there you go: a reason to smile, even at the dentist's office)!

Comments

[e.]

I honestly never thought about the ingredients in my toothpaste, but your right, its going right into your mouth. I'd never ever use artificial sweeteners, so why would I want that in my toothpaste, ug! Thanks for bringing that to my attention!!

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi E. - yes, absolutely, I really believe conventional toothpastes contain ingredients you don't want in your mouth or getting absorbed into your system! Fortunately, there are quite a few natural options out there!

[Jennifer]

I just started using the sonicare too and love it, my dentist recently recommended it, and has it ever made a difference. Btw, I like your funny stories! My mom used to stand over us when we brushed our teeth too, haha! I think I'll get her a Sonicare for Christmas!

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Thanks, Jennifer! Great to hear you like the Sonicare too. And I'm sure your mom, who sounds like mine in the oral-health department, will love one for Christmas... ;-)

[H.]

I'm all for oral health too, but yikes, I wish the sonicare wasn't so pricey. How about those much cheaper battery ones you just pick up in the drugstore aisle, do you know which ones I mean? do those work almost as well?

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi H. - yes, I know which ones you mean, and you could definitely give them a try, though they don't use the same technology as the Sonicare and sadly, likely wouldn't be as effective. Personally, I think I'd rather hold off for the Sonicare, and use my manual toothbrush in the meantime. As my dentist says, a manual toothbrush definitely does the job if you're brushing properly and flossing diligently... Hope that helps!

[LS]

Dare I say I like my Braun electric toothbrush? :P Someone gave it to me as a gift, too, haha, and I find it quite good, although I've never used a Sonicare and have heard really excellent things about it! Maybe my next one will be the Sonicare! :)

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Thanks, LS, good to hear you find the Braun toothbrush effective as well! And yes, I would encourage you to perhaps give the Sonicare a try the next time around...
;-)

[mel]

What about mouthwashes or rinses that is suppose to help lessen tartar build-up? Do you think the ingredients are harmful just like some toothpastes?

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi Mel - yes, I would definitely avoid conventional mouthwashes as they contain ingredients that again, you really don't want in your mouth. I'll do a post on natural options in the future, thanks for your question!