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By Grace Clarke
There seems to be a new gadget for almost every step of our dental hygiene routine. With everything from everyday users to dental specialists weighing in online, it can be difficult to discern which ones are genuinely useful, and which are simply questionable.
But beneath the satisfying videos and shiny packaging, what actually helps keep our shiners healthy? We spoke to Dr. Avinash “Avi” Sajnani, dentist, specialist in restorative dentistry, and founder of Prosmiles, to take a closer look at the tools making waves online.
What it does: This AI-powered electric toothbrush uses a built-in camera to film inside your mouth as you brush, while its AI identifies spaces between your teeth. It then directs targeted bursts of water into those areas, combining brushing and water flossing in one rather futuristic-looking device.
Verdict: YAY with a caveat
Dr. Avi says: “The brushing function is great, and the water jet can be useful for removing food from between the teeth. It can be specifically helpful for people with bridges or braces, where conventional flossing can be difficult.
But, it does not replace dental floss. Water picks are not 100 percent effective at removing plaque, which can adhere firmly to the teeth. If the water pressure is too strong, it can also damage the gums, while pressure that is too weak may not do much at all.
If you can afford it, give it a try, but your toothbrush and floss should still be doing the main work.”
What they do: These chewable tablets temporarily stain plaque, making the otherwise invisible buildup on your teeth visible. The coloured areas (from food dye) show you where you have missed while brushing, giving you a handy roadmap for improving your technique.
Verdict: YAY
Dr. Avi says: “Everyone should use them from time to time, although I wouldn’t recommend using them every day. They are a great way to see exactly where you are missing, especially around the gum line and between the teeth.
Brushing your teeth needs a system, and these tablets can help you understand where your system is falling short.”
What they do: At-home whitening kits typically pair a peroxide-based bleaching gel with an LED or UV light device. The gel is what actually whitens the teeth, while the light is marketed as a way to enhance or speed up the process.
Verdict: YAY with a caveat
Dr. Avi says: “The important thing to understand is that the light only works when there is a bleaching agent involved. The stronger peroxide gels used in a dental clinic are generally not what I would recommend for home use.
If you are whitening at home, a custom-made tray is a better option because it fits your teeth properly and helps keep the gel away from your gums. There is no fixed schedule for whitening, but I would avoid doing it every day.
Use it according to your sensitivity and lifestyle, as the main issue is that whitening can increase sensitivity rather than damage the teeth themselves.”
What they do: These thin strips hold a peroxide-based bleaching gel against the surface of your teeth, helping to lift stains and lighten their overall shade.
Verdict: YAY with a caveat
Dr. Avi says: “Whitening strips are a good option because the gel is contained on the strip rather than spreading everywhere. The downside is that they may not cover every part of the teeth evenly, so over time you can notice a difference in shade between areas.
Over-the-counter products also tend to be quite mild, so the change will usually be subtle. If you are looking for a more dramatic result, I would recommend a custom whitening kit or having it done at the clinic.”
What they do: These tiny, bottle-brush-style cleaners are designed to slip between the teeth, helping remove plaque and food from spaces a toothbrush cannot reach.
Verdict: YAY
Dr. Avi says: “Some people really need interdental brushes when flossing is difficult for them. They are a much better option than using a toothpick, which can hurt the gums or create unwanted spaces between the teeth.
There are different sizes, so choose one that fits comfortably and passes through the space without being forced. Not everyone has the dexterity to floss properly, so for those people, an interdental brush can be very useful.”
Despite the ever-growing selection of dental gadgets, Dr. Avi says the fundamentals have not changed much. Good oral hygiene begins with mechanically removing plaque through brushing and cleaning between the teeth with dental floss.
They may not make for the most exciting TikTok videos, but these are the tools doing the essential work.
When it comes to brushing, the goal is to clean without causing damage. Dr. Avi recommends a toothbrush with soft bristles and light pressure, as brushing too hard over time can wear down enamel, potentially making teeth appear more yellow and feel more sensitive.
If there is one accessory that is firmly not a gimmick, it is dental floss. String floss cleans between the teeth and slightly beneath the gumline, reaching areas a toothbrush cannot.
Used correctly, it helps remove plaque before it has a chance to contribute to decay.
Toothpaste is a little more complicated. Many formulas use abrasives to polish away plaque and surface stains, but more abrasive formulas can also contribute to enamel wear.
Look out for sodium fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel and protect against decay, while some formulas also contain ingredients designed to ease sensitivity.
Timing matters, too. If you eat breakfast first, brush afterwards; if you brush before breakfast, brushing gently again afterwards can help keep teeth cleaner for longer.
At night, floss first, then brush with a fluoridated toothpaste. Allow the fluoride to sit for two to four minutes before rinsing lightly, and avoid eating afterwards.
Drinking plenty of water can also help wash away food debris. Be mindful of highly acidic foods and drinks, including apple cider vinegar, fizzy drinks, and citrus beverages, which can contribute to enamel erosion and sensitivity.
Finally, see your dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. Teeth do not need to hurt before they deserve attention; prevention is key.