If you find yourself constantly browsing the beauty and hygiene aisle during your weekly shop  wondering what products are a must have and what products you should avoid, then we’ve got you  covered. With seemingly endless choices of dental products now available in supermarkets, from  charcoal toothpaste to whitening tools, choosing the right product can be challenging. 

Dr Minoo Ghamari frequently shares tips and tricks to her  Instagram page, where she boasts 67,000 followers, on how to get your teeth pearly white. 

The acclaimed dentist has now also revealed the best and worst dental products you can purchase at  your local supermarket, sharing a list of accessible and affordable products that will make your teeth  shine from a mile away. Next time you’re shopping for groceries, make sure to pick up or stray away  from these dental products.  

MUST HAVE PRODUCTS  

1.Sugar Free Chewing Gum   

If you love chewing gum, then we have good news for you. While many purchase gum to fix up a case  of bad breath, Dr Minoo believes chewing gum has many more benefits than just giving you some  minty freshness. Yes, you heard us! The Melbourne dentist says a pack of chewing gum really does do  wonders for your oral health in a number of ways – from promoting saliva production, which helps  wash away bacteria, to strengthening tooth enamel, making your teeth more resistant to tooth decay  and damage. Dr Minoo recommends purchasing a sugar-free gum and chewing for at least 10-15  minutes after every meal.  

2. Using an Electric Toothbrush  

An essential step for maintaining good oral health is brushing your teeth twice a day, as recommended  by acclaimed dentist, Dr Minoo. When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, Dr Minoo reveals that  electric toothbrushes are preferred over regular ones. 

The electric toothbrush is designed to provide more effective and faster cleaning than regular  toothbrushes. If possible, Dr Minoo suggests opting for the pricier option as the rotating brush head  reaches more areas that are typically difficult to access with a regular toothbrush while removing  additional plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums.  

The Melbourne dentist adds that an electric toothbrush is the much more environmentally friendly option as you only need to replace the brush head every three months, rather than throwing away an  entire, single-use toothbrush.  

3. Fluoride Mouthwash

Another must-have product for maintaining good oral health is fluoride mouthwash. According to this dentist in Glenpool, OK, fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay and cavities. Using a fluoride mouthwash daily, especially after meals or brushing, can help wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and protect your teeth from plaque buildup. It's an easy addition to your routine that provides an extra layer of defense against tooth decay, especially for those prone to cavities or who consume acidic foods and drinks regularly.

PRODUCTS TO AVOID  

1. Charcoal Toothpaste  

Charcoal toothpaste has become a popular trend in recent years, with claims that it can whiten teeth  and remove toxins. However, Dr Minoo warns that using charcoal ingredients can actually be bad for  your teeth.  

The principal dentist at Gorgeous Smiles Dental says charcoal toothpaste as a tooth whitening remedy is not the most effective option. In fact, charcoal toothpaste is far too abrasive and can actually 

remove the outer layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to stains in the future. Dr Minoo  goes on to share that the harmful ingredient can also cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath  and an increased risk of cavities. If you’re still on the hunt to perfect that smile, the accredited dentist  recommends professionally applied teeth whitening as an alternative to charcoal toothpaste. 

2. Whitening Strips  

Whitening strips have flooded grocery aisles, with many adopting the trend to achieve a brighter,  whiter smile on a budget. But unfortunately, Dr Minoo believes that whitening strips are not reliable  or healthy for your teeth and gums.  

The Melbourne dentist stresses that the bleaching agent found in whitening strips can damage the  enamel of your teeth and can cause serious gum irritation. Dr Minoo shares that once tooth enamel is  stripped away, it’s gone for good! Overuse of whitening strips can even cause serious tooth  sensitivities and discolouration over time. Instead, Dr Minoo recommends booking an appointment at  Gorgeous Smiles Dental for a professional tooth whitening consultation. 

Find out more do and don’ts about what to purchase at the supermarket by following Dr Minoo on  Instagram (@gorgeous.smiles.dentistry) or booking an appointment with Dr Minoo and her leading  team at Gorgeous Smiles.