Good News About Oral Care

Here’s news to smile about: consumers have a wider-than-ever variety of manual and power -assisted toothbrushes from which to choose. This increase in the type of toothbrushes available in the consumer oral health care market is helping many people take better care of their teeth.

Americans spent over $3 billion on oral health care products in 1995. More than $740 million went toward toothbrushes and dental accessories.

Manufacturers are more aware of the growing professional and public interest in preventive care. For instance, the increased variety of children’s oral health care products comes from manufacturers listening to oral health care professionals emphasizing the need for early intervention. Toothbrushes with brightly colored handles and/or images of cartoon characters are aimed at encouraging children to brush.

Demographics are another factor in the increased number of consumer oral health care products. As baby-boomers come into mid-life, they are at the prime age for periodontal disease, creating a market for products to address this condition.

Another trend is the increasing affluence of senior citizens, many of whom can now afford such appliances as power-assisted toothbrushes that make oral home care easier for them. The fact that people are living longer and want to keep their teeth for a lifetime also contributes to an interest in oral health care. Ultrasonic toothbrushes, studies show, remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes, but with the application of less pressure. Dental hygienists say sonic or ultrasonic toothbrushes are appropriate for most people.

Oral health care professionals advise patients to change toothbrushes every three months. Some of the most active in providing advice in oral health care are the more than 100,000 registered dental hygienists (RDHs) nationwide. These licensed professionals provide preventive oral health care services that limit the extent of cavities and gum disease.

RDHs provide many services—from cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, providing fluoride treatments, applying sealants, and recognizing oral conditions that may indicate systemic illnesses, to examining the condition of the mouth, teeth, and gums; and educating patients to maintain optimum oral health.

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