In recent times, there has been a growing trend towards the use of dental wipes as a practical alternative to traditional toothbrushing for those occasional moments when we are away from home. As oral health experts, we must sound a note of caution, as their ineffectiveness in caring for our oral health is precisely their great danger: if patients start to rely on them as a substitute for toothbrushing, it could lead to problems.
But let's start at the beginning:
What are dental wipes?
Dental wipes are products designed to clean teeth and gums quickly and without the need for water or toothpaste. At first glance, they may seem like a convenient solution, especially for people who often eat out. However, it is crucial to understand the significant limitations of these products.
Limitations of dental wipes
- Surface efficiencyDental wipes can only remove plaque and surface debris from teeth. They do not have the ability to deep clean or reach the interdental areas, where food debris and plaque accumulate and are the main causes of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
- Lack of fluorideMost dental wipes do not contain fluoride, an essential mineral in the prevention of tooth decay. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and remineralise areas that begin to demineralise. Without this component, teeth are more vulnerable to decay.
- They are not a substitute for dental flossA crucial part of oral hygiene is cleaning between the teeth, which is best achieved by flossing. Dental wipes cannot reach these areas, leaving room for plaque build-up and the development of periodontal problems.
The toothbrush, an irreplaceable ally
Traditional brushing with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is irreplaceable for several reasons:
- Complete cleaningBrushing, combined with flossing, ensures effective plaque removal from all tooth surfaces, including interdental areas and the gum line.
- Remineralisation of enamelFluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen tooth enamel, something that wipes cannot offer because they lack fluoride.
Our recommendation, therefore, is to have several toothbrushes: one for travelling, another to carry with you if you always eat out (or in the car, or to keep in the office), the one at home... brushing your teeth is a task that does not take up even five minutes of your time but it is very important, and if you neglect it you can suffer quite serious consequences for your health.
Therefore, it is important to be aware that there is no substitute for brushing: no wipes, chewing gum, mouthwash or any of the other options that are offered to us every few years.