...
...
Next Story
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.

World Oral Health Day: Toothbrush to tongue cleaner, expert suggests the best oral hygiene tools for your health

Your oral hygiene is a sum total of how well you take care of your teeth every day, beyond just brushing your teeth. An expert suggests the tools you can use.

Published on: Mar 20, 2026, 16:49:21 IST
Our PickFAQs

Our Picks

Research-Backed Choices

Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research.

This Oral Health Day, remember that brushing and maintaining oral hygiene is just as important as your skincare routine. Neglecting it can lead to toothaches, bad breath, cavities, and gum problems. Just as people customise their skincare routine based on their skin type and needs, you can choose oral care essentials that suit yours. For example, if you have crooked or crowded teeth, consider floss, floss picks, antibacterial mouthwash, interdental brushes, and so on as per your teeth's or oral needs. This is how you can redefine your oral care routine.

Essential for oral health. (Freepik)
Essential for oral health. (Freepik)
By Ishika Narang

Ishika Narang is a Multimedia Writer at the Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience in digital journalism, specialising in health, lifestyle, beauty, and consumer-focused reporting. Her primary coverage areas include evidence-based health journalism, preventive care, wellness trends, and affiliate-driven consumer guides tailored for digital audiences. She began her professional journey in digital media, where she developed expertise in multimedia storytelling and platform-optimised editorial strategies. Over the years, she has worked with reputed organisations such as Park+, Jagran, and Wavel.ai, steadily building credibility in health and consumer journalism. Her work reflects a strong progression in editorial responsibility, combining research-backed reporting with audience-focused content formats. At Hindustan Times, she produces in-depth health and lifestyle features, expert-led explainers, and data-informed consumer stories. She also focuses extensively on affiliate articles, creating well-researched buying guides, product comparisons, and recommendation-based content that balances commercial intent with editorial integrity. Alongside writing, she conceptualises and manages social media storytelling, ensuring content is informative, engaging, and optimised for platform-specific consumption. Her subject expertise includes preventive healthcare, nutrition, supplements, women’s health, beauty trends, consumer awareness, and affiliate commerce content. She integrates expert consultations, peer-reviewed research, verified product analysis, and transparent sourcing. Her strengths lie in evidence-based storytelling, simplifying complex information, and producing reader-first affiliate content that prioritises trust and value. Ishika holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Marketing from Guru Gobind Indraprastha University, which enhances her understanding of consumer behaviour, digital commerce, and audience engagement, skills that complement her specialisation in consumer and affiliate journalism. She is committed to ethical reporting, transparent affiliate disclosures, rigorous fact-checking, and maintaining editorial credibility, ensuring every story upholds reader trust and journalistic standards.

Read moreRead less

Neglecting oral hygiene can also lead to gum problems that make eating uncomfortable, bad breath that affects your confidence, and cavities.

Dr Suman Yadav, Director of the Maxillofacial & Dental Department at Numed Hospital, Noida & Director of Healthy Dentzz Clinic, tells Healthshots: "A consistent oral care routine using essential tools can significantly reduce dental problems and promote long-term health. Prevention is always better than cure, and investing a few minutes daily in dental care can save you from complex treatments in the future.”

Dentist approved essentials:

Daily dental care, when done correctly with the right tools, can prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are the essential dental care must-haves and how they contribute to effective oral protection:

1. Toothbrush (Soft-Bristled)

A soft-bristled toothbrush is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. It effectively removes plaque and food particles while not harming the enamel or irritating the gums. A dentist recommends brushing twice a day in a gentle and circular motions to ensure complete cleaning.

Following are a few options from Amazon based on customer reviews and ratings:

Our Principles

Full Transparency

Every product review clearly lists the Pros and Cons, giving you a balanced view.

Brand Confidence

We focus on products from brands with a proven reputation and long-standing market trust.

2. Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. It helps to restore weak spots in the teeth and protects against acid attacks caused by bacteria and sugary foods.

Following are a few options from Amazon based on customer reviews and ratings:

3. Dental Floss

Flossing is essential for cleaning areas that a toothbrush cannot reach, particularly between teeth and along the gumline. Daily flossing prevents plaque buildup, lowers the risk of cavities, and protects against gum disease.

Following are a few options from Amazon based on customer reviews and ratings:

4. Mouthwash (Antibacterial or Fluoride-Based)

Mouthwash helps to reduce oral bacteria, freshen breath, and protect against cavities. Antibacterial mouthwashes help to reduce plaque, whereas fluoride rinses strengthen enamel.

Following are a few options from Amazon based on customer reviews and ratings:

5. Tongue Cleaner

The tongue is home to bacteria that can cause bad breath and oral infections. Using a tongue cleaner daily helps remove this buildup, improving overall oral hygiene and freshness.

Following are a few options from Amazon based on customer reviews and ratings:

6. Interdental Brushes (if needed)

Interdental brushes are particularly useful for people who have braces, gaps between their teeth, or dental implants. They clean areas that regular brushing and flossing may miss, reducing plaque buildup.

Following are a few options from Amazon based on customer reviews and ratings:

Don't miss regular dental check-ups

Regular dental visits are necessary. Professional cleaning and early detection of problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral lesions ensures prompt treatment and long-term oral health.

How to choose your oral health tools?

The right way to take care of your teeth depends on what kind of teeth you have and what kind of problem you want to fix. For example:

  • If you have straight and well-aligned teeth, you may go for a regular-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and daily floss.
  • If your teeth are crowded and crooked, you can use floss picks, interdental brushes, antibacterial mouthwash, and water flossers to clean areas where food may become stuck.
  • If you have sensitive teeth, go with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation.
  • Individuals with gum-prone teeth, on the other hand, should use antibacterial mouthwash and brush their teeth gently to help prevent gum disease and inflammation.

Similar stories:

Tips for maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home

Doctor shares 9 dental care tips you MUST know to improve your oral hygiene: ‘Get a new toothbrush every 3–4 months’

  • How often should i floss and brush?

    Brush after your final meal of the day. You can floss your teeth depending on the type of teeth you have.

  • What is the best way to prevent cavities?

    Use fluoride toothpaste, limit sugar intake, floss every day, and see a dentist as needed.

  • Why is flossing important?

    Flossing removes food particles and plaque from areas where toothbrushes cannot reach, lowering the risk of gum disease.

Disclaimer:T his article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

 
Home/Shop Now/Health And Wellness/World Oral Health Day: Toothbrush to tongue cleaner, expert suggests the best oral hygiene tools for your health
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

Make your next purchase

with Easy EMIs

at just₹108/month

Based on your credit profile

Check your eligibility in1 minute
Check Eligibility
100% SecureNo impact on credit score