Dentists Name Their Go-To Dental Care Tools

Dentists across the country are weighing in on the dental products they rely on most, highlighting tools that range from premium electric toothbrushes to practical budget buys as part of a daily routine that supports overall health.

Dr. Bronwyn Hagan, a New York–based dentist with Fitzsimons & Hagan Dentistry, advocates choosing an electric toothbrush over a manual one and singled out the Oral-B iO Series 9 as a favorite. She says the real-time feedback feature helps patients brush with the right pressure: too hard, too soft, or just right, with a green indicator signaling proper technique. The Series 9, she notes, also lets users view in an app whether all tooth surfaces are being cleaned, and it comes with seven cleaning modes, three extra brush heads, and a travel case. It’s currently offered at a discount on Amazon, at about 29% off for a limited time.

For those seeking a fluoride-free option, Hagan points to Davids nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, marketed for sensitive teeth. The product is vegan, whitening, and available in peppermint or orange-vanilla flavors, providing an alternative to traditional fluoride toothpaste for curious or sensitive patients.

When it comes to manual brushing, Cocofloss offers a notable option in the Cocobrush manual toothbrush. Hagan has recommended it for patients who prefer manual brushes, praising its soft bristles that feel gentle on gums. The Cocobrush features thousands of micro-bristles designed to be about 75% finer than standard bristles and an angled brush head to reach under the gum line, available in four colors.

Flossing remains a critical step, and Cocofloss woven dental floss is among Hagan’s favorites. She emphasizes that water flossing can be helpful, but it does not replace traditional flossing or floss picks, which provide mechanical debridement of teeth and gums. The Cocofloss line includes a kid-friendly string floss that also works well for adults, with a “grippy” texture that makes it easier to pull stubborn gunk from between teeth. Flavors such as strawberry, pineapple, and watermelon appeal to many patients, she adds.

In terms of toothpaste with active ingredients, Crest cavity protection toothpaste is a staple for Hagan. She notes that a toothpaste should include fluoride or nano hydroxyapatite to provide anti-cavity benefits, a standard she follows in her practice. Crest, she says, carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance and, with regular brushing, can help prevent cavities before they start.

Budget-conscious patients aren’t left out. Dr. Joke Alesh, a Rhode Island-based dentist, has told HuffPost she buys large bundles of Colgate Extra Clean toothbrushes for the convenience of monthly brush head changes. She stresses that bristle integrity matters most: flattened, worn bristles fail to displace plaque, so changing toothbrushes regularly, even if it means choosing simpler, more affordable options, is essential for effective cleaning.

For patients interested in an all-in-one solution, Waterpik’s Sonic Fusion 2.0 combo offers a toothbrush and water flosser in one device. Hagan says she also recommends water flossers for certain patients, such as those with implants or substantial bone loss. While she doesn’t personally use water flossers every day because she’s a busy mom, she acknowledges that the fusion model — with three cleaning modes, two toothbrush speeds, a two-minute brushing timer, and ten water-flosser pressure settings — can simplify routines by letting users brush and floss with the press of a button.

In sum, the latest guidance from dentists emphasizes a layered approach to oral care: a powered brush for efficiency and feedback, a fluoride or hydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste, floss or a floss alternative for mechanical debris removal, and, for select patients, a water flosser or combo device to tackle hard-to-reach areas. The common thread remains clear: regular, thorough brushing twice daily, daily flossing, and periodic dental visits are the foundation of a healthy mouth and, by extension, overall health.

Dental care products in the market today reflect a range of preferences and needs, from high-tech feedback-enabled brushes to simple, dependable floss options. For patients navigating these choices, discussing lifestyle, sensitivity, and budget with a dental professional can help tailor a routine that fits into daily life while supporting long-term oral health.