As dentists now doubt that flossing does your teeth any good, we look at 8 alternatives
Top cosmetic dentist looks at alternative products’ claims and rates them out of five to help you achieve that winning smile
WITH scientists now doubting that flossing your teeth does any good, here TIM BRADSTOCK-SMITH, a cosmetic dentist at , looks at alternative products’ claims and rates them out of five.
Xylitol Mints
£14.99
(12 packs)
Contains a natural sugar alternative that helps prevent acid attacks.
TIM SAYS: Sucking mints can neutralise acid levels in the mouth. But it won’t remove bacteria between your teeth. TWO STARS
Listerine Original
£4.25
Kills up to 97 per cent of germs after brushing.
TIM SAYS: The alcohol in this may cause tooth erosion over time – and it won’t remove bacteria from between teeth. ONE STAR
UltraDex Oral Rinse
£7.99
Alcohol-free pre-brushing mouth rinse.
TIM SAYS: A mild mouthwash suitable for anyone with inflamed gums or bad breath. Not a direct alternative to flossing though. THREE STARS
Colgate Fluorigard
£4.99
Minty mouthwash with fluoride.
TIM SAYS: Fluoride is best in small doses. Prevents decay but is no substitute for cleaning between the teeth. TWO STARS
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Denti-Brush Wire-Free Interdentals
£3.49
Flexible brushes to clean between your teeth.
TIM SAYS: A good alternative to flossing but only comes in one size. FOUR STARS
CB12 Boost Chewing Gum
£4.50
Sugar-free gum to prevent bad breath.
TIM SAYS: Sugar-free mints would also increase saliva while neutralising acidity. ONE STAR
Boots Disclosing Tablets
£2
Briefly stains teeth to highlight problem areas.
TIM SAYS: A great aid for showing plaque up after brushing. THREE STARS
Boots Dental Pick Kit
£6.15
Pick removes traces of food while the scaler aids removal of plaque.
TIM SAYS: Kits like this can do more damage than good and shouldn’t be sold. NO STARS