Just as you how you take care of your body and mind, your oral health also needs to be taken care of. Since young, one of the things we learnt on a daily basis was about dental hygiene. Now, with advancements in dentistry, there are more than just two steps to take care of your teeth, gums and tongue. Today’s topic will discuss about the Top 8 Best Oral Care Products in Malaysia.
How to care for your dental health?
For your face, you’d have a skincare routine for morning and night. To take care of your body, you’d exercise, meditate, etc. In the same way, you should have a dental routine to care for your oral health. Some of the methods are:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
- Use a mouthwash to clear loose food particles.
- Change your oral products according to their lifespan.
- Pay attention to your gum health.
- Pop in for your dental check-up every six months with a dental practitioner.
- Drink lots of water to avoid a dry mouth.
What happens when you care for your oral health?
When you take care of yourself physically, you would definitely feel and look better. In the same way, when you take care of your oral health, your mouth feels fresh and clean always. Some of the benefits when you look after your dental health are:
- Reduce the chances of tooth decay and gum diseases that can result in losing your teeth. This way you can still maintain your teeth for a long period of time.
- Prevent the growth of bacteria and building of plaque in the gums and teeth. This maintains the cleanliness of your teeth and gums while keeping your breath smelling fresh.
- To showcase your shiny smiles anytime, anywhere! This can help in boosting confidence and self-esteem.
- Keeping your body healthy. Any infection or disease that happens in your mouth has a chance of seeping into your body.
What are the 8 best oral care products in Malaysia?
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best oral care products you can get in Malaysia and should get your hands on!
Tongue Scraper
Did you know that most of our bad odour from the mouth comes from the tongue? This is because a lot of food particles and residues get stuck on the skin of a tongue. This is where we sometimes see a white, sometimes yellowish layer on our tongue. These particles, when left unclean on the tongue, will break down to be the bacteria causing bad mouth odour.
A tongue scraper is something used to clean one’s tongue by scraping. It removes the white or yellowish residue stuck on the tongue’s surface after a whole day of eating. It is used starting from the back of the tongue and the scraper is pulled down along the tongue until the tip. A tongue scraper usually comes in different shapes and sizes to suit different tongues.
Product – Oxyfresh Oolitt Elite Tongue Scraper
Features
This tongue scraper is proven to be the number one brand for tongue scraper in the dental field. It comes with an ergonomic handle for better grip and moving around. The user is able to clean their tongue with the easy use of just one hand. It also has a rippled edge that is patented for the best result and comfort while using it. Furthermore, it comes with a dual-blade function that increases the effectiveness of the tongue scraper.
How To Use – Place the tongue scraper right at the back of your tongue, gently scrape it down the tongue, rinse the residue, repeat twice or thrice, rinse your mouth. Repeat twice, daily.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is one of two key items that everyone needs for their oral hygiene. It comes as a paste or gel in various colours from many types of brands. Its function is to clean the teeth, remove food particles, plaque and to tackle bad breath. The toothpaste has common components in it like fluoride, abrasives, flavours, etc. that functions to do them all.
Some of the toothpaste types are children’s toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste (the most common one), sensitivity toothpaste, whitening toothpaste and charcoal toothpaste. Each has its specific use for a specific set of teeth type.
Product – TheraBreath (Whitening + Fresh Breath) Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
Features
This toothpaste is formulated by dentists to make your breath fresh and your teeth sparkling white. It is also the only charcoal activated toothpaste that comes with Oxyd-8®, a breath-freshening patented technology. Both the charcoal and oxygenating components work together to clean your teeth, remove the stains and provide you with fresh breath. It also has the essence of aloe vera to help relieve the mouth.
Although there is charcoal in this toothpaste but not to worry as it is safe. There are no hazardous or abrasive ingredients in it to irritate the teeth and gums. In fact, it can even reduce the chance of canker sores being developed in the mouth. So, not only does this toothpaste whitens your teeth, but it also provides fresh breath and prevents ulcers.
How To Use – Apply a normal-sized toothpaste on the toothbrush, brush the teeth for 2 minutes, and cleanse your mouth. Repeat twice, daily.
Mouthwash
A mouthwash (sometimes known as a mouth rinse) is a liquid product that is used to clean the mouth. It can be used before brushing (mouth rinse) or after (mouthwash). Most of the mouthwash comes with antiseptic properties in it to help kill bacteria in the mouth and flush out loose food particles too.
Most people use mouthwash to tackle bad breath and other people use it to avoid decaying teeth. There is some mouthwash that is able to heal sore throats and ulcers too. Whatever the purpose is to use a mouthwash, it is definitely an important oral product for everyone.
Product – Propolinse Japan Mouthwash
Features
This natural mouthwash is a popular oral product in Japan. It comes with two key components, propolis and green tea extract. Propolis is an antibiotic that is naturally found in honey. In contrast, the ingredient catechin, which acts as an antioxidant is obtained from the green tea extract. So, for this mouthwash, it focuses highly on looking after the individual’s dental health with all-natural ingredients only.
This mouthwash comes with various functions and can provide a quick clean of the mouth in just 20 seconds. Apart from it being safe and natural, it can also destroy 99.9% of bacteria. This is because of its anti-bacterial properties in the ingredients, which will remove bad breath and replace it with a fresher whiff. It can also avoid tooth decay by eliminating plaque. Furthermore, it also helps with teeth whitening for a cleaner, shinier teeth surface. In fact, after gargling the mouthwash and spitting the solution out, apparently some stains from your mouth is visible in the used solution. They would be the food or other particles and protein from your mouth and is removed while rinsing with the mouthwash.
How To Use – 10 to 15 ml, rinse for 20 to 40 seconds. Repeat twice, daily.
Oral Irrigator
An oral irrigator is also known as a water flosser and usually used by dentists to clean their patients’ teeth, especially the gaps in between. This is usually done after simple dental treatments. It is a small handheld device that sprays water in steady pulses, removing any food that is stuck in between the teeth. It is also very common amongst people who have dental work done, like braces as it makes flossing easier without any tangling of the traditional floss.
An oral irrigator helps to improve one’s gum health by removing plaque effective to reduce gum-related diseases. It also deep cleans hard-to-reach places with a gentle stream of water to prevent irritation of the gums.
Product – Cofoe Oral Irrigator
Features
This wireless oral irrigator provides fine cleaning of your teeth to ensure a healthier set of teeth and gums. It comes with a rechargeable battery of 1700mA capacity. It takes about 8 hours for a full charge and can be used up to 15 days (usage once a day for 2 minutes). It comes with a tank volume of 170ml and an IPX7 waterproofing case. In addition, it comes with two nozzles, standard and orthodontic.
This oral irrigator comes with three modes for you to choose from. The first one is Normal Mode for usual, efficient cleaning and a standard pressure of water. The second mode is Soft, mainly for people with sensitive teeth and gums with gentle water pressure. The third is Pulse Mode that provides deep cleaning with strong water pressure and also gum massage. With these modes, it can flush out particles in teeth gaps, clean periodontal bags and maintain healthy gums.
How To Use – Fill in the tank with warm water (preferably), select your nozzle and mode, put the nozzle in your mouth and close your lips, turn on the switch. Once a day, daily (recommended at night).
Mouth Spray
A mouth spray is an oral product used to get rid of bad breath quickly but temporarily. It can last for about 4 to 6 hours depending on the components within. Sometimes, it can also act as a substitute for saliva to soothe the dry mouth. Most of the mouth spray has antibacterial properties or anti-plaque properties to help fight the odour-releasing bacteria in the mouth.
Usually, alcohol is one of the main ingredients in a mouth spray but that has changed mostly nowadays. It is found out that alcohol causes dry mouth so it has been removed for moisturisation. Most of the mouth sprays are also sugar-free as to avoid causing caries to users. The regular flavours that mouth sprays come in are mint flavours or cinnamon. Sometimes, there is a cooling effect to them too.
Product – Amway GLISTER Mint Refresher Spray
Features
It is a mouth refresher spray that is small and lightweight. With its 14ml capacity and pocket-sized, you can carry it anywhere and keep it with you for emergencies. It also comes in a non-aerosol dispenser for easy and safe use. This mouth spray guarantees up to 250 metred sprays per dispenser. Some of its ingredients include SD Alcohol 38-B, Glycerin, Flavour, Menthol, etc.
It guarantees a fresh and cool mouth with just one spray and on the go. It also removes up to 99.99% of bacteria from the mouth, hence improving one’s bad breath. It contains no sugar so it will not cause any dental caries.
How To Use – Pull the cap up (if you pull to the side, the tip might break), hold it straight, then press on the nozzle and spray directly into the mouth. Only one pump is sufficient.
Dental Floss
Flossing is now a mandatory oral product due to its countless oral health benefits. Dental floss is a thin string used to remove plaque, particles and food residue in the gaps of the teeth. The string is commonly made out of nylon material.
Flossing is highly encouraged to avoid plaque build-up and the forming of gingivitis. The teeth gaps are where toothbrushes can’t clean. However, you must be careful when using dental floss near the gums. If there is too much friction and pressure, it could lead to irritation and bleeding of the gums. As much as it is used to clean along with the gumline, you must use the right flossing technique.
Product – Oral B Satin Dental Floss
Features
This 50-metre floss comes in a unique shape of a wide satin-like ribbon. This makes it easier and more comfortable to hold with and to clean wide gaps between teeth. It comes with mint flavour and it’s released generously the moment the floss comes in contact with your teeth. This is the indication that the floss is working as intended.
It is a waxed dental floss and is able to do a fully comprehensive cleaning of teeth and gums. It can remove dental plaque and food particles between your teeth and hard-to-reach places with your brush. It is also soothing on the gums and easy to hold, even if it’s wet. After using this dental floss, your mouth will feel clean and refreshed.
How To Use – Pull out the dental floss about 45cm, wind it around a finger, slide the floss gently between teeth and under the gumline, repeat for all around the mouth. Use different floss for upper and lower teeth. Once a day, daily (recommended at night)
Toothpaste Tablet
Toothpaste tablets are revolutionising the world of dental health and toothpaste use. To be more eco-friendly and reduce the use of plastic tubes, scientists and dentists have worked together to design these tablets. It is made out of a toothpaste formula without the presence of water. Then, it is pressed into a pill form. It breaks down into the paste component when you pop it into your mouth and is hit by water (your saliva).
It is a great oral product for travellers especially since they do not need to carry bulky toothpaste everywhere. Other than that, if you’re someone who likes to brush your teeth after every meal, then this is a great option. Just put one into your mouth after a meal and chew away. Also, if you’re sensitive or allergic to fluoride, this is one option you can switch to.
Product – Chew N’ Brush Solid Toothpaste
Features
This solid toothpaste is Malaysia’s first-ever tablet toothpaste. It is well-certified by National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and is acceptable for human ingestion. It comes in a glass jar of about 100 tablets and be stored for 12 months. The bottle must be kept in a cool and dry place as to avoid the tablets breaking down into paste form.
The properties of these tablets are vegan, cruelty-free and made with natural, friendly ingredients. Some of them include Kaolin Clay, Calcium Carbonate, Peppermint leaf extract, Spearmint Oil, etc. The mint ingredients are what gives it a fresh minty flavour. This tablet does not come with SLS, fluoride, artificial sweetener and triclosan. Overall, this oral product is slowly becoming the future of oral care in Malaysia!
How To Use – Put a toothpaste tablet in your mouth, start chewing, as it dissolves can brush as usual for 2 to 3 minutes, spit out and rinse your mouth. Repeat twice, daily.
Teeth Whitener
Teeth whitening or bleaching is a dental treatment/process where our teeth are lightened from the shade it was before. Our teeth normally are yellowed over time due to many reasons, like smoking and drinking coffee. After all, we all love white, shiny teeth to display when we smile. It makes us more confident and feel better-looking, aesthetically.
Usually, we visit the dentist to have our teeth whitened. However, it is a complicated process if you need frequent whitening treatment. This is where teeth whiteners for home use was designed. It is made to be easy to handle with the right amount of components and clear instructions. It is professional but also fast and effective.
Product – Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening
Features
This teeth whitener comes with 20 pre-filled, disposable trays (10 for upper teeth and 10 for lower teeth). In the tray, there is a pre-mixed solution for teeth whitening and all you have to do is use it. This is very convenient and allows whitening to be done easily on the go.
This teeth whitener comes in two flavours for fresh after-taste, mint and melon. It is also available in three concentration of hydrogen peroxide. If you choose 6% concentration, the wearing time is from 60 to 90 minutes. If it is 10% concentration, then the wearing period is from 30 to 60 minutes. Finally, if you choose 15% concentration, the wear time is only from 15 to 20 minutes.
How To Use – Remove the tray from the package, place it on your teeth, suck on it gently for 2 seconds, remove the outer tray, suck down or swallow again and wear it for 30 to 60 minutes or 15 to 20 minutes. Usage varies according to the condition of your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are teeth whiteners compulsory for everyone?
Not necessarily.
If you have terrible staining on your teeth surface due to smoking, coffee drinking, etc., then you will need this product more. However, if your teeth do not have that much staining, then you do not need this. You could visit your dentists for scaling and whitening occasionally.
Do I need to use both dental floss and an oral irrigator?
No, you don’t.
The function of both these products is the same. The only difference is one is a string while the other uses water and pressure. You can try both or consult a dentist on which is better for your oral needs.
What are the main oral care products I need?
You would need a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and tongue scraper.
Actually, these best oral care products in Malaysia listed above are essential to anyone. You need them to maintain a clean and healthy mouth. Other than that, it differs according to your specific oral needs for other products. Usually, your dentist would recommend and prescribe the products to you.
Buying Guides
Guides are meant to help you according to your oral needs.
If you have bad breath, bleeding gums, cavities, etc., you will need to find oral products that treat them. On the other hand, some people need or prefer specific features or ingredients in their oral products. For example, fluoride in the toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthwash or irrigators with multiple settings.
If you’re unsure, then consult your dentists for prescribed products, or refer to the 8 best oral products in Malaysia listed above according your needs. They are the best guide for anyone when it comes to buying oral products.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, oral care is necessary and do require some work. Nonetheless, if you got the best oral care products, it will definitely produce great results for your oral health. After all, everyone loves having a bright and fresh smile all the time!