The Best New Oral Care Products + Treatments Recommended by Leading Dentists

Oral health and cosmetic dentistry have taken drastic personal and technological turns in recent years. Advances in resources, ingredient knowledge and equipment allow today’s dental patients to choose the exact care they need amongst an abundance of choices. But no matter the specifics, most everyone is searching for the same thing - a beautiful smile.

“Your smile is your greeting card,” says Dr. Jon Marashi, a Los Angeles-based dentist with a 23-year career emphasis on cosmetic dentistry. “It’s the most visible area of your face, and how it moves and looks [communicates] verbal and nonverbal cues.”

Straight, naturally white teeth have transformed into objects of desire that are directly perceived as relating to health and social status. “These are all things that transmit belief and value systems,” says Dr. Marashi. And social media has certainly magnified the emphasis on aesthetics.

Broken down, chipped or worn teeth are common issues that clients are eager to correct. “Of all things on your face, I think your smile is the number one thing that ages you,” says Dr. Matt Nejad, a Los Angeles-based dentist who has been practicing cosmetic dentistry since 2010.

Cosmetic procedures performed incorrectly can be just as damaging. “If you have fake-looking cosmetic dentistry, it also ages you because you can tell someone's gotten work done,” adds Dr. Nejad. That’s why he believes the top beauty trend is a natural look. “Cosmetic dentistry should aim to mimic the natural beauty of the tooth instead of falling prey to the whims of unnatural trends.”

But looking natural is harder than it seems. His most commonly-performed procedure is redoing veneers installed poorly by other dentists. “As easy as it is to say, the reason we don’t do it more is because mimicking nature is the hardest thing to achieve,” says Dr. Nejad.

A beautiful smile can also deliver an overall more youthful appearance. “A bright, healthy smile is often one of the first things people notice, and the confidence that comes from having well-maintained, white teeth can profoundly impact someone’s self-esteem,” adds Dr. Tina Nguyen DMD, who founded elevated, preventative and aesthetically-focused dental service The Gleamery, essentially a modern day spa specifically catering to oral care (cleaning and whitening treatments), with locations in Los Angeles and Portland.

While some patients are driven to seek out professional oral care because of cosmetic desires, many treatments are designed to also improve one’s overall oral health. While oral diseases are largely preventable, the World Health Organization estimates they affect an estimated 3.5 billion people globally. Harmful bacteria present in the mouth can enter and travel through the bloodstream causing infection, and immunocompromised patients are especially at risk.

Although there are a slew of products and treatments available for maintaining oral health and improving cosmetic beauty, below are a few that stand out as game-changing innovations and others that have continued to be the most popular.

Game-Changing Developments in Advanced Oral Treatments

Recent developments in technology and oral care have affected both the guest experience and treatment outcomes.

“The rise of clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment” says Dr. Ngyuen. Popular brands like Invisalign and Candid provide an alternative avenue for teeth straightening than metal braces. Clear aligners are more comfortable, convenient and discrete, circumnavigating aesthetic concerns. Dr. Ngyuen also says that the ability to remove aligners for eating and cleaning promotes better oral hygiene during treatment.

“Aligner technology has advanced significantly in recent years, improving everything from material quality to treatment precision,” says Dr. Ngyuen. This includes harnessing 3D digital imaging to custom fit each aligner to individual smiles and AI that lets dentists’ track their patient’s progress through photo uploads which reduces the need for frequent in-person visits and improves compliance.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) has transformed the way professional cleaning is performed. Biofilm is the root cause of common oral health issues such as cavities and gum diseases. “GBT is a modern, minimally invasive method that uses a combination of air, water and a special powder to effectively remove biofilm, plaque and stains from teeth and gums without the discomfort associated with traditional scaling,” says Dr. Ngyuen. The treatment stains teeth with a solution or tablet that shows where all the biofilm is present on the patient, and is removed using ultrasonic air abrasion. The treatment also removes surface stains, resulting in a polished, smoother and brighter smile without the negative sensorial experiences of a traditional teeth cleaning.

“‘I think it’s the cleaning of the future because it helps you focus your efforts on where the biofilm is and helps you teach the patient which areas they are missing and need to focus on,” says Dr. Nejad. He is currently in the early stages of implementing GBT into all of his cleanings.

Another treatment that is rising in popularity among both dentists and patients is biomimetic dentistry, which uses dental methods and materials that mimics physical properties of natural tooth structure while preserving the maximum amount of tooth structure.

“Biomimetic dentistry is ideally what dentistry should be for everybody,” said Dr. Nejad. “It copies the natural tooth’s strength, function, visual appearance and aesthetics.” While the type of dentistry has been around for decades, it’s only become popular within the past 10 years with the rise of social media. “A lot of old dentistry was limited in what you could do without taking a lot [of tooth] away, and had situations where people would lose teeth and end up with root canals or implants,” he says.

Proclaim is another product that has taken the dental industry by storm. “They say that 95% who say they floss are liars,” says Dr. Marashi. “ And most people don’t do it very well.”

The standard technology for flossing - a thin piece of nylon string - has virtually remained unchanged since it made its marketplace debut. “If you think about it like this, in today’s day and age we can put a person on the moon but the best solution for oral care is a piece of string that was invented almost 100 years ago,” says Dr. Marashi.

Proclaim blasts water through a custom mouthpiece that lines up with every crevice of each tooth. In seven seconds it removes all of the plaque around the gum line and in-between the teeth.

“It’s a total game changer,” added Dr. Marashi, who invested in the company after trying the product. “As a profession, they now know that poor oral health is linked to all kinds of bad things like blood pressure, diabetes, alzheimers and dementia – things outside of having periodontal disease. So, having an effective way to clean that's never been done before and using personalized technology, because this thing isn’t a one size fits all, is revolutionary.”

Feno is a toothbrush shaped as a mouthpiece with bristles that brush the front, back and chewing surface of the teeth in 20 seconds. It creates uniformity, where each tooth is getting the same treatment for the same time, increasing the efficacy of brushing. Although it’s not as customized as Proclaim’s system - Feno comes in small, medium and large sizes - it brushes your teeth using 18,000 bristles that give 250 strokes per tooth. Dr. Marashi does not see the two products as marketplace competitors, however, because they address oral health through two different approaches: hydro flossing and brushing.

While the initial price may seem expensive, Dr. Marashi points out that the price of a few cavities exceeds the cost of either device. “It’s a major investment in prevention in your oral health. The savings over the long haul for most people is massive when you think about it.”

And, he says, as an added bonus, “you get a little bit of cosmetic dentistry - fresher breath and whiter teeth.”

Most Popular Dental Treatments for a Megawatt Smile

Porcelain veneers, a thin wafer of porcelain that’s bonded to the front of the existing tooth, are one of Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Marashi and Dr. Nejad’s most popular treatments. “It’s completely changed dental care and has given folks who had unsightly teeth the opportunity to have a beautiful and healthy smile,” says Dr. Marashi. Getting multiple teeth refashioned with veneers allows dentists to control the shape, size and color of each individual tooth but also their overall appearance.

Dr. Nejad also commonly performs full-mouth reconstruction, which differs from a cosmetic procedure like veneers by altering not just the shape of the smile but also how the teeth fit together and function.

While whitening treatments have long been popular, its techniques have altered dramatically. In addition to wearing a tray at night for at-home use, there are in-office treatments that help get the job done within an hour. “The science of the materials has gotten better and more effective to do it quicker for some folks where time is a more valuable commodity,” says Dr. Marashi. Dr. Nguyen offers a 40% whitening treatment which uses a high-concentration whitening formula to achieve an immediate and dramatic effect.

Airflow cleaning is another popular tool amongst dentists, which uses a combination of air, water and a fine powder to gently yet thoroughly remove plaque, biofilm, and stains without the sensory discomfort often associated with traditional dentistry. “It’s especially effective in reaching hard-to-access areas and leaves our guests with a smooth, polished finish,” says Dr. Ngyuen.

Dr. Marashi likens Airflow cleaning to a gardening hose pressure washing your driveway. It shoots water onto your teeth that contains micro xylitol pellets, an antibacterial. When it pops open on the tooth’s surface - like a water balloon popping on the driveway - it breaks plaque off with a gentle tickle. “All of the patients in my practice who have experienced it come back saying, do this one again,” he adds. “It's faster and more thorough.”

Enamel-strengthening varnish used at the end of treatment extends the at-home protection of in-office treatments. The highly concentrated topper is applied to teeth, strengthening the tooth enamel and helping to prevent cavities by remineralizing and reversing early signs of decay. “The finishing treatment forms a protective coating that gradually releases strengthening agents for the enamel and shields against acid attacks from food and drinks,” says Dr. Ngyuen. “This is especially beneficial for patients who are prone to cavities or sensitivity, as it reduces the risk of decay and helps mitigate sensitivity to hot or cold foods.”

Top Oral Care Products and Recommendations

Guru Nanda Whitening Strips and Mouthwashes

GuraNanda is one of the most prolific oral health brands on the market right now, and their whitening strips and mouthwashes are industry favorites. Looking to ditch your coffee, wine and smoking teeth stains without ditching the habits? The GuruNanda strips contain a whitening mixture that includes coconut extracts, hydrogen peroxide and menthol. The vegan product is offered in express (30-45 minute) and professional (60 minutes) treatment but is grippy enough to stay in place for up to two hours.

The GuruNanda Dual Barrel Breath Harmonizer Oral Rinse Mouthwash, like the brand’s other products, is inspired by Ayurveda which emphasizes a holistic approach to health. The alcohol-free odor-neutralizing formula is activated when you combine each chamber and gargle for 1 minute. One side has sodium chlorite while the other is a blend of essential oils including spearmint, peppermint, clove and tea tree, alongside baking soda and vitamins D3 and E.

Cocofloss

Cocofloss is an environmentally-friendly alternative to nylon floss. Its textured weave is spun from 85% recycled water bottles and made of over 500 interwoven threads that capture plaque by expanding like a net in your mouth. The floss is infused with cleansing coconut oil and vegan wax, promoting a smooth scrubbing experience. “It feels good, doesn’t rip, has the perfect abrasiveness and a refreshing flavor to it,” says Dr. Nejad. Cocofloss and its refillable dispenser comes in over a dozen flavors, including a holiday set featuring favorites like Gelato Affogato and Confetti Cake.

Hello Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Hello toothpastes and mouthwashes are “incredible,” says Dr. Marashi, who has been using their products for years. The company has sworn off adding preservatives, sodium lauryl sulfate, or any artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes and parabens to their products. No animal testing, either.

Hello mouthwashes are infused with such ingredients as aloe vera, coconut oil and activated charcoal. Plus, there’s no alcohol, so no need to fear the burn that accompanies other harsh mouthwashes like Listerine. The accompanying Hello toothpastes - all vegan - come in 13 flavors and combinations of whitening, fluoride, calcium mineral blend, and coconut oil, including the new vitamin C whitening toothpaste with fluoride.

CloSYS Mouthwash

“CloSYS mouthwash is incredibly effective in controlling gums and bad breath,” says Lindsey Larue, a dental hygienist at Canon Cosmetic Dental Group in Beverly Hills. Ideal for sensitive mouths, CloSYS kills gingivitis and plaque-causing germs, reverses early signs of gum disease like redness, bleeding and inflammation, and leaves you with fresh, minty breath. It was also one of the first mouthwashes to prioritize a gentle clean, getting rid of the burn and dryness that accompanies alcohol. CloSYS opts not to use triclosan, an antibacterial chemical that may be connected to your body developing antibiotic-resistant germs.

Zima Dental Pod

The Dental Pod and cleaning case by Zima Dental keeps dental tools sanitized by killing bacteria and cutting down on cleaning time. After filling the portable pod with water and a Zima cleaning tablet, the 42,000 Hz of high-frequency vibration takes just five minutes to clean your oral health tools, killing 99.9% of bacteria. Dr. Marashi has four of them at home and recommends it to all of his patients who use clear aligners or bite guards.

Auto Brush U-Shape Toothbrush

The Auto Brush U-Shape toothbrush is a full-brush alternative to Feno, using 58,000 tapered nylon bristles and sonic vibrations to deep clean the teeth from all angles. The smile-shaped toothbrush that looks like a retainer takes just 30 seconds to remove over 80% of plaque buildup and leave you with healthier, cleaner-looking teeth. And you only need to charge it every three months.

Nimbus Toothbrush

For anyone not sold on the benefits of an electric toothbrush - or for those who may be a bit too overaggressive on their brushing - the Nimbus toothbrush “is a great alternative,” according to Dr. Nejad, who gives one to each patient after a cleaning. The durable brush made from silicone or plastic combines long-tapered microfine bristles with shorter support bristles to reach tricky areas that need a soft clean while optimizing plaque removal. The bristles are designed to resist chemical breakdown while

the brush itself comes in a range of sizes and colors.

Dr. Tung’s Stainless Tongue Scraper

Dr. Tung’s Stainless Tongue Scraper gently removes bacteria that causes build up and bad breath. Made of stainless steel and adjustable to fit your mouth, the curved tongue cleaner scrapes build up and plaque right off. It’s a great extra step for achieving an even fresher smile than just using mouthwash and is also one of Larue’s go-to product recommendations

Additional Oral Care Tips From Our Dental Experts

1. Brush with no distractions to pay attention to your brushing technique.
2. Electric toothbrushes with built-in timers ensure you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes.
3. Floss daily!
4. Use fluoride mouthwash. “When plaque sits on your teeth over time, it starts to eat away at the two structures and make it soft and weak,” says Larue. “What the fluoride does is harden your tooth structure, remineralizing it through a very low dose.”
5. Gently whitening nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) toothpaste is great for people who want brighter smiles. “This mineral closely mimics the structure of natural enamel, helping to remineralize teeth, reduce sensitivity and offer gentle whitening benefits,” says Dr. Ngyuen.
6. Water flossers help reach areas where traditional floss might miss, allowing for a deeper clean.
7. The softer the bristle, the better.
8. Toothpaste should be abrasive enough to clean plaque but not so sensitive that it wears down the teeth and causes either sensitivity or loss of enamel.

Practices and Products to Avoid

It’s important to know where your products are actually coming from and whether they’ve been tested by a licensed dental board. “You could find a million different teeth whitening systems or other kinds of dental cleaning products, but just because they sell it doesn't necessarily mean that they've been tested for efficacy or are safe,” says Dr. Marashi. To stay in the safety zone and avoid bad knockoff products, he advises that “generally speaking, if something has a seal of approval from the American Dental Association you can sleep at night knowing that you're not going to harm yourself.”

Dr. Marashi also warns against recently-viral veneer technicians who he describes as “unscrupulous individuals that have bought do-it-yourself products and take consumers into their garages and bind dental material to their teeth to give them a better looking smile - but it’s illegal.” All cosmetic dentistry procedures are required to be done by a licensed dentist. Some veneer technicians have even been arrested for causing irreversible damage to the patient.

Larue does not recommend electric toothbrush brand Quip because “it has a thick, bulky and flat brush head that does not conform to the tooth’s structure.” She prefers electric toothbrushes by Sonicare and Oral B.

Avoid D-I-Y teeth whiteners too. Recipes that call for lemon juice and baking soda are chock-full of acidity which wears down enamel. “We’ve learned that safe whitening happens without any sort of acidic or highly abrasive components,” says Dr. Nejad.