Fluoride rinses or gels are useful mainly for patients with special needs or those at high risk of caries, such as people with dry mouths. To reduce sensitivity Macleans Sensitive To reduce gingival disease, caries, tartar Colgate Total Crest Complete Whitening Macleans Whitening Toothpaste Fissure sealants Plastic coatings placed by a dental professional in the pits and fissures of the permanent teeth can help reduce caries. Electric brushes may be useful for those with poor manual dexterity. Tooth brushing at least twice daily with a small headed, medium hardness brush will also help reduce caries if a fluoride toothpaste is used. Products containing phosphates and phosphonates may help prevent calculus, but some have produced adverse reactions.
Mouthwashes are a contentious issue.
Many are subject to highly competitive advertising and, although legal constraints ensure that claims are never untrue, the impression gained may be optimistic. Many have only a transient antiseptic activity, some can be harmful by causing mucosal reactions, and they can be dangerous to children, who may ingest them. Most effective antiplaque mouthwashes have prolonged retention on oral surfaces by adsorption and then slow desorption with continued antiplaque activity. Further reading Murray JJ, ed. Prevention of oral disease.