Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
As I’ve said before about household essentials, it’s important to look for the boring stuff in the sales section. That includes dental care: toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash, and the like. Whether you’re upgrading to a water flosser or adding a tongue scraper to your routine, you may as well snag it discounted. Because there is so much to sift through, I’ve gone through and found actually good deals out there. Most of the items below are things we’ve written about before and have been recommended by dentists — like our favorite whitening toothpaste or celebrity-backed biodegradable floss — and I also included a couple of dental care items worth keeping in your medicine cabinet.
Because prices and stock will likely fluctuate, I’ll be updating this frequently with the latest info and adding new stuff to this list. I recommend you bookmark it, so you can have it handy next time you’re running low on teeth whitening strips or toothbrush heads.
Our overall favorite electric toothbrush is loved by dentists for its two-minute quadrant timer, soft bristles, and pressure sensor.
If you prefer Sonicare (the other leader in the toothbrush space), we found their plaque-busting DiamondClean toothbrush for a little over $100.
Toothbrush heads should be replaced every three to four months (or sooner, if they’re frayed). Here are three for under $7 each.
These are more expensive upfront, but come out to just $3.44 each, so you’re actually saving in the end.
Singer-songwriter Hayley Kiyoko told us she goes through multiples of these mini-toothbrushes for a “quick little refresher” throughout the day.
Arm & Hammer’s Advance White is effective and less abrasive than other whitening toothpastes, meaning you can use it everyday without much risk of causing sensitivity.
Opalescence, makers of our favorite teeth whitening trays, also offers a whitening toothpaste. It uses silica to remove surface stains, but isn’t so abrasive that you can’t use it every day.
Aquafresh is kid- and dentist-approved for its sweet bubble mint flavor and fluoride formula for fighting cavities.
Here’s an excellent deal on our favorite teeth whitening strips. The cost breaks down to about $2 per treatment.
And another great deal, but for those with sensitive teeth.
Actor Ken Jeong told us his secret to being cavity-free is this specific mouthwash before and after brushing his teeth.
We also found them on sale over at Ulta. Travel sizes are just $3, and this full-size “Rainforest Mint” flavor is just $8.
Here’s a Listerine option that won’t dry out your mouth (a cause of bad breath), since it’s alcohol-free.
Stock up on floss while you can get a five-pack for only $10.
Floss picks make the chore a little easier, especially when it comes to reaching your back teeth. This pack of 90 should last you a while.
Waterpik is pretty much synonymous with water flossers, because the brand is ADA-approved and often recommended by dentists. Here’s a portable version for just $37.
This pack of four tongue scrapers is just $14, so you could easily load up for your family.
Metal tongue scrapers were recommended by dentists we spoke to, because they’re more durable and easier to sterilize. This specific one was called out as the best and is over 30 percent off.
Practically any metal tongue scraper will do, though. Here’s two for less than $5.
And, of course, a lollipop-esque one to make the task less daunting for little ones.
Dentists like this DenTek dental guard because it offers as much protection as full-fit guards while potentially feeling more comfortable. It also happens to be deeply discounted for just $23.
Another way to relieve jaw tension is with this all-natural topical pain reliever. Plus, it’s safe to use as liberally as you need.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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