Oral care

Types of Oral Care

Oral care refers to the treatments and practices that help maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing the teeth or using a mouthwash are common examples of oral care. However, oral care encompasses a broad range of products designed to keep the mouth clean. The oral care market is vast, comprising various kinds of products and brands.

Oral care includes all products designed to clean the teeth, gums, tongue, and inner lining of the cheeks. These tissues are home to millions of bacteria that can cause bad breath and create cavities. Without good oral hygiene, plaque develops on the teeth and hardens into tartar. Regular inspections by a dental professional, combined with good oral care, can prevent gum disease and cavities.

This market consists of a variety of goods, including oral irrigators, teeth whitening, dental floss, toothpaste, gels, and mouthwash. The global market is estimated to grow from 45.67 billion USD in 2023 to 72.5 billion USD by 2030. From individual consumers to dental offices, many businesses use these products to provide their customers with satisfactory oral care.

The types of products vary based on their purpose and target customer's age. Here is a brief look at oral care products buyers should know about.

• Manual toothbrush: A toothbrush designed for manual use. It has a long handle and a small head with bristles. Children and adults use it to brush their teeth, gums, tongue, and inner cheeks.
• Electric Toothbrush: A toothbrush that runs on batteries, battery-powered, or AC/DC-powered brushes. The bristles move in circular motions or side-to-side to clean the teeth and gums.
• Toothpaste: Minty paste or gel that people use to brush their teeth with a toothbrush. It comes in a variety of flavors and is designed for different ages and oral care needs. A regular application helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Dental Floss: A thin, strong nylon or Teflon filament used to remove food particles and plaque between the teeth. It helps prevent cavities and gum disease and comes in a variety of flavors.
• Mouthwash: A liquid antibacterial rinse that people use to reduce bacteria in the mouth. It helps reduce bad breath and cavities.
• Chewing gum: Flavorful gum made with xylitol used after meals. Sugar-free gum freshens the breath and reduces the risk of cavities.
• Tongue scraper: A flat tool designed to remove bacteria and debris from the tongue after brushing.
• Oral irrigator: A device that uses a pulsating stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth. It cleans the gums.
• Teething gel: A topical gel that soothes the gums of babies as they cut their baby teeth.
• Teeth whitening products: Whitening toothpaste, strips, or gel that contains hydrogen peroxide. It lightens the teeth by several shades.

Function and features of oral care

The oral care products featured above come with smart features. They include connectivity, timers, and pressure sensors. The features make it easy for users to improve their brushing skills and dental hygiene. Here is a brief overview of the features and functions of oral care products.

• Electric Toothbrush

  A rechargeable electric toothbrush for adults has advanced features. It has a timer that helps users to brush for the dentist-recommended 2 minutes. The brush head also vibrates or rotates to provide better plaque removal. Some models have pressure sensors that alert users if they are brushing too hard. In addition to this, the toothbrushes come with Bluetooth connectivity. It allows users to sync the toothbrush with a mobile app. The app provides effective brushing guidance and progress monitoring.

• Flossers

  Oral irrigators use a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and debris between teeth and below the gumline. Notably, water flossers have smart features. They have timers and quadrant prompts. Users receive alerts when it’s time to change the brushing zone. This improves the oral care routine and promotes even brushing throughout the mouth. Some flossers come with customizable pressure settings. They allow users to choose the best water pressure for their dental needs and sensitivity. The pressure settings provide a gentle yet effective cleaning experience. Water flossers with smart connectivity can be connected to a smartphone app via Bluetooth. Users can track their flossing habits and receive reminders through the app.

• Dental Kits

  Some oral care kits come with UV sanitizers. The sanitizers kill harmful bacteria and germs that are found on toothbrushes after use. These brushes have a compact design. Some also have a portable power bank case. The case charges the toothbrush while on the go. Other models have a built-in water flosser and a moisturizing mouth spray. The mouth spray reduces the risk of bad breath.

Applications of Oral Care

Oral care products are employed in many establishments for purposes beyond consumer dental hygiene. They find applications in the following industries:

• Healthcare and Hospitals:

  Medical institutions use mouthwash, toothbrushes, and oral care wipes to maintain the oral hygiene of patients. Healthcare professionals also need these products to prevent conditions such as healthcare-associated pneumonia, which may arise from poor oral health.

• Dental Laboratories:

  Dental labs have oral care products that help them perform various functions. They use them for product testing and research. Some products are essential in the manufacturing processes, such as creating dentures and other dental appliances.

• Schools and Educational Institutions:

  Schools utilize oral care products to promote good oral hygiene. Students can be provided with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. In addition, educational institutions may teach dental hygiene and oral health courses using oral care products for demonstration and practical purposes.

• Food and Beverage Industry:

  Restaurants and catering services use mouthwash to improve customers' dining experiences. Companies in the food industry may also use oral care products for quality testing. Certain toothpaste and mouthwash products contain ingredients that can affect the flavor and fragrance of food items. Testing these products can help companies deliver items with consistent quality to the market.

• Fitness Centers and Spas:

  Gyms, spas, and wellness centers offer oral care products to their clients as part of their overall wellness and self-care programs. These facilities also use oral care products in their establishments to maintain good hygiene standards.

• Corporate and Promotional Uses:

  Companies that sell healthcare products use oral care products as promotional items. Product sampling and giveaways allow consumers to try them before making a purchase.

• Travel and Hospitality Industry:

  Hotels, airlines, and travel companies provide oral care products to guests as part of their amenities. Oral care products are a standard inclusion in travel kits given to passengers by airlines and other transport services.

• Research and Development:

  Research institutions use oral care products for clinical studies involving testing their effectiveness. Testing laboratories use oral care products to verify results and performance-related products before they are launched into the market.

How to Choose Oral Care Products

When buyers select oral care products to buy in bulk, they should consider the type of customers who will be using these products. Different demographic groups will prefer different product features. Customers will vary in terms of age, income levels, and geographic location. Customers will also have different preferences when it comes to oral care product features.

These are some important factors that buyers need to take into consideration:

• Product Features and Benefits: Modern consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of good oral health. They are more willing to invest in their oral health care. As a result, buyers should consider purchasing products that have unique features. Products that have features such as gum care, sensitivity relief, plaque reduction, and whitening should be considered. Product features should cater to different oral care needs.
• Brand Reputation: Brands that are well-known often have loyal customers. Buyers should stock brands that have a good reputation for producing effective oral care products. Good reviews and good customer feedback are indicators of high-quality products.
• Innovation and Technology: New technology and innovations can improve oral care products. Buyers should look for products that have features such as smart technology, natural ingredients, and eco-friendly designs. Smart technology features products with sensors, timers, and mobile applications.
• Cost: A product’s cost plays an important role in the profit margins that a retailer can have. Buyers must consider the wholesale price and retail price before making a purchasing decision. Buying in bulk should result in discounts that can result in higher profit margins.
• Warranty and After-Sales Support: Buyers should consider stocking oral care products that come with a warranty and after-sales support. These products are often electronic items like electric toothbrushes. If a product has a warranty, retailers are less likely to be burdened with repairs and product returns.

Q&A

Q1: How often should one change their toothbrush?

A1: It is recommended to change toothbrushes every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Q2: Is it necessary to use mouthwash after brushing?

A2: Mouthwash is not mandatory, but it can provide additional benefits such as fresher breath and improved oral health.

Q3: Does teeth whitening toothpaste really work?

A3: Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains but may not change the natural color of the teeth.

Q4: What is the importance of flossing?

A4: Flossing is crucial because it removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth, where toothbrushes cannot reach.

Q5: How to store oral care products?

A5: Oral care products should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure they're clean and dry before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth. Also, keep items like toothbrushes and mouthwash bottles separate to avoid cross-contamination. Use airtight containers for added protection. Regularly check for expiry dates and dispose of any expired products. Organize items to promote airflow between them and reduce bacterial transfer. Following these tips helps maintain the quality and hygiene of oral care products.