Page 8 - Masala Lite Issue 190 October 2026

8 BEAUTY

THE FULL IB
DENTAL

GADGETS WORTH SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR MONEY

Brush up on the gadgets vying for Exceptional talent deserves an
a place beside your toothbrush, home, a custom-made tray is a better option because it fits your

teeth properly and helps keep the gel away from your gums. There
and get the dentist’s verdict is no fixed schedule for whitening, but I would avoid doing it every Exceptional education.

day. Use it according to your sensitivity and lifestyle, as the main
on each one. issue is that whitening can increase sensitivity rather than damage
the teeth themselves.”
BY GRACE CLARKE
TEETH WHITENING STRIPS
here seems to be a new gadget for almost every step of
What they do: These thin strips hold a peroxide-based bleaching gel against the
our dental hygiene routine. With everything from everyday
surface of your teeth, helping to lift stains and lighten their overall shade.
users to dental specialists weighing in online, it can be
difficult to discern which ones are genuinely useful, and which Verdict: YAY with a caveat

are simply questionable. But beneath the satisfying videos and
Dr. Avi says: “Whitening strips are a good option because the gel is contained on the
shiny packaging, what actually helps keep our shiners healthy?
strip rather than spreading everywhere. The downside is that they may not cover every
We spoke to Dr. Avinash “Avi” Sajnani, dentist, specialist in
part of the teeth evenly, so over time you can notice a difference in shade between

restorative dentistry, and founder of Prosmiles, to take a closer
areas. Over-the-counter products also tend to be quite mild, so the change will
look at the tools making waves online.
usually be subtle. If you are looking for a more dramatic result, I would recommend
a custom whitening kit or having it done at the clinic.”
INTERDENTAL BRUSHES
DYSON’S CAMERAJET
What they do: These tiny, bottle-brush-style cleaners are designed to slip between
What it does: This AI-powered electric the teeth, helping remove plaque and food from spaces a toothbrush cannot reach.
toothbrush uses a built-in camera to film Verdict: YAY

inside your mouth as you brush, while its

AI identifies spaces between your teeth. Dr. Avi says: “Some people really need interdental brushes when flossing is difficult

It then directs targeted bursts of water for them. They are a much better option than using a toothpick, which can hurt the

into those areas, combining brushing and gums or create unwanted spaces between the teeth. There are different sizes, so

water flossing in one rather futuristic- choose one that fits comfortably and passes through the space without being forced.

looking device. Not everyone has the dexterity to floss properly, so for those people, an interdental
brush can be very useful.”
Verdict: YAY with a caveat
Dr. Avi says: “The brushing function is THE BASICS, According to Dr. Avi
great, and the water jet can be useful for Despite the ever-growing selection of dental gadgets, Dr. Avi says the fundamentals
removing food from between the teeth. It have not changed much. Good oral hygiene begins with mechanically removing plaque

can be specifically helpful for people with through brushing and cleaning between the teeth with dental floss. They may not make

bridges or braces, where conventional for the most exciting TikTok videos, but these are the tools doing the essential work.

flossing can be difficult. But, it does not

replace dental floss. Water picks are not A TOOTHBRUSH
100 percent effective at removing plaque, which can adhere firmly to the teeth. If the

water pressure is too strong, it can also damage the gums, while pressure that is too When it comes to brushing, the goal is to clean without causing damage. Dr. Avi

weak may not do much at all. If you can afford it, give it a try, but your toothbrush recommends a toothbrush with soft bristles and light pressure, as brushing too hard
and floss should still be doing the main work.” over time can wear down enamel, potentially making teeth appear more yellow and

feel more sensitive.
PLAQUE DISCLOSING TABLETS
DENTAL FLOSS
What they do: These chewable tablets temporarily stain plaque, making the otherwise
invisible buildup on your teeth visible. The coloured areas (from food dye) show you If there is one accessory that is firmly not a gimmick, it is dental floss. String floss cleans University destinations:

where you have missed while brushing, giving you a handy roadmap for improving between the teeth and slightly beneath the gumline, reaching areas a toothbrush
your technique. cannot. Used correctly, it helps remove plaque before it has a chance to contribute
to decay.
Verdict: YAY
SOME TOOTHPASTE
Dr. Avi says: “Everyone should use them from time to time, although I wouldn’t
recommend using them every day. They are a great way to see exactly where you Toothpaste is a little more complicated. Many formulas use abrasives to polish away
are missing, especially around the gum line and between the teeth. Brushing your plaque and surface stains, but more abrasive formulas can also contribute to enamel
teeth needs a system, and these tablets can help you understand where your system wear. Look out for sodium fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel and protect against

is falling short.”
decay, while some formulas also contain ingredients designed to ease sensitivity.
UV AND LED TEETH WHITENING KITS
GOOD HABITS

Timing matters, too. If you eat breakfast first, brush afterwards; if you brush before
What they do: At-home whitening kits typically pair a peroxide-based bleaching gel
with an LED or UV light device. The gel is what actually whitens the teeth, while the breakfast, brushing gently again afterwards can help keep teeth cleaner for longer. At

light is marketed as a way to enhance or speed up the process. night, floss first, then brush with a fluoridated toothpaste. Allow the fluoride to sit
for two to four minutes before rinsing lightly, and avoid eating afterwards. Drinking Deadline: 12 Feb 2027
Verdict: YAY with a caveat plenty of water can also help wash away food debris. Be mindful of highly acidic

foods and drinks, including apple cider vinegar, fizzy drinks, and citrus beverages,
Dr. Avi says: “The important thing to understand is that the light only works when
there is a bleaching agent involved. The stronger peroxide gels used in a dental clinic which can contribute to enamel erosion and sensitivity. Finally, see your dentist
are generally not what I would recommend for home use. If you are whitening at every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. Teeth do not need to hurt
before they deserve attention; prevention is key.
MASALA LITE ISSUE 190 - OCTOBER 202 6