Oral Care

Oral care covers the everyday products for cleaning teeth and freshening breath: toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash and dental floss. In South Asia, older traditions sit alongside these. Many grandparents still remember chewing a neem twig, called a datun, to clean their teeth each morning, and the miswak, a twig from the arak tree, is used across the Muslim world. Herbal toothpastes and tooth powders with clove, neem, mint or salt are popular in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and many families in the UK look for the same familiar flavours.

Choosing oral care depends on the family. Children's toothpastes are milder in flavour and come in smaller tubes. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are gentler on gums, and medium brushes suit most adults. Herbal and ayurvedic toothpastes are chosen for their taste and the familiarity of home, and your dentist can advise on which type suits you. Mouthwash comes in alcohol-free versions for those who prefer them.

Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles begin to splay, and store it upright to dry in the air. Keep toothpaste tubes capped. This category belongs to personal care and household, alongside hair oils and body massage oils.