If there is one thing that previous HuffPost shopping coverage would reveal, it is that we care a whole heck of a lot about the state of our mouths. Every possible condition or concern that one might have with their oral health, we have asked dental professionals about, be it a whiter smile or aging teeth. We fully acknowledge that some of these expert-recommended solutions can be pretty costly, so for this Memorial Day, we rounded up all of the formerly suggested products that also happened to be on sale. Up ahead, take a look at the discounted toothpastes, tools and mouthwashes that dentists want you to use. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
1. MasterMedi Flexible Metal Tongue Scrapers (20% Off)
When asked about the best ways to eliminate stubborn bad breath, St. Louis, Missouri-based board-certified orthodontist Dr. Erin Fraundorf previously said that tongue scraping is possibly the most important and effective method of eliminating bad breath because it has been found to promote the right balance of good bacteria in the mouth. She recommended these flexible tongue scrapers, a set that has over 9,500 ratings on Amazon. They are made from 100% authentic copper, which is much easier to clean than plastic and will not harbor bacteria. The ergonomic design is U-shaped and flexible, so you can cover the entire length and width of your tongue in one pass, or squeeze it smaller to target one specific area. They also come with two cases, making them easy to store in your bathroom drawer or travel with. $12 at Amazon (regularly $13-$15).
2. Lumineux Pain-Free Whitening Strips (20% Off)
Dr. Bronwyn Hagan of New York-based practice Fitzsimons & Hagan Dentistry previously recommended these Lumineux whitening strips for people with sensitive teeth. They are non-toxic and peroxide-free, instead using natural ingredients like coconut oil and Dead Sea salt. The box comes with seven treatments that work in much the same way as the Crest strips: apply them for 30 minutes once a day for four days, and then once a week after that or as directed by your dentist. $36 at Amazon (regularly $45).
3. Waterpik Water Flosser (36% Off)
Three different dentists previously recommended Waterpik's water flossers, with two of them specifically suggesting this cordless option that is convenient for travel. Its battery can last up to four weeks before needing a charge, and a travel bag is included with your purchase. The 7-ounce reservoir provides up to 45 seconds of flossing time. There are three pressure settings, four specialty tips and 360-degree tip rotation to reach all the nooks and crannies. $45 at Amazon (regularly $70).
4. Crest 3D Whitestrips (14% Off)
If brushing alone is not giving you the white smile you want, Hagan named the Crest 3D Whitestrips, a HuffPost reader favorite, as one of the great at-home options for whitening. She mentioned it is especially good for folks who have never whitened their teeth before. This Crest 3D formula, in particular, is made for sensitive teeth and contains 18 treatments that you can apply daily for 45 minutes to an hour before peeling them off. The brand claims they can remove over 25 years of stubborn stains in just three weeks, leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile. $38 at Amazon with coupon (regularly $44).
5. CariFree Remineralization Oral Rinse (17% Off)
My practice uses the CariFree mouthwashes as they balance pH, help dry mouth and aid in balancing bacterial load and aiding in gingivitis prevention, Dr. Inna Chern of Manhattan's New York General Dentistry previously said when commenting on the most effective mouthwashes. This anti-cavity oral rinse contains fluoride and xylitol, both essentials in fighting bacteria, and has an elevated pH to neutralize decay-causing acids in the mouth. It is alcohol-free and comes in three flavors: grape, mint and citrus. $15 at Amazon with coupon (regularly $18).
6. Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush (24% Off)
In previous HuffPost reporting, Dr. Angela Abernathy, a dentist at New York City's Boutique Smiles, said she currently uses the Series 9 model of Oral-B's iO electric toothbrush. I really like the electric brushes because they have technology that prevents you from brushing too hard. If there is too much pressure, the brush will either stop or stall to prevent damage to your teeth and gums. Also, the iO has a light around the head that will turn red if there is too much pressure, blue if there is not enough pressure and green if the pressure is just right, Abernathy said. She also points out that this toothbrush has a timer to make sure you are brushing for at least two minutes. One other thing I like about the iO is that there is an app you can download to sync with your phone and evaluate your brushing over time. I especially highlight this feature for my patients, she added. $250 at Amazon (regularly $330).
7. Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 (29% Off)
When asked about the benefits of a water flosser, Dr. Lauren Becker, a general and cosmetic dentist based in New York City, previously said that she typically prefers a corded option as opposed to a cordless option, mainly because of the power and strength of the pressure. Over time, I find that cordless water floss options lose their pressure strength, she said. She added that she recommends the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 to her patients. This flosser has two modes and 10 intensities, with a 550-milliliter water reservoir. The flosser is designed to shoot out four streams of water to give your mouth a deeper clean, and the pulse wave feature can help guide your flossing routine. The flosser comes with an extra nozzle for when it is time to replace. $64 at Amazon (regularly $90).
8. Crest Sensitive Gum Formula Toothpaste (20% Off)
If you deal with sensitive teeth, cosmetic dentist Dr. James Heaton previously recommended this unflavored sensitive gum formula by Crest Pro-Health, which contains stannous fluoride and works by creating a shield of protection around the tooth that fends off sensitizing foods and liquids, while also fighting off harmful oxidants that may be damaging to the gums and may even be able to help reverse gingivitis. $8 at Amazon (regularly $9).
9. Biotène Oral Rinse for Dry Mouth (22% Off)
For anyone who deals with chronic dry mouth, a condition that we are told can lead to bad breath and cause cavities or problems with the gums and supporting bone, New York City-based dentist Dr. Azadeh Akhavan previously suggested the Biotene oral rinse because it contains glycerol, a mouth moisturizer that quickly soothes and lubricates the mouth for up to four hours. The brand also claims this formula works to help maintain a balanced pH in the mouth. Biotene or any mouth-wetting mouthwash should also stay on the teeth as long as possible, without dilution, for maximal effectiveness. So ideally, mouthwash should be used prior to bedtime with no rinsing after use, she added. $11 at Amazon (regularly $14).
10. DenTek Professional Fit Night Guard (37% Off)
When asked about the role that mouthguards can play in oral health, Dr. Anjali Rajpal, a cosmetic dentist and owner of Beverly Hills Dental Arts, previously said that options like DenTek Professional-Fit offer a boil-and-bite fit that can mold to your bite for better coverage and cushioning against grinding. A firm and protective bottom layer protects the teeth, while a soft top layer creates contouring comfort for front and back teeth while you sleep. $16 at Amazon (regularly $25).
11. Professional-Strength ioRinse for Gum Health (28% Off)
When talking about the best ways to preserve gum health, Bianca Velayo, general dentist and multi-practice owner with PDS Health, previously said that the ioRinse mouthwash is her go-to cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)-containing option, especially for those managing periodontal disease. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that help support a healthier oral environment, says Velayo. It is also alcohol-free, which makes it gentler for daily use and less likely to cause dryness or irritation. $25 at Amazon (regularly $35).
12. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste to Stop Bleeding Gums (20% Off)
Fatima Khan, dentist and co-founder of oral care brand Riven, previously said that toothpastes containing zinc citrate or pentasodium triphosphate can prevent tartar formation and stannous fluoride has anti-microbial properties and inhibits the growth of certain periodontal pathogens, and has anti-inflammatory properties and can delay the onset of gingivitis. The toothpaste she recommended is this gum detoxifying formula by Crest, a fluoride toothpaste formulated to help neutralize harmful plaque bacteria around and below the gum line. It also contains zinc citrate and stannous fluoride. $5 at Amazon (regularly $5-$6).
13. Xylitol Chewing Gum for Dry Mouth (17% Off)
Dr. Corey Brick, a New York City-based dental surgeon, previously offered guidance on caring for chronic dry mouth. One ingredient that he suggested was xylitol, a sugar alternative that can prevent cavities and increase saliva production. It can be found in some lozenges or gums, like these from Xylichew, which are made with natural ingredients that are beneficial to oral health and come in a variety of flavors like cinnamon and spearmint. Just be sure to keep them away from your pets. $10 at Amazon (regularly $12).
