.jpg)
9 hours ago
4
Courtesy of Getty Images
Oral wellness is having a moment right now, with many beauty experts stating it'll be "the next big thing" in the industry. We saw the beginnings of this trend take shape last year, but a boom of new product releases and brands is coming for 2026. We might be speculating, but we're predicting oral wellness brands launching at Sephora.
But we're not the only ones feeling this way. "Yes, oral wellness is definitely having a moment! Move over gut health, it's all about oral health in 2026," Dr. Victoria Sampson, a functional dentist and researcher, told E!.
"People are beginning to understand that the mouth is closely linked to overall health, aging, inflammation, and even skin and gut health."
We're moving far away from the harsh dental products (anyone else guilty of "if you're not bleeding, you're not cleaning well enough"?), and moving to a gentle, microbiome-friendly approach. Whether it's probiotic toothpastes or making every tool a rechargeable electric one, we're all for making things easier and more efficient.
Still, this can all be pretty overwhelming. You're either deeply comfortable with oral wellness and already have a steady routine going, or you're clueless, only doing the bare minimum but yearning for a good expert-recommended routine. We've got you.
Dr. Sampson answered all of our top questions and gave us the details on the very best oral wellness has to offer.
Doctor-Recommended Products for a Good Oral Hygiene Routine:
"I would keep it simple and clean. You don't need fancy products," Dr. Sampson told us. "You need clean products and good oral care habits!"
The first tip the doctor gave us was to steer clear of mouthwashes, unless a dental professional has explicitly suggested it. "Mouthwash can strip your mouth of all the good bacteria and actually cause more damage than good in the long run." If you need a mouthwash, opt for one that's free of alcohol.
Below are some more tips from Dr. Sampon and the specific products she recommends:
"You need a good toothpaste. Make sure when choosing a toothpaste that you choose one that is free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and is as gentle to your mouth as possible, whilst still being effective," she said.
Boka Fluoride Free Toothpaste
For a fluoride-free formula, her go-to is the Boka toothpaste.
"I would choose a toothpaste that has a remineralising agent like Hydroxyapatite or Fluoride, depending on your preference, to help strengthen your teeth," Dr. Sampson said. "I would also steer clear of any harsh abrasives like silica or calcium carbonate, and avoid high amounts of essential oils too."
Sensodyne Repair and Protect Whitening Toothpaste
Her recommendation for an effective toothpaste that contains fluoride is the Sensodyne Repair & Protect.
Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush
"I would also look at getting a good toothbrush. I recommend an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor and a timer on it to help you keep track," Dr. Sampson advised. Her favorite is the Oral-B IO electric toothbrush from their series 7, 8, 9, or 10.
SuperTeeth Prebiotic Soft Floss
"Last but definitely not least, you need to clean in between your teeth," She said. "You need to be using floss or interdental brushes at least once a day, as 30% of bacteria is found between your teeth!" Dr. Sampson's favorite floss is the Prebiotic Soft Floss from Superteeth.
TePe Pack of 8 Interdental Brush
If you simply can't figure out how to use traditional floss, Dr. Sampson also recommends interdental brushes, specifically calling out this pack from TePe. They feature flexible and soft bristles that clean the gaps between your teeth, around braces, and between implants, bridges, and crowns
Do Probiotics and Prebiotics Have A Place in Your Oral Routine?
"I would say that there has been a new appreciation for pre- and probiotics in oral care. As we learn more about the oral microbiome, we also learn how important it is to maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria," Dr. Sampson said. These bacteria are effective at reducing the risk of oral diseases and improving bad breath.
"I would look at incorporating a probiotic into your oral care routine in your toothpaste or as a supplement, and upping your intake of foods rich in prebiotics!"
Shop these probiotic-rich toothpastes and supplements below:
Boka Nano Hydroxyapatite Probiotic Toothpaste
This toothpaste from Boka contains a proprietary formula that includes Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), a biomimetic mineral form of the same ingredient that naturally makes up 97% of your teeth material, and clinically researched Dental-Lac probiotics, to support the oral microbiome.
Revitin Fluoride-Free Prebiotic Mint Toothpaste
This toothpaste promises to clean, freshen up, and balance your oral microflora with its formula that blends a mix of beneficial prebiotic bacteria with vitamins C, K, D, and E, alongside ionic minerals and CoQ10.
Oral Wellness Predictions for 2026:
"I think we are going to see a big rise in patients choosing their toothpaste like they would their skincare—to meet their needs," Dr. Sampson told us.
"Patients want to learn more about their health, and want to improve their oral health in a bid to improve their general health."
And what's on the horizon for oral wellness? "More personalized oral care, driven by science and technology, where products and routines are tailored to the individual."
Dr. Sampson says she's been impressed by some of the new electric flossers that have launched recently. We found some great options below.
Flaus Electric Flosser
This electric flosser from Flaus doesn't just have a cute pink shade and killer branding; it also has three speed settings and up to 18K sonic vibrations to make flossing so much easier. Plus, this set comes with 135 mint-flavored floss refills.
Slate Electric Flosser
The dentist-designed Slate Electric Flosser is a 3-in-1 oral hygiene tool that combines 400-strand woven floss heads, built-in gum brushes, and a triple-row tongue scraper for the total dental package.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
English (US)