Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. Because they are abrasive they can destroy tooth enamel and contribute to tooth sensitivity. They work by removing surface stains, but unlike professional whitening they do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. Always consult your dentist for the best recommendations.

Sensitivity toothpaste is very effective and after a few weeks of use, you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. Cutting back on highly acidic foods may help decrease sensitivity. See your dentist if there’s no improvement.

Provides early detection of disease or damage not otherwise visible. Examples: decay between teeth, infections in the bone, periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses or cysts, developmental abnormalities, some types of tumors, etc.

Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria lives on plaque between your teeth that the toothbrush cannot get to, creating cavities. It’s important to floss at least once a day.

Many people only see a dentist when they have a problem, which is “crisis treatment” versus “preventive treatment”. They believe they are saving money, but it ends up costing much more because dental problems have advanced without early detection in a routine dental visit.