Teeth

Best dental products 2026: toothbrush, floss and toothpaste

Best dental products 2026: toothbrush, floss and toothpaste

A registered dental hygienist shares the products they use and recommend: Quip Rev, GUM floss picks, Sensodyne Clinical Repair and the Quip water flosser.

What happens if you never floss: from plaque to gum disease

What happens if you never floss: from plaque to gum disease

A dental hygienist explains how skipped interdental cleaning turns plaque into tartar, gingivitis and gum disease, and why starting today still matters.

Why your teeth crack without a cavity: 7 hidden causes

Why your teeth crack without a cavity: 7 hidden causes

A tooth does not need decay to crack. Learn seven hidden causes, the warning signs of a cracked tooth and the habits that lower your risk.

Tooth pain without a cavity: 7 causes and how to spot them

Tooth pain without a cavity: 7 causes and how to spot them

Sinus pressure, grinding, gum recession and cracks can all make teeth hurt without a cavity. A hygienist explains 7 causes and the clues.

Best teeth whitening methods ranked by a hygienist

Best teeth whitening methods ranked by a hygienist

A dental hygienist ranks 10 teeth whitening methods by results, safety, cost and convenience, from risky fruit hacks to custom trays.

Dangerous TikTok dental hacks a hygienist says to skip

Dangerous TikTok dental hacks a hygienist says to skip

A dental hygienist debunks five TikTok trends, from celery water for infections to charcoal whitening, and explains what actually protects your teeth.

Why scaling your own tartar at home can backfire badly

Why scaling your own tartar at home can backfire badly

A dental hygienist explains why removing visible tartar at home does not mean teeth are clean, and the real damage DIY scaling can cause.

Is a deep cleaning a scam? A dental hygienist explains

Is a deep cleaning a scam? A dental hygienist explains

A dental hygienist breaks down when a deep cleaning is legitimate, the seven questions to ask, and why comment sections skew negative.

5 signs a dental hygienist notices in your mouth first

5 signs a dental hygienist notices in your mouth first

A dental hygienist explains the 5 signs she notices first: plaque, stain, crooked teeth, bad breath and gumline cavities.

When to start fluoride toothpaste for babies and kids

When to start fluoride toothpaste for babies and kids

A dental hygienist explains the evidence-based age to start fluoride toothpaste and the right amount for babies and toddlers.

Dental hygienist ranks cavities, floss, and toothpaste

Dental hygienist ranks cavities, floss, and toothpaste

A dental hygienist picks cavities over gum disease, floss over water flossers, and fluoride toothpaste, explaining why in each case.

Why using more than one toothbrush improves dental health

Why using more than one toothbrush improves dental health

Dentists explain why rotating between two or more toothbrushes can improve plaque removal, reduce bacterial load, and extend brush life.

Five lessons from eleven years as a dental hygienist

Five lessons from eleven years as a dental hygienist

A registered dental hygienist shares how eleven years in dentistry reshaped her habits, from flossing and germ control to body care and patience.

How to know if you actually need a deep cleaning

How to know if you actually need a deep cleaning

A deep cleaning treats active gum disease, not just heavy buildup. Learn the three clinical signs that indicate you actually need one and the questions to ask your dental team.

Sjogren's disease: protecting your teeth with dry mouth

Sjogren's disease: protecting your teeth with dry mouth

Dry mouth is a hallmark of Sjogren's disease. A dental hygienist explains how it damages teeth and shares 7 practical steps to prevent cavities.