Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?: Not If You Choose Carefully!
TL;DR: Does teeth whitening damage enamel? The answer depends on the method and ingredients used. In this blog, Dr. Kami Hoss explains which whitening approaches are safest, which to avoid, and how to protect your enamel while still achieving a brighter smile. Enamel is irreplaceable, and certain whitening agents—especially peroxide—can weaken or dehydrate it if […]
Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick? Here’s What to Know
TL;DR: Your toothbrush might be harboring harmful bacteria like E. coli or strep, especially after you’ve been sick. Dr. Kami Hoss shares how to protect your health with better toothbrush hygiene, proper replacement timing, and smart storage tips. Toothbrushes can host up to 1.2 million bacteria Moist, warm bathrooms promote microbial growth on brushes Improper […]
A Dentist’s Recommendations on the Best Toothbrush for Braces
TL;DR: Brushing with braces requires more than just any toothbrush. Dr. Kami Hoss emphasizes that your oral care tools should match the investment you’re making in orthodontics. He recommends the SuperMouth OrthoBrush for manual care and the Ultim8 SmartBrush with SuperBristles Ortho™ for smart, electric performance. Braces create difficult-to-clean areas that require specialized bristles. A […]
Does Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Work? The Answer May Surprise You
Blog Summary: Whitening toothpaste does work, but not all formulas are created equal, and some may do more harm than good. Traditional whitening agents like peroxide, microbeads, and blue covarine have been clinically shown to lift stains—but they’ve also been shown to increase enamel roughness over time, contributing to cavity development and tooth sensitivity. Charcoal […]
Does Toothpaste Really Expire?: What You Need to Know
Blog Summary: Yes, toothpaste expires—typically after two years—especially fluoride types, which lose their cavity-fighting power over time. Expired toothpaste may still be safe short-term, but it’s less effective and can change in taste, texture, and performance. Unopened toothpaste still expires, though proper storage may extend usability slightly past the date. Replace toothpaste if it’s expired, […]
Fluoride vs. Non-Fluoride & Other Toothpaste Ingredients You Should Also Be Concerned About
Blog Summary: Here’s what you’ll learn in this blog post: Why the fluoride vs. non-fluoride toothpaste debate (and fluoride vs. non-fluoride controversy in general) may not be the only question to ask about your oral health. How some toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients—like PTFE (Teflon), triclosan, and peppermint oil—may pose greater risks than fluoride. A breakdown […]
The Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Teeth (and What to Do About It)
Blog Summary: Stress and anxiety can trigger bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching), leading to jaw pain, headaches, and damaged teeth. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of gum disease, cavities, and inflammation. Poor oral hygiene habits and unhealthy diet choices often accompany high-stress periods, compounding dental problems. Other stress-related oral issues […]
Are You Ignoring the Dirtiest Part of Your Mouth?
You brush your teeth twice daily, religiously floss, and use mouthwash, yet something still isn’t right. Maybe you’ve noticed bad breath that won’t go away, or an odd film coating your tongue. While it might not be obvious, the culprit is often hiding in plain sight. The small bumps covering its surface are called papillae, […]
6 Ways to Ease Anxiety Around Going to the Dentist
If just thinking about the dentist makes your palms sweat, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is common and it affects people in different ways. Skipping routine cleanings and minor treatments can lead to bigger, more painful problems down the line. But luckily, there are simple, practical ways to ease your anxiety and help you to […]
Here’s Why It’s Important to Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Blog Summary: Is brushing your teeth twice a day really necessary—or is it just outdated advice? In this post, I break down the science behind the so-called “brushing teeth twice a day myth” and I explain why dental experts overwhelmingly recommend brushing in the morning and at night. You’ll learn: How Often You Should Brush: […]
