Dental questions & answers.
Search for a topic or browse below—we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from patients.
Oral hygiene & preventive care
Whitening toothpaste can help maintain brightness—but it won’t make a dramatic change on its own. Think of it as upkeep, not a full transformation.
Learn more: How effective is whitening toothpaste?
Fresh veggies, cheese, and water? Great. Sugary drinks, sticky snacks, or anything super acidic? Not so much. Your diet plays a big role in how your smile looks and feels.
Learn more: What foods help or harm my smile?
Some people try baking soda or oil pulling, but results vary and the effects are usually mild. If you’re looking for a noticeable change, it’s worth asking your dentist about professional options.
Learn more: How do you whiten teeth naturally?
Charcoal toothpaste can help lift some surface stains, but it’s not magic—and it can wear down enamel if used too often. It’s trendy, but not always gentle.
Learn more: How does charcoal whiten your teeth?
Home whitening can be convenient, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Some kits are gentle, others can irritate your gums. Talk to your dentist before trying one—it’s the best way to make sure you get results safely.
Learn more: How to whiten your teeth at home
If your mouth always feels parched, you might have dry mouth. It’s not just annoying—it can lead to cavities, bad breath, or even infections. Sometimes it’s caused by medication, sometimes by stress or age.
Learn more: What is dry mouth?
A custom mouthguard is made just for you—fitting snugly and staying in place during activity. Over-the-counter versions are cheaper, but they can feel bulky or loose. Comfort and protection often come down to fit.
Learn more: Custom vs. off the shelf mouthguards
Brush your teeth and tongue, floss daily, and stay hydrated. If bad breath persists, it could be caused by gum disease or other health conditions.
Learn more: How to Conquer Bad Breath
Choose one that’s comfortable, has a timer, and a gentle brush head. Sonic and oscillating brushes both work well—it’s more about consistency than brand.
Learn more: Which Electric Toothbrush Should You Buy?
Yes. Your genes, diet, brushing habits, and saliva flow all impact cavity risk. Even stress can play a role in how vulnerable your teeth are.
Learn more: Why You Could Be More Prone to Cavities
Most people should visit the dentist every six months. But if you’re prone to gum issues or cavities, you might need more frequent visits.
Learn more: How Often Should I See My Dentist?
That depends on your needs. Some mouthwashes target bacteria, others freshen breath, and some contain fluoride. Avoid alcohol-based ones if you have dry mouth.
Learn more: Which Mouthwash Should I Use?
Flossing removes food and bacteria from between teeth where brushes can’t reach. It helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
Learn more: Why Should I Floss?
Avoid acidic drinks, use fluoride toothpaste, and wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing. Your dentist can recommend the best products.
Learn more: Enamel Loss and How to Fix It
Tooth colour depends on more than brushing. Enamel thinning, diet, smoking, and even genetics can all play a role.
Learn more: Teeth Yellow Despite Good Dental Hygiene
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. It protects against decay—but it can wear down from acid, brushing too hard, or grinding.
Learn more: How Does Your Tooth Enamel Erode?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or inflammation from plaque buildup. It’s your body’s way of saying something’s off—so don’t ignore it.
Learn more: Why Are Your Gums Bleeding?
You can’t regrow enamel, but fluoride and minerals like calcium can help strengthen it. Look for remineralizing toothpaste, reduce acidic foods, and talk to your dentist about professional options.
Learn more: Remineralizing Your Teeth’s Enamel
It could be your brushing habits—or your genes. Some people have softer enamel or drier mouths, which makes cavities more likely. Even your diet and stress levels can play a role.
Learn more: Why You Could Be More Prone to Cavities
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens your enamel and helps fight off cavities. You’ll find it in toothpaste, and often in drinking water too. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference over time.
Learn more: All About Fluoride
Toothpaste helps scrub away plaque and delivers helpful ingredients to your teeth. Some formulas fight cavities, some tackle sensitivity, and others focus on whitening. What you choose depends on what you need.
Learn more: What Toothpaste Should I Use?
Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to gently clean from the back of your tongue forward. It helps remove bacteria, freshens breath, and improves overall oral hygiene.
Learn more: Cleaning Your Tongue