Water Flosser vs Floss: Which Should You Use?
Water flossers are popular, and patients ask us every week whether they can replace string floss. The short answer: for some mouths, yes; for most, they are best used together. What each one does String floss physically scrapes plaque off the sides of teeth where they touch. Done well, it is a very effective way […]
Best Electric Toothbrush: What a Dental Hygienist Actually Recommends
You do not need the most expensive toothbrush. You need the features that change outcomes, and there are only a few. Here is what we tell patients. Features that matter Pressure sensor. The single most valuable feature. Most people brush too hard, which causes gum recession and notches at the gumline. A sensor that lights […]
Charcoal Toothpaste and At-Home Whitening: What Works and What Damages Enamel
The internet is full of ways to whiten teeth at home. Some work a little, some do nothing, and some cause permanent damage. Here is the honest ranking from a hygienist. Charcoal toothpaste: skip it Charcoal is abrasive. It scrubs off surface stain in the short term, but it also scratches enamel, and rough enamel […]
The Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath (and Why It Is Not Enough)
Most mouthwashes mask bad breath for twenty minutes. A few actually neutralize it. None of them fix the cause. Here is how to choose, and what to do first. Ingredients that work Zinc binds the sulphur compounds that cause odour rather than covering them. Look for zinc chloride or zinc lactate. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) reduces […]
How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth at Night
You cannot switch off grinding by willpower because it happens while you sleep. What you can do is reduce the triggers and protect your teeth from the damage. Here is what works. Reduce the triggers Caffeine and alcohol in the evening both increase grinding. Cut them after mid-afternoon. Stress. Grinding tracks stress closely. A wind-down […]
Oral Cancer Symptoms: 8 Early Signs Worth Checking
Oral cancer is very treatable when caught early and hard to treat when caught late. The problem is that the early signs do not hurt. Here is what to look for. Eight early signs A sore or ulcer in the mouth that has not healed in two weeks A white or red patch on the […]
CDCP Application: Step-by-Step Guide for Canadians Without Dental Insurance
The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers cleanings, X-rays, fluoride and more for residents who do not have dental insurance. Applying takes about 15 minutes. Here is exactly how. Who can apply Canadian resident for tax purposes Filed your tax return for the previous year (and your spouse or partner has too) Adjusted family net income […]
What Does the CDCP Cover? Cleanings, X-Rays, Fluoride and What It Does Not
CDCP coverage is broader than most people expect, but it has limits and a few services need approval first. Here is the practical version. Covered at a dental hygienist Oral exams and assessments Scaling (cleaning) and polishing, within yearly unit limits Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) for gum disease Fluoride treatment Dental sealants Dental […]
How to Check Your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Application Status
You applied for the Canadian Dental Care Plan and now you are waiting. Here is how to see where your application is, and what to do the moment you are approved. Check your status online Sign in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). Under the Canadian Dental Care Plan section you will see your […]
Coffee Stains on Teeth: What Actually Removes Them
Edmonton runs on coffee, and coffee leaves its mark. The good news is that most coffee staining sits on the surface and comes off completely with the right cleaning. Why coffee stains Coffee contains tannins, dark pigments that cling to the microscopic roughness of enamel. It is also acidic, which softens the surface slightly and […]