Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
What Your Dentist Won’t Tell You: My Top-Tier Hygiene Must-Haves
21
items As a dental professional for 20 years, I look at the science and the results. This list contains the exact books I use to educate and the dental tools I recommend to keep a smile healthy for life.
Sections
3
Tier 1: Non-Negotiable Essentials
Tier 2: The Upgrades
Tier 3: The Truth About Teeth
Tier 1: Non-Negotiable Essentials
The stuff everyone needs
Most brands use alcohol that kills all bacteria, leading to dry mouth and worse breath. I’ve recommended this for years because it neutralizes sulfur without the burn. It’s the 'gold standard' in the industry.
Mouthwash | Fresh Breath, Anticavity & More - TheraBreath
String flossing is great, but 80% of patients don't do it right. As a 20-year pro, I’d rather you use this for 60 seconds than skip flossing entirely. It clears out the debris your toothbrush physically can't reach.
White Waterpik™ Aquarius™ Water Flosser
The 'raw truth'? Most sensitive toothpastes just numb the nerve. This actually helps remineralize the enamel. It's the future of dental care that the big commercial brands are finally catching up to.
Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes | Fluoride-Free | Davids
A must have!
GUM® SOFT-PICKS® ADVANCED - Curved to easily slide between ...
This is exactly what we recommend for kids
Kids Mouthwash | ACT® Kids Pure Protect Simply Strawberry
A must have if you have braces or bridges.
Oral-B Super Floss for Braces, Mint
A must have if your crown came off.
DenTek® Temparin® Max Advanced Repair Kit
Use sparingly, and dilute if needed. Use in an emergency with a toothache pain.
Organic Clove Essential Oil 30ml Pure
Use this for toothache!
Clove Oil | Walgreens
Great for toothbrush abrasion
Oral-B Sensitive Manual Toothbrush 35 Extra Soft
Tier 2: The Upgrades
Professional Level, Better toothbrushes/flossers
This is the 'Ferrari' of toothbrushes. It uses magnetic iO technology (not just vibration) and has AI that literally maps your mouth to tell you where you missed a spot. It’s as close to a professional cleaning as you can get at home.
iO Series 10 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, Cosmic Black - Oral-B
I love this for patients with 'aggressive' brushing habits. It has SenseIQ tech that senses your pressure up to 100 times per second and automatically adjusts the intensity so you don't scrub away your enamel.
Brosse à dents électrique Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900
The raw truth? Your toothbrush is a breeding ground for bacteria in the bathroom. I keep my brush in a UV sanitizer because it kills 99.9% of germs. If you’re using a high-end brush, don't let it stay dirty.
iHave Wall Mounted Electric Toothbrush Holder with 3 Cups & UV
Stop using the cheap strips that do nothing. This is the same brand we use for in-office whitening. It’s stronger and safer for your enamel than the 'viral' kits you see on social media.
Opalescence - Professional & At-Home Teeth Whitening
Most people don't realize they grind their teeth until the damage is done. Don't buy the 'boil and bite' ones from the drugstore—they can mess up your bite. This is the professional-grade laboratory version.
ClearClub: Custom Night Guards from $95 | Stop Teeth Grinding
The best toothbrush for kids!
Kids Sonic Electric Toothbrush | Philips Sonicare
My personal favorite
Sonicare Electric Toothbrushes - Philips
Tier 3: The Truth About Teeth
Books & Education
A classic for a reason. I use this to teach kids that teeth are 'permanent equipment.' It's a fun way to start the conversation about why we brush before they ever step foot in my office.
The Tooth Book (Bright & Early Board Books)
I love this for nervous kids. It shows that even the dentist is a little nervous! It humanizes the experience and helps lower the anxiety I see in the chair every day.
The Crocodile and the Dentist (Illustrated)
Very expensive, but such a great alternative to something removable in the mouth.
Dental Implants: What You Should Know - FDA
I try to always educate my patients about an endodontic procedure so they can make the best decision for themselves.
What is a Root Canal? - American Association of Endodontists