Know the Tooth

Everyone wants a whiter smile. But what many of us don’t realize is that a lot of traditional whitening products can come with trade-offs for your teeth and oral health. Whitening your teeth shouldn’t come at the expense of your enamel, gums, or overall oral health. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter whitening products rely on two common approaches: Harsh abrasives Peroxide-based chemicals The Problem With Many Whitening Toothpastes Abrasives Many whitening toothpastes work like sandpaper for your teeth. They rely on abrasive particles to scrub away stains from the surface of enamel. While this may create a whiter appearance initially, repeated use can gradually wear down the enamel over time. Once enamel is lost, your body cannot regenerate it. Symptoms that many people notice after using abrasive whitening products include: Sensitive teeth and gums More reactive to cold Rougher, worn enamel Chemical Bleaching Peroxide-based whitening strips and gels aim to bleach the tooth surface to make it appear brighter. However, in the process, the enamel surface can become dehydrated, temporarily creating a more porous and vulnerable tooth surface. This dehydration effect is one of the primary reasons many people experience increased tooth sensitivity during or after whitening treatments. As the enamel becomes more permeable, temperature changes, acidic foods, and everyday stimuli can more easily reach the nerves inside the tooth — leading to discomfort, irritation, and heightened sensitivity.  There’s a Smarter Way to Whiten The whitening benefit of nano-hydroxyapatite is just one more reason that this ingredient has become so exciting in modern oral care. Nano-hydroxyapatite is a biomimetic mineral that closely resembles the natural structure of your enamel. Instead of aggressively stripping or bleaching the teeth, it works by supporting and smoothing the enamel surface itself. Research suggests nano-hydroxyapatite may help: Brighten teeth safely Improve the appearance of enamel Smooth microscopic surface irregularities Reduce sensitivity Support stronger, healthier-looking teeth As the enamel surface becomes smoother and healthier, teeth can naturally appear brighter, cleaner, and more reflective—without relying on harsh abrasives or irritating chemicals. Whitening Should Support Oral Health — Not Work Against It These days, we are much more intentional about the products we use regularly. Consumers are asking all the right questions: What ingredients am I putting in my body? Is this product damaging my enamel? Is there a gentler way to whiten? Whitening routines should not leave teeth feeling weaker, more sensitive, or more irritated. At Dr. Jen Oral Care, we believe whitening should be both effective and supportive of long-term oral health. That’s why our formulas are designed to: Brighten the smile gently Support enamel health Respect the oral microbiome Minimize sensitivity Support whole-mouth health The Future of Whitening Is Smarter, Not Harsher The goal shouldn’t be aggressively bleaching at all costs.  The goal should be achieving a brighter, healthier smile in a way that supports your teeth long term. Healthy enamel reflects light beautifully. ✨ Whiten smarter. Protect your smile.

What Consumers Need to Know Before Choosing an nHAp Toothpaste Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste has exploded in popularity over the last few years—and for good reason. When formulated well, nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp) can help support enamel, reduce sensitivity, and strengthen teeth in a way that closely mimics the natural mineral your teeth are made from. But here’s the part many don’t realize: Just because a toothpaste says “nano hydroxyapatite” on the label does not mean it’s high quality. As more brands rush into the fluoride-free market, there are now huge differences between products in terms of formulation quality, effectiveness, and long-term performance. And unfortunately, those differences can directly impact your oral health. Why Quality Matters With Nano Hydroxyapatite Think of nano hydroxyapatite like ingredients in food or skincare. Two products may list the same ingredient on the label, but the quality, purity, manufacturing process, and overall formula can be completely different. A good comparison is skincare. Most of us already understand that not all skincare products are created equally—even when they contain the same “active” ingredients. The overall formulation, quality, and supporting ingredients all influence how well the product actually performs. Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is no different. Simply adding nano hydroxyapatite to a toothpaste does not automatically make it effective. The quality of the overall formula matters. What Makes a High-Quality nHAp Toothpaste Different? 1. The Formula Matters More Than the Marketing Many brands focus heavily on buzzwords and percentages, but a toothpaste is much more than one ingredient. A high-quality nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is carefully formulated to help the minerals stay in contact with the teeth long enough to do its job. It should also support the overall environment of the mouth—not disrupt it. That means looking beyond flashy packaging and asking: Does this formula support remineralization? Is it gentle on the mouth? Does it contain supportive ingredients? Is the company investing in quality or simply chasing trends and profit margins? 2. Supporting Ingredients Are Extremely Important Healthy teeth are not just about minerals—they’re also about the environment in your mouth. The best formulas often include ingredients like: Xylitol to help support a healthier oral environment Gentle cleansing agents that don’t irritate tissues Ingredients that help maintain a balanced oral pH These supporting ingredients matter because enamel is constantly interacting with acids, bacteria, saliva, food, and the oral microbiome. A toothpaste should support that ecosystem—not work against it. 3. Harsh Ingredients Can Work Against Your Teeth Some lower-cost toothpastes rely on aggressive detergents or harsh foaming agents because they create that “super clean” feeling consumers are used to. But harsher formulas can sometimes: Irritate sensitive mouths Dry oral tissues Disrupt the oral microbiome Interfere with how well beneficial ingredients interact with the tooth surface A gentler formula often performs better long-term because it supports the mouth rather than constantly stressing it. 4. Cheap Toothpaste Is Often Cheap for a Reason We are trained to compare prices—but with health care, cheaper is not always better! Lower-cost nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes often cut corners with: Lower-quality raw ingredients Poor overall formulation Minimal research and development Less investment in manufacturing quality Marketing-driven trends rather than clinical performance Quality can vary dramatically between brands because fluoride-free toothpaste products are not regulated the same way traditional fluoride toothpastes are. All of this means we need to be more careful and selective with what we are putting in our mouths. Most people use toothpaste 2–3 times every day, every year, for decades. That makes it one of the most consistently used health products in your routine. When you think about it that way, investing in a higher-quality toothpaste becomes easier to understand. You're not just paying for branding—you’re paying for: Better formulation Better ingredient quality Better long-term support for your teeth A Good nHAp Toothpaste Should Feel Like an Investment in Your Health The goal shouldn’t just be avoiding cavities. The goal should be supporting stronger, healthier teeth for the long term with products that are thoughtfully formulated and designed to perform well over time. At the end of the day, not all nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes are created equally—and our teeth deserve more than the cheapest option on the shelf.

Most people think dry mouth is just bothersome. Maybe your mouth feels sticky at night. Maybe you wake up thirsty, need water constantly, or notice bad breath no matter how much you brush. What many of us don’t realize is that dry mouth can have a huge impact on our teeth and long-term oral health. Why Saliva Is So Important Saliva does far more than keep our mouths feeling comfortable. Saliva is actually one of our body’s main defenses against: Cavities Acid buildup Bad breath Plaque accumulation Enamel breakdown It constantly helps: Wash away food and bacteria Neutralize acids Deliver minerals to our teeth Support our oral microbiome Protect enamel throughout the day When saliva decreases, our mouth loses a lot of that natural protection. Why Are So Many People Experiencing Dry Mouth? Dry mouth has become incredibly common, and when the mouth stays dry for long periods of time, our teeth become much more vulnerable. Some of the biggest causes include: Medications Mouth breathing Stress Dehydration Hormonal changes Sleep issues GLP-1 medications for weight loss and blood sugar support Many people taking newer GLP-1 medications are especially noticing: Constant thirst Dry mouth at night Increased plaque buildup More tooth sensitivity More cavities near the gumline The Problem With Most Dry Mouth Products Most traditional dry mouth products are designed to make our mouths feel better temporarily. These rinses, sprays and melts may add moisture for a short period of time, but many don’t actually help support or protect the enamel. That means our mouths may feel less dry for an hour—but our teeth are still dealing with: Acid exposure Mineral loss Higher cavity risk Faster enamel wear This is why many people with chronic dry mouth continue to struggle with dental problems even when using standard dry mouth rinses or sprays. Why Nano Hydroxyapatite Makes Sense for Dry Mouth This is one reason nano hydroxyapatite has become so exciting in modern oral care. Nano hydroxyapatite is a mineral that closely resembles the material your teeth are naturally made from. For people with dry mouth, this matters because saliva normally helps support and protect enamel throughout the day. When saliva decreases, teeth lose some of that natural support system. Nano hydroxyapatite helps fill that gap by supporting the tooth surface directly. Many people with dry mouth choose nano hydroxyapatite because it can: Support weakened enamel Reduce sensitivity Smooth the tooth surface Create a more protected feeling on the teeth Support long-term oral health Why a Moisturizing Gel with nHAp Can Be More Effective for Dry Mouth For those struggling with dry mouth, moisture alone is usually not enough—the way moisture is delivered matters too. This is one reason a moisturizing oral gel can be so effective. Unlike rinses or sprays that may provide only brief relief before quickly washing away, a gel is designed to stay in contact with the tissues and teeth longer. That longer-lasting coating effect helps provide more sustained comfort and protection throughout the mouth. For people with chronic dry mouth, this can make a significant difference—especially at night, during long periods of speaking, or for those taking medications that reduce saliva production. A well-formulated moisturizing gel can help: Coat and soothe dry oral tissues Provide longer-lasting moisture Help reduce that sticky, uncomfortable dry feeling Protect sensitive areas of the mouth Support a healthier oral environment overall When paired with ingredients like nano hydroxyapatite, a moisturizing gel does even more than temporarily relieve discomfort, it can support patients who lack the vital minerals that are present in saliva. The Bottom Line Dry mouth is more than just uncomfortable—it can significantly impact your teeth over time. And while staying hydrated is important, your oral care routine matters too. Choosing a high-quality product designed to support both the enamel and the oral environment can make a major difference—especially for people dealing with chronic dry mouth, medication-related dryness, or increased sensitivity.  

What Consumers Should Know Before Making the Switch As more people become interested in fluoride-free toothpaste options, one ingredient keeps gaining attention: nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp). But many consumers still have the same question: Can nano hydroxyapatite actually replace fluoride? For many people, the answer is yes — when choosing a high-quality formula. What Is Nano Hydroxyapatite? Nano hydroxyapatite is a mineral that closely resembles the material your teeth are naturally made from. In fact, your enamel is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite. That’s one reason nano hydroxyapatite has become so popular in oral care—it’s a mineral your body already recognizes. Unlike many trendy wellness ingredients, nano hydroxyapatite has a long history of use: It was originally researched and developed by NASA in the 1970s It has been used in oral care products in Japan and the EU for decades It continues to grow in popularity worldwide as consumers look for alternatives to traditional fluoride toothpaste Why Are People Looking for Alternatives to Fluoride? Many of us are becoming more intentional about the products we use every day. We are reading labels more carefully, paying attention to ingredients, and asking more questions about what we put in and on our bodies—including oral care products. For some of us, fluoride remains a great option. But others are looking for a fluoride-free approach that still supports: Strong enamel Fresh breath Reduced sensitivity Long-term oral health That’s where nano hydroxyapatite comes in. How Nano Hydroxyapatite Supports Teeth Rather than simply coating the teeth, nano hydroxyapatite is designed to help support and strengthen the surface of enamel itself. Consumers often choose nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste because it may help: Support enamel health Reduce tooth sensitivity Smooth the tooth surface Support remineralization Create a healthier-feeling mouth overall Many people also report that their teeth feel smoother and cleaner over time compared to traditional toothpaste. But Here’s the Important Part: Not All nHAp Toothpastes Are the Same This is where we need to be careful. As nano hydroxyapatite becomes more popular, many companies are rushing to release products quickly to capitalize on the trend. But simply adding nano hydroxyapatite to a label does not automatically make a toothpaste effective. The quality of the formula matters tremendously. Read our blog “Not All Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes Are Created Equal” to learn what to look for. Why the Company Behind the Toothpaste Matters Another thing many of us overlook when choosing a nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is who is actually formulating the product. Today, many fluoride-free oral care brands are being built primarily around marketing trends, rapid growth, and low-cost manufacturing. In many cases, the people leading these companies are not dental professionals, scientists, or experts in oral microbiology—they are investors and marketers responding to consumer demand. This matters because creating a truly effective nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste requires much more than simply adding an ingredient to a formula. Dr. Jen is not only a practicing dental professional, but also an innovator, scientist, and engineer who has dedicated herself to understanding the relationship between oral health and whole-body health. Her work is rooted in biomimetic science and a deep understanding of how ingredients interact with teeth, saliva, the oral microbiome, and the overall oral environment. But just as importantly—she is also a mother. That perspective shapes the way her products are developed. The goal is not simply to create another trendy fluoride-free toothpaste. The goal is to create products she would personally feel confident using herself and recommending to families and patients every single day. That means prioritizing: Thoughtful formulation over shortcuts Ingredient quality over profit margins Long-term oral health over marketing hype Supporting the entire oral environment—not just masking symptoms This is a stark contrast to many of the cheaper nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes now flooding the market. There are countless brands releasing lower-cost formulas designed to compete on price—not performance. Unfortunately, many of us assume all nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes are interchangeable simply because the ingredient appears on the label. Making the Switch with Confidence The difference often comes down to the expertise, intention, and philosophy behind the formulation itself. When we choose a toothpaste, we are placing trust in the company who creates it, and with something used within the body multiple times every day, who we trust matters.

Toothpaste tablets have become extremely popular lately. They’re marketed as modern, eco-friendly, travel-friendly, and convenient—so it’s easy to understand why many people are interested in them. But when it comes to our oral health, convenience shouldn’t be the only thing that matters. The bigger question is: Are toothpaste tablets actually as safe and effective as traditional toothpaste—especially when it comes to protecting your enamel? What Are Toothpaste Tablets? Toothpaste tablets are small compressed tablets that you chew before brushing your teeth. Once mixed with saliva, they turn into a paste-like texture that you brush with. They’re often marketed as: Travel-friendly Minimalist Sustainable A cleaner alternative to toothpaste But the way they work is very different from traditional toothpaste—and that difference matters more than we realize. The Problem: They Depend on Saliva to Work Properly Unlike regular toothpaste, tablets have to fully break down in our mouths before brushing even begins. That means our saliva has to: Dissolve the tablet Spread the ingredients evenly Create the right consistency for brushing Here’s where concerns start to come in: As the tablet mixes with saliva, the active ingredients become diluted. For example, a toothpaste tablet may advertise nano hydroxyapatite on the label—but once it’s mixed with saliva, the amount actually coating the teeth may become much lower than intended. If the tablet does not dissolve evenly, or if the ingredients become too diluted during use, the toothpaste may not perform the way we expect. That matters because ingredients like nano hydroxyapatite work best when they are delivered in the correct concentration both consistently and evenly across the tooth surface. This is one reason why a well-formulated traditional toothpaste can often provide a more reliable experience. Another Concern: Abrasiveness One of the biggest concerns with toothpaste tablets is that they do not always fully dissolve before brushing. If larger particles remain while brushing, they can be rougher on the teeth and gumline. Over time, this may contribute to: Tooth sensitivity Wear on enamel Irritation near the gums Gum recession Traditional toothpaste is already fully hydrated and formulated to provide a more controlled consistency during brushing. With tablets, the experience can vary depending on: How long we chew the tablet How much saliva we produce Hydration levels Medications Dry mouth issues Dry Mouth Can Make Tablets Even Less Effective This is especially important for people who already struggle with dry mouth. Many common medications, stress, mouth breathing, sleep issues, and newer GLP-1 medications can reduce saliva production. Read more about Dry Mouth here! Since toothpaste tablets rely heavily on saliva to break down properly, people with dry mouth may have an even harder time getting consistent ingredient delivery. Trendy Doesn’t Always Mean Better Toothpaste tablets are often marketed as a modern upgrade to traditional toothpaste. But oral care isn’t just about trends, aesthetics, or convenience—it’s about protecting your teeth long term. Our enamel has to last a lifetime. That’s why consistency, formulation quality, and reliable ingredient delivery matter so much more than trendy packaging. The Bottom Line Toothpaste tablets may seem appealing, but we should understand that they come with trade-offs. Potential concerns include: Less consistent delivery of active ingredients Dilution during use Incomplete dissolution Increased abrasiveness Greater challenges for people with dry mouth When it comes to our oral health, the best products are not simply the trendiest ones—they’re the ones designed to consistently support and protect your teeth over time.

Today we are much more intentional about the products we use. Swapping plastic water bottles for reusable ones, replacing plastic food containers with glass, and moving away from plastic cooking utensils, disposable straws, and single-use products are all examples of how we have taken a step towards healthier lives. Oral care is no different. Most of us do our best to brush our teeth twice a day, every day, for our entire lives. That means the packaging and products used in our oral care routines creates an enormous amount of long-term waste—much more than we might realize. The Hidden Plastic Problem in Oral Care Traditional toothpaste tubes are surprisingly wasteful. Most are made from multi-layer plastics that are difficult—or sometimes impossible—to recycle properly. Those tubes add up quickly. Millions of toothpaste tubes end up in landfills every year, where they can remain for decades. Many of us are already trying to reduce plastic exposure and waste in other parts of our homes, but oral care is one category many haven’t considered yet. Sustainability Shouldn’t Mean Sacrificing Quality One challenge with oral care is that many consumers feel forced to choose between sustainability or performance. But that shouldn’t have to be the case. At Dr. Jen Oral Care, the goal was to create products that support both long-term oral health and more thoughtful packaging choices. A Smarter Approach to Toothpaste Packaging Traditional toothpaste tubes often contain far more plastic than necessary. Dr. Jen redesigned her packaging to significantly  reduce plastic use while still maintaining product quality, stability, and ease of use. The result: Less plastic used per tube Recyclable packaging once cleaned out Reduced long-term environmental impact No compromise in product performance Because sustainability should feel practical and realistic—not extreme. Even Floss Creates Plastic Waste Traditional floss is usually made from plastic-based materials like nylon.That means something as small as flossing every day can create years of accumulated plastic waste over a lifetime. That’s why Dr. Jen offers plastic-free silk floss that is biodegradable while still being gentle and effective for daily use. It’s a small switch—but small daily habits are exactly what create meaningful long-term change. Why Consumers Care More About This Than Ever Before We are becoming increasingly aware that what we use every day matters. We are constantly evaluating: What ingredients am I using? What materials am I throwing away? What products am I bringing into my home every single day? And oral care deserves to be part of that conversation too. Because your toothpaste and floss are not products you use occasionally. They’re products you use every morning and every night for decades. The Bottom Line Sustainability in oral care doesn’t have to mean sacrificing effectiveness. Small improvements—like reducing plastic packaging, using recyclable materials, and offering biodegradable floss—can make a meaningful difference over time. Because just like switching to reusable water bottles or replacing plastic kitchen tools, thoughtful oral care choices are another way consumers can support both their health and the environment through simple daily habits.  

Nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp) has become one of the most talked-about ingredients in modern oral care. Some people see it as the future of toothpaste. Others get nervous simply because the word “nano” sounds unfamiliar or intimidating. So what’s the truth? The takeaway is actually very simple: Nano hydroxyapatite is not a new or experimental ingredient that is suddenly being added to toothpaste. It has been researched for decades and used in oral care products around the world for many years. What Is Nano Hydroxyapatite? Nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp) is a form of calcium and phosphate that closely resembles the natural mineral your teeth are already made from. That’s one reason it has gained so much attention in oral care. Instead of introducing something foreign to the teeth, nano hydroxyapatite works with a material your body already recognizes. We discuss more about what makes nHAp so beneficial in another blog! It’s commonly used in toothpaste to help: Support enamel Smooth the tooth surface Reduce sensitivity Support remineralization This Isn’t a “New Trend” Ingredient One of the biggest misconceptions about nano hydroxyapatite is that it’s brand new. This is not an ingredient that appeared overnight because of social media trends. Hydroxyapatite toothpastes were developed in the 1970s by NASA and have been used in Japan since the 1980s. They have been part of oral care for decades and millions of people brush with nHAp every day! What About the Word “Nano”? This is where much of the confusion comes from. Some brands use fear-based marketing around the word “nano” because it sounds alarming to consumers. But “nano” simply refers to particle size. In oral care, smaller particles are important because they can better interact with the tiny microscopic areas on the surface of the teeth. That’s the goal! Teeth naturally contain microscopic pores, grooves, and surface defects. Nano hydroxyapatite was designed to better support those areas. Is It Considered Safe? One of the strongest safety reviews comes from the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). In its most recent review, the SCCS concluded that nano hydroxyapatite is safe for use in toothpaste and mouthwash within the evaluated concentrations. That’s important because the SCCS is one of the most respected scientific safety committees in the world when it comes to consumer products. The overall takeaway from current research is reassuring: Nano hydroxyapatite has been extensively studied It has decades of real-world use Safety reviews support its use in oral care products What Happens If You Swallow It? This is another common concern consumers have. According to current safety reviews, nano hydroxyapatite from toothpaste is expected to dissolve in stomach acid if unintentionally swallowed. Research also suggests that nano hydroxyapatite primarily acts locally in the mouth rather than traveling throughout the body. Some brands now use nano hydroxyapatite derived from eggshells, which can sound unusual at first—but eggshells are naturally rich in calcium. Research on eggshell-derived nano hydroxyapatite has shown promising results for enamel support and remineralization. Like any ingredient, what matters most is: Quality Manufacturing standards Purity Overall formulation The Bottom Line We should not be afraid of nano hydroxyapatite simply because the word “nano” sounds unfamiliar. Nano hydroxyapatite has been used in oral care for decades, has been reviewed by independent scientific safety committees, and continues to gain attention because of its promising role in enamel support and remineralization. The more important question is not whether nano hydroxyapatite is safe. The more important question is whether we are using a high-quality formula designed to truly support oral health long term.  

For some people, flossing is the best part of their daily oral healthcare routine. They just love getting in there and clearing out the debris. But for most of us? Flossing is a necessity, but nothing we look forward to. Are you struggling to gather the motivation to floss each day? Well, they say knowledge is power. Perhaps these five surprising facts about flossing will give you the strength to ensure it is part of your day—and maybe even get you to start looking forward to it! #1: Floss Goes Where Your Brush Can’t A great toothbrush should dig into the crevices between your teeth—and the right brushing technique can help at the gumline. However, it cannot fully get between the teeth. Flossing gets rid of the debris and plaque stuck in the spots your brush can’t reach. #2: Your Floss Ribbon Has an Ideal Length How much floss is too little—or too much? You might think that it doesn’t matter as long as you can hold it, but the truth is that the ideal length for your floss ribbon is 18 to 20 inches. This gives you enough to wrap around your fingers for a firm grip while still leaving enough to really move around the teeth and along the gumline. #3: If Flossing Makes Your Gums Bleed, You Need to Floss More In general, if something is making you bleed, it’s a sign to stop what you’re doing. This isn’t necessarily the case with flossing. While you absolutely could be using the wrong techniques and harming your gums, usually bleeding is a sign that your gums are inflamed due to a lack of flossing. Floss regularly and this should go away. #4: Orthodontic Appliances Aren’t an Excuse to Skip Flossing Flossing with braces and fixed retainers is harder than it would be without them. However, this is not a reason to skip flossing. Floss threaders and new techniques allow you to floss around fixed appliances, keeping your teeth healthy while improving alignment. #5: There Is More Than One Type of Floss Think you are stuck with that plastic-textured wax floss? Nope! There are plenty of alternatives, including natural silk floss. Not only do these feel better to use in most cases, but they are also biodegradable and safer for your teeth! Looking for the ideal floss for you? Check out Dr. Jen's All-Natural Silk Floss!  

You’ve been brushing your teeth since you were a toddler. With decades of experience under your belt, you’re no doubt a real pro at it. Right? Well... Maybe not. You see, brushing your teeth isn’t as intuitive as you might think. In fact, most people are making at least a few mistakes when polishing their smiles. Here are the most common ones and some tips on improving your technique. #1: You Aren’t Using the Right Brush To most people, all the brushes in the dental care aisle look more or less the same. However, there are key differences to pay attention to. The most important feature your brush should have? Soft bristles. These are flexible enough to get between the teeth and gentle enough not to damage the gums. You also should look for a larger brush head. #2: You Brush Too Hard Instinct says that the best way to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth is to apply plenty of pressure and brush rigorously. Unfortunately, this will damage the gums and even wear down your teeth. Instead, use gentle motions and don’t go too fast. This will still remove everything you need to get rid of, but without the damage. #3: You’re in a Hurry Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but many people find themselves rushing through it to get to work or to bed. You shouldn’t. For brushing to be effective, you need to spend at least two minutes on the activity, giving equal time to all your tooth surfaces. #4: You Use the Wrong Motions Most people brush their teeth using a back-and-forth motion. And it’s no wonder; most toothpaste commercials show exactly that. But doing this doesn’t properly remove debris. Instead, use circular up-and-down motions starting at the gumline and finishing at the bottom of the tooth. #5: You Brush Right After a Meal It’s logical to brush your teeth right eating since they are certainly going to have food particles on them. However, this can damage the enamel. Brushing too soon pushes acids into the enamel, eroding it. Instead, give yourself 15-30 minutes before your brush. Are you in need of a better toothbrush or toothpaste that strengthens the enamel? Check out some of our products, including... Dr. Jen All-Natural Super Paste Natural Remineralizing Toothpaste All-Natural Toothpaste with Fluoride All-Natural Toothpaste for Kids

Everyone deserves a healthy smile. However, not everyone has access to the support and care they need to have one. We back initiatives that help bring oral healthcare to the masses, including Eisentoothers.  Common Barriers to Oral Healthcare The first step in improving accessibility is knowing what barriers people are facing when they try to care for their smiles. Here are some of the most common: Financial hardship No dental coverage Limited providers accepting Medicaid Lack of oral health education Language and cultural barriers Limited transportation No childcare While much of this focuses on the roadblocks between people and dental healthcare, the truth is that good oral health always starts at home. And even there, financial hardship can stand between people and essential dental hygiene.  The Eisentoothers Mission Founded by Gabe and Sebastian Eisenhuth, Eisentoothers aims to help those in need access an essential oral healthcare product: a toothbrush. Seemingly so small, for a shocking number of people, this is a purchase they simply cannot afford on a regular basis. Instead, they use their brushes until they are too worn to be useful, and in some cases, they don’t use a toothbrush at all.  Seabass, a sophomore in high school, and Gabe, a junior at Saint John’s University, are looking to fill in this gap. They became inspired while traveling on mission trips, where they realized how many people simply cannot access even the most basic of toothbrushes. Growing up with an orthodontist for a mother, they understood the importance of healthy teeth and wanted to help others improve their health, no matter their circumstances.  How We’re Supporting Eisentoothers’ Goals We firmly believe in taking steps to bridge the gap between individuals and the healthcare they need. That’s why we are partnering with Eisentoothers. For every purchase made, we are donating a toothbrush, boosting their supplies and helping them help those in need. For more information about Eisentoothers, check out their website.

Your day is busy, and if you are like most of us, you look to cut corners where you can to buy even just a few extra seconds in your day. So it’s no surprise that you might have found yourself standing in front of the mirror in the morning wondering, “Is flossing really all that important?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” But why is that? That’s what we’ll be talking about today. The Importance of Flossing Brushing your teeth is vital, and it goes a long way towards keeping your teeth and gums healthy. But it also has its limitations. When it comes to the nooks and crannies of the teeth, even the best toothbrush is going to struggle to get in there and knock the build-up and food particles loose. Dental floss gets between the teeth and up around the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. This helps reduce the likelihood of gum irritation, which eventually progresses into gum disease. It also stops acids from eating away at the enamel, weakening the teeth and leading to tooth decay—or even tooth loss. The effects don’t end with your oral health, either. Bacteria that gets into the gums then enters the bloodstream, allowing them to reach other parts of the body. We now know that there is a connection between gum disease and heart conditions, and between it and diabetes, too.  How Often Should You Floss? The American Dental Association suggests you floss your teeth once per day. However, this can vary between individuals. For example, if you use aligners or retainers, you might want to floss every time you put them in, even if this means flossing 2-3 times per day. Just remember to be gentle around your gums if this is the case.  Key Benefits of Flossing Not quite convinced that you need to be strict about flossing as part of your daily routine? Maybe these benefits will convince you! Flossing improves the appearance of your teeth. By removing tartar and plaque, it helps stop stains from developing along the edges of the teeth. Flossing keeps the gums healthy, reducing the likelihood of gum disease and the associated bone loss from developing. This positions you to keep your natural teeth even as you age.  Flossing supports your overall health, lowering your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.  Flossing eliminates smelly bacteria, which makes it easier to keep your breath fresh all day long. 

We all intuitively understand that a toothbrush cannot last forever; sooner or later, it has to be replaced. What you might not realize is just how frequent those replacements should be. Here’s a quick guide to how often you should replace your toothbrush. Routine Replacement A well-made toothbrush can look practically brand new even after many months of use. This might sound great, but don’t let the appearance of your brush fool you; no matter how pristine it looks, you need to replace it about every three months.  This isn’t just a silly rule, either. It is standard advice from many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  At the same time, this schedule isn’t perfect. You might need to replace your toothbrush even sooner. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Toothbrush Whether or not those three months have passed, if you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to make the switch to a new brush: The bristles are bent, falling out, feel strange to the touch, or are starting to fray. You’ve been sick with a contagious illness. The brush was stored in a travel container recently. Someone else touched your toothbrush. You dropped your toothbrush. Your teeth don’t feel perfectly clean after brushing. Your brush has a funky smell. In addition to these, if you cannot remember when you last replaced your brush, go ahead and buy a new one.  Keeping to Your Toothbrush Replacement Schedule Brushing your teeth is so routine, it pretty much becomes part of the background noise of your daily life. This can make it hard to remember when those three months have passed. So, what are some ways you can make it easier to stick to your replacement schedule? Always replace all the brushes in your house on the first day of the new season. This guarantees you’ll replace your brush every three months. Use a smart device to set a reminder. This way, you don’t have to keep anything specific in mind.  Establish a recurring toothbrush order. Amazon has a plan-and-save feature that can help with this.  Keep extra toothbrushes around. If you set a reminder but don’t have a new brush on hand, it is easy to just forget and not end up replacing yours.  Remember: healthy teeth start with the right supplies. Make sure you have a fresh brush and a quality, enamel-restoring toothpaste on hand at all times!

We’ve all heard it before: flossing is essential to oral health. The problem? Not all of us are fitting this essential activity into our routine. In fact, only 30% of Americans floss on a daily basis. How can this barrier to oral health be overcome? While I know there are a lot of roadblocks between individuals and their ideal dental hygiene routine, the one we are going to talk about today is which type of floss is best to use. Flossing: You Have Options In fact, you probably have more options than you realize. Ask most people to name two types of flossing products, and they’ll probably name two: traditional spooled floss and floss picks. But there is more to consider, including: Silk floss Water picks Sonic flossers Toothpicks Each of these products has its pros and cons and will help to enhance your oral health—though I’d suggest you save the toothpicks for restaurants and BBQs. But is there one that stands above the rest? For Me, It’s Silk Spooled Floss As a dentist, I have worked with all types of flossing products, and there are some I prefer over others. At the top of my list is silk spooled floss. It’s what I use myself and give to my kids, and I recommend it to my patients on a regular basis.  Most dental floss is made from petroleum. It’s not biodegradable, it’s not renewable, and the safety of putting petroleum in your mouth on a daily basis and swallowing those microparticles is questionable.  Natural silk spooled floss, on the other hand, is 100% natural, breaks down over time, and is safe to use.  Why spooled floss over floss picks? In my opinion, it gives you better control as you move it between the teeth. However, I am not against the idea of silk floss picks.  No Matter What You Choose, Floss Daily Whether you buy silk floss, a water flosser, or another product entirely, know that the act of flossing is essential. Brushing alone cannot get into all the nooks and crannies, and avoiding flossing increases your risk for many oral health conditions. Of course, before you start using a new product, take the time to consult with your dentist, who knows your oral health needs best.  -- Dr. Jen, DDS, MS

Every so many years, a new boogeyman comes along to haunt the medical community. A long-used product or chemical will suddenly be cast with suspicion, and people abandon it in droves. Sometimes, this is legit. Just take a look at mercury. Once upon a time, we ingested it as an aphrodisiac and medicinal cure; now, we know that it can kill you. When you know better, you do better. But sometimes, these boogeymen are innocent, victims of misinterpreted research or a misunderstanding about dosages or methods of use. Fluoride: Victim or Culprit? Fluoride has been the en-vogue boogeyman for a while now. Word got out about some negative effects associated with it and suddenly, fluoride-free toothpastes crowded the market and people began campaigning to get the chemical removed from their municipal water supplies. Here's the thing about any enduring myth: there's a grain of truth inside it. Fluoride can be incredibly harmful, causing damage to the skeletal system and increasing the risk of developing certain kinds of cancers—if you ingest too much of it. The amount in your water supply? It isn't enough to cause damage. As for you your toothpaste, just don't swallow it. That's why children's training toothpastes don't contain fluoride.  So, victim or culprit? We think fluoride is just misunderstood. Why Fluoride Is Used You might be wondering why we keep using fluoride if it worries so many people. To understand, let's dig into its history a bit.  Fluoride is a relatively new discovery, with research on it not starting until 1901. At this time, scientists realized that it was part of the natural water supply in certain communities and made an interesting connection: people living in communities where fluoride was naturally present in their water experienced significantly less tooth decay than those in communities without it.  Once these observations were made, scientists began studying it in earnest, realizing that it remineralizes the enamel of the teeth. Soon after, it was added to toothpastes, used in dental treatments, and added to water supplies.  Should You Embrace Fluoride? I believe that when used at safe levels, fluoride has an important role to play in our oral healthcare routines. However, if the idea of using it makes you uncomfortable, you can bypass it as long as you use products that remineralize the enamel.  What are the alternatives? My suggestion is real nano-hydroxyapatite. It has been clinically proven to remineralize tooth enamel at the same level as fluoride while being safe to use. While it isn't as easy to find in toothpaste as fluoride, it offers the same benefits with additional peace of mind. Remember: take care of your teeth, and your teeth will take care of you. --Dr. Jen, DDS, MS

Charcoal is having a moment. Over the last few years, it has been everywhere: in our food, our skin treatments, and even our toothpaste. But is this actually a good thing, or is this a trend that has gone off the rails?

Before you purchase Dr. Jen’s Natural Toothpaste, you no doubt have a few questions you need answered. And one of those most likely is: Who exactly is Dr. Jen?  This is a great question to ask—and today, we’re going to answer it. So, let’s meet Dr. Jen! More Than a Brand Name Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth isn’t just someone who got an idea and made a toothpaste—she is a highly trained and experienced dental professional. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1994 at the top of her class and earned the Minnesota Association of Orthodontic Achievement Award. She then began her residency in orthodontics at the University of Minnesota, where she earned both a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. Since 1996, she has led her own practice, Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth Orthodontics, where she offers both orthodontic and general dentistry care.  Genuine Passion for Oral Healthcare While it is now her life’s work, Dr. Jen wasn’t always on a path to be a dentist and orthodontist. Originally, she studied engineering! But in the end, this just wasn’t her calling.  Her passion for orthodontics and dentistry led her to develop one of the most welcoming and innovative practices in Minnesota. And it’s why she launched Dr. Jen’s Natural Toothpaste. Her goal is to help people across the country access the building blocks they need for healthier teeth.  Always Learning and Evolving University teaches a lot, but every year, new research emerges and best practices change. That’s why Dr. Jen is focused on continuing education. In addition to reading journals in her field and relying on her own experiences and observations, she is also an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontics, the Midwest Society of Orthodontists, the Minnesota Association of Orthodontists, the Minnesota Dental Association, the Dakota County Dental Society, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Through these organizations, she stays on top of emerging ideas and technology—then puts that knowledge to work for you.  A Loving Mother and Wife While her professional achievements play into the products she develops, so do her personal ones. As a wife and mother of three, Dr. Jen understands how important it is to you to make sure you are giving yourself and your family the very best. As such, she crafted her toothpaste to make certain you can feel confident in its use.  Ready to learn more? Check out Dr. Jen’s products!