Recommended Products
The products you use between visits matter. These are the categories we're asked about most — and the honest guidance we give every patient in the chair.
What Actually Causes a Cavity?
Sugar? Well… that's only part of the answer. We all carry cavity-causing bacteria in our mouths. Like the rest of your body, it's about keeping the bad bacteria in check and boosting the good. An acidic oral environment lets tooth-eating bacteria thrive — so acidic foods and drinks don't just melt away enamel, they cause cavities. Watch out for:
- → Water with lemon, sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks
- → Sipping coffee or tea throughout the day, even unsweetened
- → Sticky, sugary foods — gummy vitamins, gummy bears, taffy, caramels. Sticky candy is worse than candy that melts quickly.
The good news: you can still enjoy these — just get your mouth's pH back to neutral quickly. Simple: rinse with water! Water alone won't get sticky foods out of the grooves of your teeth, though, so good flossing and brushing technique is a must. Our hygienist is wonderful at teaching the tricks and techniques to stay cavity free.
Xylitol: Nature's Cavity Fighter
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar from birch tree bark that cavity-causing bacteria simply cannot use to grow. With regular use, fewer and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces — less plaque forms and acid levels drop. As little as 5 grams daily makes a measurable difference, and it's diabetic-friendly too. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends daily xylitol for patients at moderate or high risk of decay.
Everything in moderation — we recommend sticking to about 5 grams per day. Xylitol won't reverse an existing cavity, so if decay has started, treatment is still needed.
Help — My Teeth Are Sensitive!
Sensitivity has many possible causes, and most of them need Dr. Boesch or Dr. Shah's attention:
- → A cavity, cracked tooth, or a dying nerve inside a tooth
- → Exposed root surfaces or worn enamel
- → Grinding, clenching, or brushing too hard
- → Acidic foods and drinks that have melted away enamel
- → Whitening with over-the-counter toothpastes and products
We can help — sometimes it's a simple no-shots, no-drilling procedure that lets you enjoy ice cream again. For unrelated everyday sensitivity, a fluoride boost or sensitivity toothpaste can help. The key with these toothpastes: brush and spit — do not rinse. It usually takes about two weeks of consistent use to notice improvement.
Please leave the dentistry to us, the pros — we'll happily guide you to what will work best in your situation. Call (407) 857-0950 and we'll find the cause.
It's More About Technique Than Product
We specialize in teaching you how to take better care of your teeth. We're not a fast-paced corporate office — we take the time to help you reach your goals… which should be staying cavity free!
We do strongly recommend power toothbrushes. Dr. Boesch loves Oral-B; our hygienist loves Sonicare — the battle is still on! Either way, you'll be on a healthier path. Model changes over the years have mostly been marketing; the mechanics haven't really changed. We don't care which model you choose — just so long as it's new and used only by you.
Pro tip: bring your powered toothbrush to your cleaning appointment and let our hygienist give you personalized technique tips.
Our Favorite Toothpastes
We're in love with the research and promise of xylitol, a naturally occurring cavity-fighting sugar. We highly recommend Epic or Spry toothpaste, which contain high quantities of xylitol — and they taste great! We carry Epic in office for your convenience; both are also available on Amazon.
Please avoid whitening toothpastes! They're very abrasive and wear away enamel over time. Underneath is dentin — 400 times softer than enamel, and yellow. Abrade your enamel and the yellow starts showing through: exactly the opposite of what you want. To whiten, use gels only, never pastes. We offer professional-strength in-office whitening and will happily discuss over-the-counter options — schedule a whitening consult today.
Chew Gum? Make It Xylitol
You already knew we'd say sugar-free — but did you know about the benefits of xylitol? It inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities, because those bacteria can't use xylitol to grow. Over time, fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on your teeth, less plaque forms, and acid levels drop.
Xylitol can't reverse decay that's already there, but along with good flossing and brushing, it will reduce your risk of new cavities.
Not Sure What's Right for You?
Ask us at your next visit — we'll recommend the specific products for your teeth, your habits, and your goals.