05/21/2026
After 18 years as a dentist, these are a few dental products that make us pause.
Not because every product is dangerous for everyone โ but because some are easy to use the wrong way.
1. ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐น-๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ-๐ฏ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ป๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ด๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐
They may seem convenient, but they usually do not fit as precisely as a custom night guard. A poor fit may not protect your teeth as well and can feel bulky or uncomfortable.
2. ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ
It looks natural, but โnaturalโ does not always mean gentle. Some charcoal toothpastes can be abrasive, and there is not strong evidence that they are safer or better for whitening.
3. ๐ช๐ต๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐
Most whitening toothpastes mainly scrub surface stains. They usually do not change deeper tooth color the way peroxide-based whitening can. Overuse may also lead to sensitivity for some patients.
4. ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ-๐๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ณ๐น๐ผ๐๐
Flossing is still important โ please do not stop flossing. But some glide-style flosses have been linked with PFAS, also known as โforever chemicals.โ Choosing a simple PFAS-free floss is a good option when possible.
5. ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐บ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฏ๐ฟ๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐
Harder does not mean cleaner. Medium or hard bristles can be rough on gums and enamel. A soft toothbrush is usually enough when used correctly.
When in doubt, keep it simple: a soft toothbrush, daily flossing, dentist-approved whitening, and a night guard that actually fits.
At Powell Family Dental, weโre here to help you make confident choices without fear or judgment.
๐ Call Powell Family Dental
307-764-2378
๐ Powell, Wyoming | Serving the Big Horn Basin