As I child, I was always told to brush my teeth right after eating in order to prevent cavities so that I wouldn’t have to go to the dentist’s office. At the time, going to the dentist was one of the scariest things imaginable (and for many of us, it still is), so I followed the rules out of fear.

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As I got older, I relaxed a little bit more. While it was hard to maintain a vigorous teeth brushing schedule, I managed to brush twice a day regardless—first thing in the morning after waking up and the last thing at night before bed. I thought I was golden, until I began to notice a spontaneous aching pain and sensitivity on one side of my mouth that would come and go. When I went to see my dentist for my routine teeth cleaning, I was shocked when she told me that I had not one, but three cavities!

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My dentist informed me that even though I was brushing fairly regularly, brushing one’s teeth does not guarantee that they won’t get cavities. In addition to brushing, she also recommended regular flossing to remove any remnants of food that get stuck between the teeth—which is where most cavities are formed. She also suggested that I kick my soda habit (which was pretty bad at the time), as sugary, carbonated soda contributes to teeth decay and breaking down of the enamel on teeth.

And lastly, she shared news that I wasn’t exactly happy to hear: some people (like myself) are more inclined to get cavities due to certain uncontrollable things like having higher calcium deposits on teeth, which can harden into tartar when it builds up and remains until it is removed by a professional dental cleaning.

After a long appointment in the dentist’s chair to remove my cavities, I decided it was time to invest in better tools and products that would keep my teeth clean and healthy so that I would decrease my chances of getting cavities or something worse (like gum disease!) down the road.

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I also had the chance to speak with Dr. Ingrid Murra, Founder and CEO of Two Front, who shares her five top tips for maintaining a good oral care routine:

Brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride twice daily. Fluoride is an amazing ion which works to strengthen your teeth's enamel and prevent demineralization (weakening of enamel), that comes with tooth decay. The more enamel you have and the stronger your enamel is, the less you are prone to getting cavities.
Floss daily. It's best to use regular floss, not floss picks which can be too harsh on your gums.
Drink water throughout the day. This helps to counteract any acidic or sugary beverages and foods you might eat, and can help keep your teeth's enamel strong.
Eat or drink quickly. If you have a sweet tooth or love your lemon water, it's better for your teeth if you eat or drink quickly to avoid the sugar or acid bathing your teeth for too long. The enamel on your teeth can be worn away by acids such as lemon juice and the acid released from bacteria that causes cavities.
Go to the dentist every six months. Seeking help from professionals for routine care generally helps you avoid more serious issues like root canals and crowns.

We’ve also rounded up some of the most innovative oral care products that will contribute to a healthy and beautiful smile. From chocolate dental floss to CBD toothpaste and more, these products offer a wide variety of benefits that include whitening teeth, decreasing inflammation, killing bacteria, and freshening breath. Read on to discover and shop:

Better & Better Fully Charged Toothpaste (From $2.99 a month)

This unique toothpaste comes in a first-of-its-kind dispenser with an innovative pouch and features organic, pure, clean, and natural ingredients. It contains the same clean, simple, organic, and vegan ingredients as Remarkably Pure, with added vitamins B12 and D3. Clean and brighten with gentle scrubbers and mild coconut foam, while enjoying the fresh combination of organic spearmint, organic peppermint, and organic menthol. The formula is free from parabens, artificial colors, flavors, GMOs, and other harmful ingredients.

Buy Better & Better

BURST Sonic Toothbrush ($69.99-$99.99)

This electric toothbrush features super soft charcoal-infused PBT nylon bristles that are specially designed to remove surface stains. At 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute, it provides a deep clean without damaging gums and reduces gum bleeding. After brushing for two minutes, your brush will automatically switch off. Every 30 seconds you’ll feel a gentle vibration to remind you to move on to the next part of your mouth. It features three brushing modes: whitening, sensitive, and massage. Comes with a long-lasting lithium battery. Available in black, white, and rose gold.

Buy BURST

CBDENT 100MG CBD Toothpaste ($27.98)

Formulated by dentists, this all-natural toothpaste contains ingredients that have been shown to kill bacteria, fight inflammation, reduce sensitivity, and whiten teeth. Many toothpastes contain unnecessary ingredients that can actually be harmful to your oral health. SLS is found in almost all traditional toothpastes and acts as a foaming agent, but it leaves a film on teeth that makes it a magnet for bacteria. This refreshing peppermint toothpaste features broad spectrum CBD oil (no THC), remineralizes with Hydroxyapatite, strengthens enamel and fights cavities, naturally whitens, and is naturally flavored with essential oils.

Buy CBDent

Cleure Cinnamon Mouthwash ($11)

Made without alcohol, mint, or fluoride, this natural mouthwash helps reach those areas your toothbrush can’t to fight bad breath, germs, and bacteria. Hypoallergenic, mint-free, SLS-free, triclosan-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. Available in cinnamon and cranberry.

Buy Cleure

Cocofloss Chocolate ($10)

Treat your teeth to something sweet (that won’t cause cavities) with this super-cleansing, soft textured dental floss that is infused with coconut oil, vegan wax, and the decadent scent of dark chocolate. And if chocolate isn’t your thing, the floss is available in other fun flavors including fresh coconut and cara cara orange. Free of praabens, SLS, and PFAS. Cruelty-free.

Buy Cocofloss

Davids Sensitive+Whitening Toothpaste w/ Nano-Hydroxyapatite ($11.95)

Free of fluoride and SLS, this high-performance toothpaste features safe and clean ingredients that naturally whiten teeth, cleanse plaque, and freshen breath.Harnesses the regenerative power of nano-hydroxyapatite to relieve tooth sensitivity, repair enamel, remove plaque, smooth the tooth surface, and naturally whiten teeth. Sustainability packaged in 100% recyclable and plastic free aluminum tubes.

Buy Davids

Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers Adult Manual Toothbrush ($4.99 each)

These toothbrushes offer a breakthrough in oral care with innovative features that include:

Antimicrobial Silver Technology*: 99.9% of bacteria is eliminated from bristles within six hours after brushing due to proprietary silver bristle technology.
Flossing Bristles™: Long, soft bristles with 1 micrometer diameter tips reach areas missed by other toothbrushes. The bristles reach deep into teeth grooves and the periodontal pockets (area between tooth and gum), while harder inner bristles ensure a complete cleaning.
Superior Quality: Polyester bristles outlast traditional nylon bristles and a comfort grip makes for an enjoyable brushing experience.

Buy Doctor Plotka's

Linhart ($4.50-$100)

Developed by internationally renowned NYC cosmetic dentists, this luxury dental care line was designed to safely and effectively clean teeth, and prevent irritated and inflamed gums while soothing and healing. The line includes toothpaste formulated with aloe vera and Linamel (enamel protection made from theobromine, fluoride and xylitol), tooth whitener gel, lip balm with SPF 15, an antibacterial toothbrush, and whitening products.

Buy Linhart

Marashi Oral Health Graphite M Sonic Toothbrush ($275)

This luxury electronic toothbrush features a sleek aluminum alloy design with soft DuPoint nylon bristles that remit approximately 37,000 cleansing vibrations per minute. Includes 4 power modes for a customized clean and a 2-minute auto-timer with 30-second pause reminders. Long-lasting, 21-day battery life. Safe to use on braces and all dental restorations (fillings, crowns, and veneers). Available in graphite and rose gold.

Buy Marashi Oral Health

Marvis Flavor Collection Gift Set ($36)

Perfect for the holidays, this amazing collection features travel-size tubes of all Marvis toothpaste flavors—making it a great option for those that can’t decide on which flavor they want. The set includes:

Amarelli Licorice
Aquatic Mint
Cinnamon Mint
Classic Strong Mint
Ginger Mint
Jasmine Mint
Whitening Mint

Buy Marvis

NATIVE Wild Mint (Fluoride) Toothpaste ($10)

Formulated with fluoride to fight cavities, this toothpaste features an invigorating mint flavor that lasts and has a rich foamy texture, with brilliant whitening power. Also available in Charcoal, as well as fluoride-free versions of both flavors.

Buy NATIVE

Oral-B Clic Toothbrush Handle with Replaceable Brush Head ($9.99)

Keep teeth and gums clean with this revolutionary manual toothbrush from the number one dentist recommended brand in the world that combines modern design with excellent cleaning performance for a healthy mouth. Features include 1,000 Micro Stain Eraser Bristles for a brighter smile, built-in gum massager to massage and stimulate gums to promote gum health, and a tongue cleaner to help freshen breath and remove odor-causing germs from the tongue. Set includes one Oral-B Whitening Toothbrush Handle in a gorgeous lilac color along with an Oral-B Whitening Brush Head.

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POPWHITE Purple Power Duo ($48)

Created by a makeup artist and a dental scientist, these premium oral care products are infused with xylitol and coconut oil, and feature patented purple technology that whitens natural and artificial teeth safely and gradually. Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as purple and yellow, are complements. Due to the nature of color perception, complements cancel each other out. The set includes POPWHITE Primer Toothpaste and Toner Oral Rinse, which when used together whiten teeth an average of four shades.

Buy POPWHITE

Rael Himalayan Pink Salt Toothpaste ($7)

This SLS and fluoride-free Himalayan Pink Salt Toothpaste contains more than 80 minerals that naturally detoxify your mouth, strengthen teeth, and protect tooth enamel for your happiest, healthiest smile every day. Free of harsh chemicals that can irritate the mouth’s protective lining and absorb into your bloodstream throughout the gums.

Buy Rael

Slate Flosser Electric Flosser Starter Kit ($79.99)

This Revolutionary 3-in-1 device flosses your teeth, stimulates your gums, and cleans your tongue for a complete oral care experience. Designed and recommended by dental professionals, the innovative floss head vibrates at 12,000 sonic vibrations per minute. Patent-pending Gum Sweeps contour each tooth, massages, stimulates, and cleans the gums.

Buy Slate Flosser

Smile Brilliant Night Out! Dental Stain Concealer ($20/1-month supply)

Dental Stain Concealer utilizes proprietary Color Science Technology™ to de-brass yellow hues and restore a bright white smile in 60 seconds. Like shampoo for teeth, the rich violet gel is specially formulated to neutralize yellow stains on teeth. It’s water soluble and chemical-free. All you have to do is brush it in and rinse out. Great for last-minute whitening before an event or going out. Non-invasive and safe for daily use.

Buy Smile Brilliant

Spotlight Oral Care Spotlight Water Flosser ($110)

Treat yourself to a professional dental experience at home with this water flosser device that improves oral health and helps you achieve a cleaner, fresher mouth. The Water Flosser removes bacteria from deep between the teeth and below the gum line where traditional brushing and flossing cannot reach. Features 3 operating modes (normal, soft, pulse) and includes 4 specialized tips. Compact, cordless, and rechargeable.

Buy Spotlight Oral Care

Terra & Co Sustainability Is The New Black Set ($75)

This eco-friendly teeth whitening kit features best-selling dental products in one convenient travel bag made with Mother Earth in mind. It includes:

4 oz. Brilliant: Infused with a blend of activated charcoal, organic extra virgin coconut oil, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils, this organic activated charcoal toothpaste is nature’s answer for a white smile. The negative ionic charges in activated charcoal bind with tartar, plaque, and bacteria to fight back against bad breath and cavities and to lift away stains from wine, coffee, and more.
Brilliant Black Dental Floss: This eco-friendly charcoal dental floss is made with vegan candelilla wax, coconut oil, bamboo fiber, and peppermint essential oil to remove build-up and whiten where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Brilliant Black Oil Pulling: Start your routine with this powerful ayurvedic blend of coconut oil and activated charcoal to naturally reduce inflammation and fight off bacteria that cause bad breath and dry mouth, all while promoting saliva production and moisturizing gums.
Charcoal-Enhanced Bamboo Toothbrush: Made from sustainable and biodegradable bamboo. Medium-soft bristles are infused with activated charcoal to double the teeth-whitening effect and are BPA-free.
Travel Bag: Made from recycled water bottles (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Fabric - RPET) and printed with eco-friendly ink, this bag is fashionable and compact. Its minimalist design complements any style, and its convenient size allows you to toss this kit in your bag for oral hygiene on the go or slide it into your bathroom drawer at home.

Buy Terra & Co

Twice Early Bird + Twilight Premium Toothpaste ($13.98/2-pack)

From teeth whitening and cavity prevention to enamel strength and sensitivity protection, this toothpaste duo delivers. Antioxidant-rich vitamins A, C, and E and aloe vera do more to help soothe gums, promote wellness, and create a lasting, healthy environment in your mouth. Start your day with Awaken, which features a refreshing wintergreen and peppermint flavor, then end your night with Relax, a soothing blend of peppermint with vanilla and lavender.

Buy Twice

Venus Visage Teeth Whitening Pens ($19 for 2 pens)

For visibly whiter teeth and a more kissable smile, these powerful brightening teeth whitening pens safely and effectively remove stubborn surface stains from teeth. The innovative pen clicker design offers a one-click gel release into its finely bristle tip brush for whiter teeth and a more radiant smile.

Buy Venus Visage

[Photos courtesy of brands]

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Innovative Oral Care Products for a Healthy and Beautiful Smile