New: mobile care for care homes & workplaces launches January 1, 2027 · booking opens December 1. Get notified →
Mount Pearl · St. John's · Avalon Peninsula

Professional dental hygiene care, at our calm and modern studio.

Modern preventive care designed around comfort, education, and accessibility, for every age.

ERA is an independent dental hygiene studio, with no dentist on-site. Our preventive care complements regular dental visits, and we provide referrals when assessment or treatment by a dentist is needed.

Why ERA is different

Care that feels unhurried, because it is.

1

A calm, modern space

Your appointment takes place in our welcoming, fully-equipped studio, designed to feel relaxed and unhurried from the moment you arrive.

2

Care that fits your life

Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent, a senior, or a shift worker, we work around your schedule.

3

Education at every visit

We believe knowledge is comfort. We take the time to explain the "why" behind your oral health, so you can care for your smile with confidence.

Meet your hygienist

Care from a familiar, friendly face

I'm Lello, a registered dental hygienist serving the Avalon Peninsula. I began my career as a dental assistant before becoming an RDH, and I care for patients of every age with patience and respect, including those living with dental anxiety and sensory sensitivities.

GraduatedCanadian National Institute of Health · March 2025
Experience10+ years · pediatric & general practice
LanguagesEnglish & Amharic
Read Lello's full story →

Working in both pediatric and general practice has allowed me to care for patients with many different needs, including dental anxiety, sensory sensitivities, complex medical histories, and patients who may require additional support during care.

After immigrating to Canada in 2001 without speaking English, I came to understand how important clear and compassionate communication is in healthcare. That experience continues to shape the way I approach patient care today.

I believe dental visits should feel comfortable, supportive, and approachable. Whether you have a busy schedule, mobility challenges, or health concerns, my goal is to make dental hygiene care easier to access and less stressful.

ERA Dental Hygiene Studio was created to make professional dental hygiene care welcoming and accessible in our comfortable, fully-equipped studio, with flexible scheduling designed around your needs.

Patient first

Your comfort dictates the pace. We adapt the environment, the speed, and the approach to your boundaries and needs.

Education always

We demystify oral health, explaining the "why" so you can take ownership of your preventive care.

Accessibility for all

From a calm studio to sensory accommodations and flexible scheduling, we work to remove every barrier to care.

Lello believes representation in healthcare matters: that seeing yourself reflected in your care provider changes the entire experience.
"Professional care, on your terms."

ERA Dental Hygiene Studio is for the whole family. Little ones coming in for their very first cleaning. Busy parents and professionals. Teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Whatever your family looks like, we make dental care gentle, welcoming, and easy for every age.

Services & 2026 fee guide

Gentle, personalized dental hygiene care, for every smile

Unhurried, one-on-one preventive care from a Registered Dental Hygienist. No rush. No judgment. Just gentle, thorough care built around you.

Unhurried, one-on-one care

No back-and-forth between chairs. Your entire appointment is spent with your hygienist, so nothing feels rushed and every question gets answered.

Prevention comes first

Our full focus stays on prevention: catching issues early, keeping your gums healthy, and helping you avoid bigger problems (and bigger bills) down the road.

No-surprise rates

You'll know what a visit involves and what to expect on your bill before you sit down, with clear direct billing for most insurance plans and CDCP.

Our services & pricing

Prices are ERA's clinic rates in Canadian dollars. Assessments and treatments are billed separately according to your individual needs, and we discuss estimated costs before treatment.

Diagnostic & preventive assessments

Includes intra/extra-oral examination, periodontal charting, cavity risk assessment, oral cancer screening, and vital signs. We confirm the right assessment and estimate before your visit.

  • Comprehensive new patient assessment / examination$60.29–$75.00
  • Recall / periodic assessment$60.29

Dental cleaning: tartar & plaque removal

2026 NLDHA fees. One unit is 15 minutes of procedure time; a half unit is up to 7½ minutes. These are procedure times, not the total length of your appointment.

  • ½ unit (up to 7½ minutes)$38.48
  • 1 unit (15 minutes)$76.96
  • 2 units (30 minutes)$153.91
  • 3 units (45 minutes)$230.87
  • 4 units (60 minutes)$307.82

Polishing & stain removal

2026 NLDHA fees and time units.

  • ½ unit (up to 7½ minutes)$25.57
  • 1 unit (15 minutes)$51.14

Preventive comfort & desensitizing treatments

  • Fluoride varnish treatment$39.50
  • Desensitizing agent (X-Pur Crystal / root sensitivity)$42.00
  • Non-injectable topical anesthetic (Cetacaine gel)$78.00

Pit & fissure sealants

Private-plan coverage varies. Ask us to confirm any MCP eligibility and provider requirements for your child before treatment; coverage is not guaranteed.

  • Preventive dental sealant (per tooth)$40.00–$49.00

Digital X-rays

Low-radiation bitewing or periapical images. Rates match the 2026 NLDHA suggested fee guide.

  • 1 image (00211 / 00221)$30.60
  • 2 images (00212 / 00222)$40.11
  • 3 images (00213 / 00223)$49.24
  • 4 images (00214 / 00224)$57.22
  • 5 images (00215 / 00225)$67.19
  • 6 images (00216 / 00226)$75.01

Esthetic services

In-office whitening includes consultation and aftercare guidance.

  • In-office teeth whitening treatment$350.00
  • Professional take-home whitening kit$150.00
  • Tooth gems & custom placementComing soon
About our fees. An assessment, cleaning, polishing, X-rays, and fluoride are separate services when provided, so a cleaning fee alone isn't the total price of a complete visit. We confirm your care plan and estimated costs before treatment. Assessment, scaling, polishing, and X-ray rates follow the NLDHA 2026 Dental Hygiene Services Fee Guide (Version 2.0, effective January 1, 2026). Whitening and tooth gems reflect ERA's independent clinic pricing. This is ERA's patient fee guide, not an official NLDHA publication. For care at a home, rural location, or facility, contact us for an individual estimate.

CDCP & insurance, made simple

Canadian Dental Care Plan

ERA proudly accepts CDCP for eligible clients. Lello can provide many core preventive services (cleanings, exams, fluoride, and more) directly under the plan. Coverage, frequency limits, and eligibility are set by CDCP, and we'll walk you through what applies before we begin.

Private insurance & direct billing

We direct-bill most major private insurers, so in many cases you won't need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Just bring your insurance details to your appointment.

Out-of-pocket clarity

No coverage, or a plan that doesn't cover the full visit? We'll always confirm costs with you before treatment begins, so there are never any surprises. Direct billing doesn't guarantee full coverage.

Sensory-friendly care

Care that works at your pace.

Every element of our practice is designed to create a comfortable, accommodating environment for patients who appreciate a slower pace and a calmer setting.

1

No surprises

Using the Tell-Show-Do method, every step is explained plainly and demonstrated before we proceed.

2

Patient-led pacing

You are fully in control. Generous appointment times mean we never rush, and stop signals are always respected.

3

Adapted environment

We modify the environment to minimize triggers: quiet tools, soft lighting, and familiar surroundings.

Who we support

Dental anxietySensory sensitivitiesBusy schedulesMobility challengesPatients who prefer familiar settingsAnyone needing extra time & care
"I built this practice because I believe every person deserves dental care that feels safe. I've seen what happens when healthcare is adapted to the person, not the other way around. It changes everything."
— LELLO

Our accommodations

  • Patient-led pacing: never rushed, generous appointment time
  • Tell-Show-Do: no surprises, ever
  • Whisper-quiet equipment, no harsh clinical sounds
  • No harsh overhead lights: natural or soft ambient light
  • Unflavoured polish and products on request
  • Weighted blankets and sensory items welcome
  • Headphones and music welcome
  • Stop signals: agree on a hand signal to pause anytime
  • Pre-visit consultation to discuss your needs
Facility visits

Dental hygiene care for care facility residents.

Most appointments take place at our studio in Mount Pearl. For residents of care facilities who are unable to travel to us, on-site visits can be arranged on request, coordinated with family or care staff to keep care calm and stress-free.

JAN12027

A dedicated mobile service is on its way

On January 1, 2027, ERA introduces a dedicated mobile dental hygiene service for care home facilities and places of business, bringing the same meticulous, unhurried care directly to residents and teams. Booking opens December 1, 2026. Get notified when booking opens →

How a facility visit works

1

You reach out

Contact us on behalf of a resident or facility. We discuss needs, medical history, and accommodations before the visit.

2

We arrange it

We coordinate a convenient time with you and the facility's care team.

3

Set up in minutes

The Aseptico GO Ultra is compact, self-contained, and needs very little space.

4

Care at their pace

The appointment is adapted to the resident's comfort, without the rush of a busy clinic.

5

We leave a plan

Education, daily care tips, and a follow-up schedule tailored to their health.

The Aseptico GO Ultra portable system

This isn't a compromise. It's professional-grade care in a portable form, with full clinical capability while remaining whisper-quiet. It sets up in any room in minutes and meets all infection control protocols, so residents receive the same thorough care they'd expect in a clinic.

All a facility needs to provide is a little open space, good lighting, and access to running water nearby. Setup takes about 15 minutes.

Uncompromising safety

We adhere strictly to IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) standards, using single-use instruments where appropriate, hospital-grade sterilization, and comprehensive PPE so every visit is clean and safe.

Rural & underserved communities

Geography and mobility shouldn't stand in the way of preventive care. From multi-member family households to rural Avalon communities, on-site care is arranged by direct inquiry, with travel and your individual estimate confirmed in advance. CDCP accepted.

How it works

Four simple steps to your most comfortable cleaning.

1

Connect

Reach out to discuss your needs, medical history, and any accommodations you'd like.

2

Your appointment

Visit our welcoming studio, where everything is prepared for a thorough, comfortable cleaning.

3

Gentle care

A thorough cleaning and assessment paced entirely around your comfort and boundaries.

4

Follow up

You leave with a personalized education plan, and we schedule your next visit based on your needs.

Serving the Avalon Peninsula
St. John'sMount PearlParadiseCBS
The ERA Journal

Education, insights, and honest conversations about oral health.

Systemic health · 6 min read

The surprising link between your mouth and your heart

How the bacteria and inflammation behind gum disease may reach far beyond your mouth, and what the research actually says.

Systemic health · 6 min read

Diabetes and gum disease: understanding a two-way street

Diabetes and periodontal disease feed into each other in both directions. Here's what that means for managing your health.

Gum health · 5 min read

Why your gums are the foundation of your oral health

Healthy teeth need healthy gums underneath them. Here's why we look at your gums first, and why bleeding is never something to ignore.

Nutrition · 6 min read

Foods that protect your teeth (and ones that quietly damage them)

It's not just about avoiding sugar. Frequency, acidity, and a few protective foods change how well your enamel holds up.

Coming soon

Neurodiversity

ADHD and oral health: why brushing can feel impossible (and what actually helps)

Sensory care

What to expect from a sensory-friendly dental hygiene appointment

Home care

The honest guide to brushing and flossing when you're struggling

Pediatric

Building positive dental experiences for children from the start

Prevention

Why preventive care saves money, pain, and time

Want new articles when they're published? Join the update list →

FAQ

Everything you need to know

About your visit

Do I still need to see a dentist if I come to ERA?

Yes. ERA is an independent dental hygiene studio, with no dentist on-site. Our preventive hygiene services complement, rather than replace, regular dental examinations and treatment. When we find a concern that needs a dentist's assessment or care, we explain our findings and provide an appropriate referral.

Where do appointments take place?

At our comfortable, fully-equipped studio at 910 Topsail Rd, Suite 5, Mount Pearl. For residents of care facilities who can't travel to us, on-site visits can be arranged on request.

What if I haven't had a cleaning in years?

You're exactly who we love to see. There's no judgment here, just a gentle, thorough assessment to see where things stand, and a comfortable plan to get your oral health back on track, at your pace.

Can I bring a support person?

Absolutely. You're welcome to have a trusted person with you throughout your appointment.

About services

What services do you offer?

Adult and pediatric preventive care, periodontal maintenance, oral cancer screenings, fluoride and desensitizing treatments, sealants, low-radiation digital X-rays, professional whitening, and sensory-friendly appointments. See Services & Fees for details.

Do you see children?

Yes. Pediatric dental hygiene is a core part of our practice, and we focus on gentle, positive first experiences.

Can you treat patients with complex medical histories?

Yes. We take a thorough medical history before every appointment and adapt care accordingly. Please share any relevant conditions when booking.

What equipment do you use?

We use the Aseptico GO Ultra, a premium portable dental system that delivers full clinical capability in a compact, whisper-quiet design.

Booking & coverage

How do I book an appointment?

Book online in the booking section below, or call or text (709) 700-0898, or email Smile@eradentalhygiene.ca. We'll find a time that works for you.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead for most appointments, and we do our best to accommodate urgent needs. Want to hear about last-minute openings? Join the update list.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations or reschedules. We understand that things happen, so just get in touch.

Does insurance cover independent dental hygiene visits?

In most cases, yes. We direct-bill most major private insurers and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible clients. We'll help confirm your coverage before your appointment so there are no surprises.

Do you offer mobile appointments for families or rural locations?

Yes. We offer mobile visits for families coordinating multiple cleanings at home, and outreach visits to rural and underserved communities. Fees follow our fee guide, with travel and your individual estimate confirmed in advance. Mobile visits are arranged by direct inquiry rather than online booking.

What areas do you serve?

St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Conception Bay South, and surrounding communities on the Avalon Peninsula.

Comfort & access

I get anxious at dental appointments. Can you help?

Yes. Gentle, sensory-friendly care is at the heart of how we work. Tell us what helps you feel comfortable (extra breaks, a slower pace, or a clear explanation of each step) and we'll build your visit around it.

What if I need to stop during the appointment?

We agree on a stop signal at the start of every appointment. Use it anytime, no questions asked. You're fully in control.

How do I tell you about my sensory needs?

Email us your comfort and accessibility preferences, or use the comfort box in the contact form, and we'll have everything ready for your visit. You're also welcome to call before booking.

Do you see elderly patients in care facilities?

Yes. Lello provides care for elderly residents in their care facility on request, working closely with family or caregivers to make each visit calm and comfortable. A dedicated mobile service launches January 1, 2027.

Book an appointment

Choose a time that works for you.

Booking for the whole family is welcome. Mobile and facility visits are arranged by direct inquiry.

Trouble viewing? Open booking in a new tab · or call/text (709) 700-0898

Let's connect

Questions first? No pressure.

Reach out to schedule, ask about coverage, or talk through how we can accommodate your needs.

☎
Call or text(709) 700-0898
◷
HoursAppointments available by arrangement, including evenings & weekends.
$
Insurance & billingDirect billing to most major insurers. CDCP accepted. Not sure if you're covered? Just ask.

Send a message

Please don't include detailed health information here; we'll go over your medical history privately before your visit.

The ERA Journal · Systemic health

The surprising link between your mouth and your heart

We don't usually think of a dental cleaning as something that affects the heart. But a growing body of cardiology and periodontal research suggests that the health of your gums and the health of your cardiovascular system are more connected than most people realise.

The inflammation connection

Gum disease, known clinically as periodontitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition. When plaque bacteria are allowed to build up below the gumline, the body mounts a constant immune response. That low-grade inflammation doesn't always stay local: bacteria and inflammatory molecules from infected gum tissue can enter the bloodstream.1

In 2012, the American Heart Association reviewed the evidence and concluded that periodontal disease is associated with atherosclerotic vascular disease (the artery-narrowing process behind most heart attacks and strokes), independently of shared risk factors like smoking. Importantly, they were careful to say the data showed an association, not definitive proof that gum disease causes heart disease.1

What the latest consensus says

More recently, the European Federation of Periodontology and the World Heart Federation published a joint consensus report. After reviewing the accumulated research, they affirmed that there is consistent, independent evidence linking periodontitis to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and recommended that gum health be considered part of overall cardiovascular risk management.2

In other words, looking after your gums isn't only about keeping your teeth. It may be one more modifiable factor in protecting your long-term health.

Blood pressure and gum treatment

One of the most striking findings comes from a 2019 study published in the European Heart Journal. Using both genetic analysis and a randomised controlled trial, researchers found evidence of a causal link between periodontitis and high blood pressure, and that non-surgical periodontal treatment (essentially, a deep professional cleaning) was associated with improvements in blood pressure.3

This is exactly the kind of research that moves the conversation from "these things happen together" toward "treating one may help the other."

What this means for you

The honest summary: the association between gum health and heart health is strong and consistent, and the science on cause-and-effect is still developing. But keeping your gums healthy is low-risk and high-reward no matter what. It protects your teeth, your comfort, and quite possibly more.

If you have heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, it's worth mentioning your gum health to both your physician and your hygienist. Regular professional cleanings, daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth, and not ignoring bleeding gums are simple, evidence-aligned steps you can take.

References

  1. Lockhart PB, Bolger AF, Papapanou PN, et al. Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease: does the evidence support an independent association? A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012;125(20):2520–2544.
  2. Sanz M, Marco del Castillo A, Jepsen S, et al. Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2020;47(3):268–288.
  3. Czesnikiewicz-Guzik M, Osmenda G, Siedlinski M, et al. Causal association between periodontitis and hypertension: evidence from Mendelian randomization and a randomized controlled trial of non-surgical periodontal therapy. European Heart Journal. 2019;40(42):3459–3470.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalised advice from your dental or medical provider.

Book an appointment
The ERA Journal · Systemic health

Diabetes and gum disease: understanding a two-way street

If you live with diabetes, your gums deserve special attention. Decades of research now show that diabetes and gum disease are connected in both directions: diabetes makes gum disease more likely and more severe, and untreated gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.

What "bidirectional" really means

Most people have heard that diabetes affects many parts of the body, from the eyes to the kidneys. The mouth is no exception. Higher blood sugar weakens the body's ability to fight infection and slows healing, which makes the gums more vulnerable to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. A landmark review described this clearly: diabetes and periodontitis share a genuine two-way relationship.1

The part that surprises many people is the reverse direction. The chronic inflammation that comes with gum disease does not stay in the mouth. It can raise the body's overall inflammatory load and interfere with how well insulin works, which can push blood sugar levels higher.

Higher risk, greater severity

People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and when they do, it tends to progress faster and reach more advanced stages. This is especially true when blood sugar is poorly controlled over time. The international consensus from the European Federation of Periodontology and the International Diabetes Federation confirms that diabetes is a well-established risk factor for periodontitis.2

That same consensus encourages diabetes care teams and dental teams to communicate, because looking after one condition genuinely supports the other.

Treating your gums may help your blood sugar

Here is the encouraging news. A large Cochrane systematic review, which pools the results of many high-quality trials, found that treating periodontitis with a professional deep cleaning led to a meaningful reduction in HbA1c, a key measure of average blood sugar, in people with diabetes over the following months.3

Gum treatment is not a replacement for diabetes medication or healthy habits, but it appears to be a helpful piece of the bigger picture, and one that is often overlooked.

What this means for you

If you have diabetes, tell your hygienist. Together you can set a cleaning and maintenance schedule that protects your gums and supports your overall health. Watch for warning signs such as bleeding, swollen, or receding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, and do not wait for discomfort before seeking care.

Keeping your blood sugar within your target range, brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, and attending regular professional visits all work together to keep both your smile and your health on a steadier path.

References

  1. Preshaw PM, Alba AL, Herrera D, et al. Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship. Diabetologia. 2012;55(1):21–31.
  2. Sanz M, Ceriello A, Buysschaert M, et al. Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases and diabetes: Consensus report and guidelines of the joint workshop on periodontal diseases and diabetes by the International Diabetes Federation and the European Federation of Periodontology. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018;45(2):138–149.
  3. Simpson TC, Clarkson JE, Worthington HV, et al. Treatment of periodontitis for glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2022;(4):CD004714.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalised advice from your dental or medical provider.

Book an appointment
The ERA Journal · Gum health

Why your gums are the foundation of your oral health

When most people picture good oral health, they picture white, cavity-free teeth. But teeth are only as stable as the tissue and bone that hold them in place. That's why, at every appointment, we pay such close attention to your gums.

Bleeding gums are a signal, not a normal

The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis: inflammation caused by a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque biofilm, that gathers along the gumline. The classic signs are redness, puffiness, and gums that bleed when you brush or floss.

Here's the encouraging part: gingivitis is reversible. Research informing European prevention guidelines shows that consistent, well-performed daily cleaning, combined with professional care, can return inflamed gums to health. Managing gingivitis is, in fact, considered the primary way to prevent more serious gum disease.2

From gingivitis to periodontitis

Left unchecked, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. At this stage the inflammation reaches deeper, and the body begins to break down the bone and fibres anchoring the teeth. This damage is largely irreversible, and advanced periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Modern periodontal care uses a "staging and grading" system to describe how advanced the disease is and how quickly it's progressing, which helps tailor treatment to each person.3 Catching the process early, at the gingivitis stage, is always easier than reversing its consequences later.

It's more common than you think

Gum disease is not a rare problem. A large global analysis found that severe periodontitis was the sixth most prevalent health condition worldwide, affecting roughly one in ten adults.1 Milder gum inflammation is more common still.

Because it's often painless in its early stages, many people don't realise they have it, which is exactly why routine professional assessment matters.

Prevention works

The good news is that gum disease is highly preventable. Daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and regular professional cleanings to remove hardened deposits (tartar) you can't reach at home are a proven combination.

Think of your gums as the foundation of a house. You can have beautiful teeth on top, but if the foundation is quietly eroding, everything above it is at risk. Looking after your gums is looking after your whole smile.

References

  1. Kassebaum NJ, Bernabé E, Dahiya M, Bhandari B, Murray CJL, Marcenes W. Global burden of severe periodontitis in 1990–2010: a systematic review and meta-regression. Journal of Dental Research. 2014;93(11):1045–1053.
  2. Chapple ILC, Van der Weijden F, Doerfer C, et al. Primary prevention of periodontitis: managing gingivitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2015;42(Suppl 16):S71–S76.
  3. Tonetti MS, Greenwell H, Kornman KS. Staging and grading of periodontitis: framework and proposal of a new classification and case definition. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018;45(Suppl 20):S149–S161.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalised advice from your dental or medical provider.

Book an appointment
The ERA Journal · Nutrition

Foods that protect your teeth (and ones that quietly damage them)

What you eat and drink shapes your dental health every single day. But the story is more nuanced than "sugar is bad." Two factors, how often you eat sugar and how acidic your food and drinks are, matter just as much as the total amount.

Sugar: it's about frequency, not just amount

Tooth decay happens when bacteria feed on sugars and produce acid that dissolves enamel. A systematic review carried out to inform World Health Organization guidelines found a consistent, dose-response relationship between the amount of free sugars in the diet and the risk of cavities: the more free sugars, the more decay.1

On the strength of that evidence, the WHO recommends keeping free sugars below 10% of your daily energy intake, and suggests that reducing them below 5% would offer additional protection.2 Just as important is how often you consume sugar: every sugary snack or sip restarts an acid attack, so frequent grazing is harder on your teeth than the same amount eaten in one sitting.

The hidden risk: acid and erosion

Sugar isn't the only culprit. Acidic foods and drinks can directly wear away enamel in a process called erosive tooth wear, a multifactorial condition that researchers note is increasingly common.3

Soft drinks (including diet ones), citrus, sports drinks, and even sparkling water are acidic enough to soften enamel. Sipping these slowly over a long period keeps your mouth acidic for hours, which is the most damaging pattern of all.

Foods that help

Some foods actively support your teeth. Dairy products like cheese, milk, and plain yoghurt supply calcium and phosphate and help neutralise acid. Crunchy, fibrous vegetables and fruits encourage chewing, which stimulates saliva, your mouth's natural defence and repair system.

Water, especially fluoridated tap water where available, rinses away food particles and helps maintain a healthy pH. Sugar-free gum after meals can also boost saliva flow and help wash acids away.

Practical habits that make a difference

You don't have to give up everything you enjoy. A few habits go a long way: drink water after sugary or acidic foods; enjoy treats with a meal rather than grazing throughout the day; and don't brush immediately after something acidic. Wait about 30 to 60 minutes, since enamel is temporarily softened and brushing too soon can wear it down.

Pair these habits with fluoride toothpaste and regular professional care, and you give your enamel the best possible chance to stay strong for life.

References

  1. Moynihan PJ, Kelly SAM. Effect on caries of restricting sugars intake: systematic review to inform WHO guidelines. Journal of Dental Research. 2014;93(1):8–18.
  2. World Health Organization. Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children. Geneva: WHO; 2015.
  3. Lussi A, Carvalho TS. Erosive tooth wear: a multifactorial condition of growing concern and increasing knowledge. Monographs in Oral Science. 2014;25:1–15.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalised advice from your dental or medical provider.

Book an appointment

Privacy policy

ERA Dental Hygiene Studio (Lello Dental Hygiene Inc.) collects only the information you choose to send us through this website: your name, phone number, email address, and anything you write in a form.

How we use it. Messages sent through the contact form are used only to respond to you and arrange your care. If you join our update list, we use your email or phone number only to send occasional news about appointment openings, promotions, and studio updates, and only with your consent.

What we don't do. We never sell, rent, or share your information with third parties for their marketing.

Unsubscribing. You can withdraw consent at any time by replying STOP to a text, using the unsubscribe option in an email, or contacting Smile@eradentalhygiene.ca. We'll remove you promptly.

Health information. Please don't send detailed health information through this website. Your medical history is collected privately as part of your care, and your patient records are protected in line with Newfoundland and Labrador privacy requirements for health information.

Questions? Call or text (709) 700-0898 or email Smile@eradentalhygiene.ca.