Empowering the Cancer Journey: (un)cancer's Oral Care Products for Patients
In the labyrinth of cancer treatment, finding solace amidst the challenges can be daunting. However, (un)cancer stands as a guiding light, offering support and solutions to navigate the often turbulent voyage through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Founded by Dr. Abida Taher, an oncologist, and Dr. Robyn Lesser, a pediatric dentist, (un)cancer is a platform meticulously crafted to empower individuals negotiating the complex landscape of cancer. It's not just a brand; it's a beacon of hope for cancer patients and caregivers alike. At its core, (un)cancer is devoted to prioritizing life over disease, fostering resilience, and providing invaluable assistance through products and services designed to alleviate the daily trials faced during the cancer journey.
In the labyrinth of cancer treatment, finding solace amidst the challenges can be daunting. However, (un)cancer stands as a guiding light, offering support and solutions to navigate the often turbulent voyage through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Founded by Dr. Abida Taher, an oncologist, and Dr. Robyn Lesser, a pediatric dentist, (un)cancer is a platform meticulously crafted to empower individuals negotiating the complex landscape of cancer. It's not just a brand; it's a beacon of hope for cancer patients and caregivers alike. At its core, (un)cancer is devoted to prioritizing life over disease, fostering resilience, and providing invaluable assistance through products and services designed to alleviate the daily trials faced during the cancer journey.
One of the pivotal aspects of (un)cancer's support arsenal is its line of oral care products specifically curated for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Understanding the significant toll cancer therapy can take on oral health, (un)cancer introduced three essential kits tailored to address oral side effects and promote better oral well-being during and after treatment.
1. Oral Care (Essential) Kit:
This comprehensive kit comprises seven science-backed products meticulously designed to optimize oral health before, during, and after cancer treatment. From toothpaste and floss to soothing mouth rinse and dry mouth candies, this ensemble aims to mitigate oral side effects while maintaining oral hygiene. By incorporating these products into everyday oral care routines, individuals can find relief from treatment-related oral discomfort and enhance their overall well-being.
2. Oral Care Dry Mouth Kit:
Dealing with dry mouth, a common side effect of cancer treatment, can be arduous. The Dry Mouth Kit from (un)cancer includes three products - soothing mouth rinse, lip balm, and dry mouth candies - specifically formulated to alleviate mucosal irritation and stimulate saliva production. Incorporating this kit into daily oral care routines offers respite from the discomfort caused by dry mouth, ensuring a more comfortable experience during and post-treatment.
3. OC Sensitive Teeth Kit:
Tooth sensitivity is another challenge that cancer patients often face during treatment. The OC Sensitive Teeth Kit comprises four products - floss, toothpaste, toothbrush, and remineralization gel - aimed at alleviating tooth sensitivity and aiding in rebuilding a healthy oral cavity. This kit offers an effective way to manage tooth sensitivity during treatment, enabling individuals to reclaim their everyday lives with greater ease.
Each of these kits is not just a collection of products; it's a lifeline for individuals navigating the complexities of cancer treatment. (un)cancer's commitment to providing holistic support through scientifically formulated oral care products underscores its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and caregivers.
For anyone on the cancer journey, incorporating (un)cancer's oral care kits into their daily routine can make a substantial difference. By addressing oral health challenges proactively, (un)cancer empowers individuals to face treatment-related hurdles with resilience and confidence, ensuring a more comfortable and empowered journey towards recovery and survivorship.
10 Easy Tips For Maintaining A Confident Smile In The Workplace
Having a confident smile can go a long way in your professional life. It not only makes a good first impression on clients and colleagues, but it also boosts your self-confidence. However, maintaining a pearly white smile can be challenging with all the coffee breaks and late-night deadlines. Here are some easy tips to keep your teeth looking their best and maintain a confident smile in the workplace:
Having a confident smile can go a long way in your professional life. It not only makes a good first impression on clients and colleagues, but it also boosts your self-confidence. However, maintaining a pearly white smile can be challenging with all the coffee breaks and late-night deadlines. Here are some easy tips to keep your teeth looking their best and maintain a confident smile in the workplace:
Brush and floss regularly: This one goes without saying, but it's important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.
Invest in an electric toothbrush: Nothing against manual toothbrushes, but an electric toothbrush can be more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush, especially in hard-to-reach areas. If you’re looking for good toothbrushes to invest in, I did an electric toothbrush round-up of some see my favorites. Nowadays, I am really into more sustainable and natural options and so I have really taken a liking to Suri toothbrushes. They use recyclable plant-based heads and bristles, and the slim aluminium body is designed to be taken apart and repaired, all while delivering a dentist-approved clean. I have recently started using this toothbrush and love it. If you want to give it a try you can use the code: DRUNORTHODOC for 15% off.
Choose the right toothpaste: Look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite to help prevent cavities, remineralize your enamel and also consider a whitening toothpaste to keep your smile bright. If you’re not sure what nano-hydroxyapatite is, I have written about it here quite a bit. I have broken down the difference between fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite and have even given my recommendations for toothpastes containing nano-hydroxyapatite.
Recommended Toothpaste
I shared some tips on Instagram on how to spring clean your oral care routine. One of my favorite oral care brands is @boka, which offers all-natural toothpaste and toothbrushes. The dentist in me won’t allow me to not talk about oral care - it's a topic that's near and dear to my heart, and I can't stress enough how crucial it is for your overall health and wellbeing. Boka’s high-quality products make it easy to maintain good oral hygiene, and I highly recommend giving them a try. Plus, as a special offer to my followers, you can use my code: theunorthodoc to get 20% off your purchase. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Use mouthwash: Mouthwash can help freshen your breath and kill bacteria that cause bad breath. I recommend using a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, like the one from Risewell. They have a pH-balancing alcohol-free mouthwash that tastes great and uses essential oils with anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It also contains xylitol, which helps combat cavities. Xylitol is technically a “sugar alcohol,” but it does not actually contain any alcohol—nor is it a sugar! Xylitol is a carbohydrate found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, and it inhibits bad bacteria growth. That is the key - to inhibit the bad bacteria that causes bad breath and cavities. When you rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash, you are essentially sterilizing your mouth and that sometimes this kills both good AND bad bacteria. Unfortunately, the bad bacteria tends to grow back fast and often over-populate your mouth before the good bacteria has time to fight. Using code; UNORTHODOC10 will get you 10% off Risewell products.
Watch what you eat and drink: Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help rinse away food particles and bacteria. Bacteria consume sugar from your food and produce waste in the form of acid and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The acid creates cavities and the VSCs cause bad breath. Lack of brushing, poor quality foods/high sugar, lack of water, and dry mouth can lead to an over-population of bad bacteria.
Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in your mouth and prevent tooth decay. I recommend sugar-free gum or gum that contains xylitol. Xylitol inhibits bacterial growth and helps prevent the formation of plaque.
Take breaks from coffee and tea: Coffee and tea can stain your teeth over time, so try to limit your intake or take breaks throughout the day. If you do indulge, use a straw to help minimize contact with your teeth. Also forma a habit of drinking lots of water after coffee or tea intake to get rid of the tannins and sugar.
Wear contrasting colors: If you're self-conscious about your teeth, wearing contrasting colors can help them appear whiter. Avoid wearing white or pale colors next to your face, as they can highlight any discoloration. Darker shades like royal/navy blue, purple, and even black can make the color of your teeth appear whiter. I love a good red! especially lipstick. It makes my teeth appear really white.
Get regular dental checkups: Rue of thumb: visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning to maintain good oral health.
Consider professional teeth whitening: If you're looking for a quick fix, consider professional teeth whitening. Your dentist can provide options for in-office or at-home whitening treatments that are safe and effective.
By following these easy tips, you can maintain a confident smile in the workplace and make a great impression on colleagues and clients. Remember, a healthy and confident smile can go a long way in your professional life!
Electric Toothbrush Round-Up
The holidays are among us and it is a time of year that is for togetherness, family, spreading holiday cheer and gift giving! I have started a tradition of putting together gift guides this time of year. In 2021 these were among the most popular posts on the blog so I am back again with the guides this year. Seeing that I am an Orthodontist, no gift guide of mine is complete without oral care goodies and it just so happens that some of my favorite oral care brands are having major sales this holiday season. I have rounded up a few electric toothbrush options for you and linked them. Not only are the items up to 50% off but you can save additionally with my coupon codes. hey make great stocking stuffers!
The holidays are among us and it is a time of year that is for togetherness, family, spreading holiday cheer and gift giving! I have started a tradition of putting together gift guides this time of year. In 2021 these were among the most popular posts on the blog so I am back again with the guides this year. Seeing that I am an Orthodontist, no gift guide of mine is complete without oral care goodies and it just so happens that some of my favorite oral care brands are having major sales this holiday season. I have rounded up a few electric toothbrush options for you and linked them below. Not only are the items up to 50% off but you can save additionally with my coupon codes. Click through for the savings. They make great stocking stuffers!
Goby - I love Goby’s electric toothbrushes and even carry them in my practice. Every new patient gets a goodie bag with oral care goodies along side a brand new Goby toothbrush. This holiday they are having a great sale on their brush kits. 15% off 2 brush kits, 20% off 3 brush kits. In addition to that you can take an extra $10 off your order with code: UNORTHODOC10. They make great Christmas gifts.
Foreo - If you missed it, I gave a detailed review of Foreo’s ISSA collection here. It is a swedish beauty brand that has made their way into oral care - they really are a self-care brand in my opinion. Having their products is like taking the spa home with you - all their products are luxurious, high-end, high quality, promotes taking care of your body and are backed by science and technology. I had the pleasure trying their entire line of oral care products, their ISSA collection. The ISSA 3 for adults, the ISSA kids for children ages 5-12yrs and the ISSA baby for ages 0-4yrs. They are having up to 50% off their entire line this holiday season. They make great, luxurious gifts! This link gets you the deals.
Quip - If you’ve known me for a while you know I really like quip toothbrushes and their super stylish and sleek designs. Quip is a travel essential for me. I keep the quip toiletry bag with quip goodies including an electric toothbrush, tooth paste, floss pick, and mouth wash in my suitcase! They are having 50% off site wide on their toothbrushes.
Burst - I personally love the rose gold burst products and the sleek design of their toothbrush and water flosser. I recommend these to my patients all the time! They have this really nice berry color that you can only get when you use a code. They are having 50% off right now but you can get an extra $10 off when you use code: SSNQED at checkout.
Bitvae - Budget friendly electric toothbrush! Bitvae’s electric toothbrush is designed to improve our customers' oral health with smart products accessible to all. The price point is the best in the industry. Use code: 30patrice for 30% off the already low price.
I just love the holidays for all the gift giving and receiving! Did I tell you I gave quip kits as wedding favors? (along with some other really nice things). True story. The dentist in me had to do it.
Happy shopping!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission when you click the links.
Increase The Good Bacteria in Your Mouth With Dental Probiotics
Did you know there are over 700 species of both good and bad bacteria that populate our mouths? Our mouths have a diverse ecosystem of bacteria in it. The key to a healthy mouth is maintaining the right balance of bacteria where the “good” bacteria outnumber the “bad” bacteria.
Originally published 2022, Updated September 2026
Did you know that scientists have identified more than 700 bacterial species in the human mouth? Your oral microbiome is a remarkably diverse ecosystem, and not all of these bacteria are simply “good” or “bad.” What matters is the balance and behavior of the microbial community as a whole.
A healthy mouth isn't a sterile mouth. It's a mouth with a microbial community that exists in relative balance with its environment and with you.
When that balance is disrupted, a state often referred to as dysbiosis, certain bacteria can become more abundant and contribute to problems like tooth decay, gingival inflammation, periodontal disease and bad breath.
That's why we're learning to think about oral health not simply as killing bacteria, but also as supporting a healthier oral ecosystem.
WHEN THE BALANCE SHIFTS
Because there really aren't two neat categories of bacteria where everything is either good or bad.
Take Streptococcus mutans, for example. It is strongly associated with dental caries and has characteristics that allow it to thrive in acidic environments and contribute to enamel demineralization. But caries is a disease of the microbial community and its environment, not simply the presence of one “bad” bacterium.
When we frequently expose our teeth to fermentable carbohydrates, bacteria metabolize those carbohydrates and produce acids. Repeated acid challenges can push the tooth environment toward demineralization and, over time, contribute to cavities.
And as dental plaque develops and the microbial community becomes increasingly dysbiotic, the risk of oral disease can increase.
Things that can contribute to an unhealthy oral environment include:
Frequent sugar and refined-carbohydrate exposure
Inadequate oral hygiene
Dry mouth
Certain medications
Smoking
Other factors that alter the oral environment
THE BACTERIA THAT HELP MAINTAIN BALANCE
Some oral bacteria are associated with oral health and can compete with potentially harmful organisms for nutrients and colonization sites.
For example, Streptococcus sanguinis is a common commensal organism associated with oral health and can compete with S. mutans. Other commensal streptococci can produce substances that inhibit potentially pathogenic organisms and help shape a healthier microbial community.
This is an important distinction because the goal isn't to eliminate bacteria from your mouth.
It's to support a microbial community that is compatible with oral health.
But here's the catch: simply killing or removing bacteria isn't the same thing as creating a healthy oral microbiome.
Your mouth is constantly being recolonized by microorganisms. That's why maintaining good oral hygiene isn't about creating a bacteria-free environment. It's about regularly disrupting plaque while supporting an oral environment that favors health.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT your ORAL MICROBIOME?
This is where dental probiotics come in.
Oral probiotics are products containing specific live microorganisms that are intended to provide a health benefit when consumed in adequate amounts. Some are formulated specifically for oral health and are designed to introduce particular strains of bacteria into the oral environment.
The idea is fascinating: rather than simply trying to eliminate microorganisms, could we introduce beneficial strains that compete with or influence potentially harmful bacteria?
Research so far suggests that certain oral probiotics may help reduce levels of cariogenic bacteria such as S. mutans and may improve some measures of halitosis. There is also evidence suggesting potential benefits as an adjunct to periodontal therapy. However, results vary considerably depending on the strain, dose, formulation and duration of use.
The research is promising, but dental probiotics should be viewed as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, the fundamentals of oral care. That means brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth, maintaining a balanced diet, managing dry mouth and seeing your dental professional regularly still matter.
A clear, orthodontist-designed guide to building a simple, effective oral care routine that fits your life.
Most adults are doing something right, but not necessarily what matters most. There’s a lot of information about oral care, but very little clarity. This guide was created to simplify that.
Inside, you’ll learn how to build a routine based on your specific needs, choose the right tools without guesswork, and focus on what actually makes a difference without overcomplicating it.
This is the same framework I use when guiding patients in real life, adapted into a clear, structured approach you can apply on your own.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just want to know what to do …for me,” this will help.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
The research on oral probiotics is promising, but it is still evolving.
Studies have found that certain probiotic strains may help influence the oral microbiome and may provide benefits for things like Streptococcus mutans levels and bad breath. However, the effects are strain-specific, and not every probiotic product will have the same results. Recent reviews also note that differences in strains, doses, formulations and study designs make it difficult to make broad claims about oral probiotics as a whole.
So, I don't think of dental probiotics as a replacement for brushing, flossing or professional dental care. They're an adjunct — an additional tool that may help support a healthier oral environment.
Your foundation still matters most: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth regularly remain the basics of evidence-based home oral care.
SOME ORAL PROBIOTICS TO CONSIDER
If you're interested in adding an oral probiotic to your routine, here are a few products worth exploring.
One important note: oral probiotics are not all interchangeable. Different products contain different strains, doses and formulations, so I recommend looking at the specific strains and evidence behind a product rather than simply choosing the one with the largest number of CFUs.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I believe are worth considering.
Smile Brilliant
The optimal way to build a healthier oral
microbiome and support ear / nose / throat
immunity!
ProBiora
The original dental probiotic - brings your oral biome into balance, addressing the cause of most common teeth and gum issues.
Great Oral Health
GOH offers chewable oral probiotics that are vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free and lactose-free with natural flavor. They have no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners and carries a unique and patented blend of dental probiotics packed with 7 potent strains of probiotics.
code: DRPATRICE10 gets you 10% off.
Burst Oral Care
Burst oral care’s probiotics contain one of the highest concentrations of BLIS K12TM and BLIS M-18TM available. Studies have shown that these probiotic strains support robust oral health.
code: SSNQED gets you 30% off.
Your mouth isn't supposed to be bacteria-free, it's supposed to have a healthy, balanced microbial ecosystem.
Oral probiotics are an interesting and emerging way to potentially support that ecosystem. But they're not magic, and they're certainly not a substitute for the basics.
Brush. Clean between your teeth. Manage your diet. Stay hydrated. See your dentist. And if you're interested in probiotics, choose one based on the strains and evidence, not just the biggest number on the bottle.
Give the Gift of a Healthy Smile
No gift guide is complete without oral care goodies and it just so happens that some of my favorite oral care brands are having major sales this holiday season.
No gift guide is complete without oral care goodies and it just so happens that some of my favorite oral care brands are having major sales this holiday season. I’ve rounded a few up for you and linked them below. Click through for the savings. They make great stocking stuffers!
Goby - I love Goby’s electric toothbrushes and even carry them in my practice. Every new patient gets a goodie bag with oral care goodies along side a brand new Goby toothbrush. This holiday they are having a great sale on their brush kits. 10% off 1 brush kit, 20% off 2 brush kits, 30% off 3 brush kits. When the sales end you can always get $10 off any order with code: UNORTHODOC10. They make great Christmas gifts.
Hello - Everyone loves Hello products and you can guarantee to find something that tickles your fancy. Choose from sensitivity toothpastes, to whitening, to all natural and even fun kids flavors! Toothpaste isn’t the only thing they have either - think mouthwash, lip balm, deodorant and more. They are having 25% off their bundles until November 30th.
Quip - If you’ve known me for a while you know my love for quip and their super stylish and sleek designs. Quip is a travel essential for me. I keep the quip toiletry bag with quip goodies including an electric toothbrush, tooth paste, floss pick, and mouth wash in my suitcase! You get $10 off when you spend $50, $50 off when you spend $150 and $75 off when you spend $200. Use code: BF2021 at checkout.
Cocofloss - I LOVE Cocofloss and so do all my patients! They make flossing so much fun with all the yummy flavors. They’re having a 25% off sale + free shipping when you spend at least $20. Use code: BLACKFRIDAY. If you catch this post after black Friday, the code: UNORTHODOC will get you 20% off. These make the best and most fun stocking stuffers!
Keeko - All natural dental care? sign me up! I especially love their biodegradable toothbrushes, their coconut floss and the copper tongue scraper. These make great stocking stuffers. use code: BLACKFRIDAY for 25% off. After the holidays use code: UNORTHODOC10 for 10% off.
Risewell - This isn’t pictured but if you’re looking for non-fluoride products (they use nano-hydroxyapatite instead) then these are great! Use code: SAVE15 for 15% off site wide. After the holidays use UNORTHODOC10 for 10% off site wide.
I just love the holidays for all the gift giving and receiving! Did I tell you I gave quip kits as wedding favors? (along with some other really nice things). True story. The dentist in me had to do it.
Happy shopping!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission when you click the links.
One of the most common complaints I hear from patients is, "My teeth are so sensitive."
Cold water hurts. Ice cream hurts. Sometimes even breathing in cold air can trigger that sharp, uncomfortable feeling.
Most people do what they're supposed to do: they buy a sensitivity toothpaste. But after months—or even years—of using it, many still struggle with sensitive teeth.