Millions of Americans put off going to the dentist for a number of reasons. They might do so because they have other plans that get in the way or they simply think they are saving money. After all, if there’s nothing glaringly wrong with your oral health, why should you bother? The fact of the matter is, according to a dentist, skipping routine visits can spell major trouble for your long-term oral health and even your systemic health. Here’s why you should always stay committed to routine dental checkups and cleanings, even if nothing is wrong with your teeth or gums.

If you’ve been looking for ways to whiten teeth on your own time, you may have come across products that advertise “activated charcoal” on their labels. This relatively new trend has been hitting stores all over the country, and it’s causing dental patients to give them a second look. However, it’s important to keep some points in mind in order to utilize these products safely. To learn how this method of teeth whitening works, keep reading!