Teeth Talk

Teeth Talk Whitney's goal is to create a fun environment where everyone can learn about teeth!
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So whether you're a dental patient or dental professional... "Teeth Talk Girl" is here to provide you with high-quality education and entertainment!

04/16/2026

Everyone talks about how competitive it is to get into dental hygiene school but nobody talks about what happens after you’re accepted.

1️⃣ TIME MANAGEMENT. And I don’t mean “use a planner” time management. I mean your entire life is now blocked out in clinic hours, lectures, exams, weekly assignments, competencies, midterms, finals… and studying almost every single day. You’re locked into a schedule, and if you fall behind, it’s really hard to catch up. Most students sacrifice nights, weekends, birthdays… all of it. And you still have a life outside of school that needs attention. You have to literally schedule personal time the same way you schedule homework or you will burn out.

2️⃣ You have to find your own patients (in most programs but not all)! Anyway, if you DO need to find your patients… then you basically become a part-time recruiter. You need specific types of patients to pass requirements… heavy buildup, different case classifications, radiograph requirements. If your schedule isn’t full? That’s on you. I used to bribe my friends with $20 cleanings and beg family members to wait on their x-rays so I could take them in clinic. No one prepares you for that stress.

3️⃣ Then there’s the money no one mentions. You’re paying for instruments, cassettes, PPE, prophy angles, clinic supplies and it adds up fast. Then board review classes (which I highly recommend), textbooks you probably shouldn’t rent because you’ll need them for boards, multiple sets of required scrubs, clinic shoes, gowns… it feels like uniform shopping all over again (I went to a catholic school as a kid and WOWW did it remind me of it again with the uniforms)!

4️⃣ And just when you think you’re done? Now you need a strong resume, without having real-world RDH experience yet. Volunteer work, awards, networking, LinkedIn, CE courses… learning to connect with people in the profession is huge.

5️⃣ OVERALL, dental hygiene school is absolutely worth it. But nobody warns you that it’s not just “hard classes.” It’s time, money, recruiting, organization, networking… all at once. And somehow you come out stronger because of it

04/15/2026

Teeth Whitening Myths:
🍊 Orange slices whiten your teeth
🦷 MYTH: If anything, placing orange slices on your teeth will give you cavities. The acid in oranges can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and sensitivity.

🍊 White strips don’t work
🦷 MYTH: Whitening strips work if you use them correctly. Strips with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are effective—you just need to make sure they fit right on your teeth. Consistent use as directed is key to seeing results. NOTE: If you have a super spitty mouth, custom trays or semi-custom trays might be better for you as they stick better.

🍊 Whitening at my dentist is better than whitening at home
🦷 MYTH: Legitimate at-home products, like strips, trays, or gels, can achieve the same results as professional whitening (as long as they contain the proper formulation of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). The difference is the time it takes—at-home methods may take a few weeks to match the 1-hour results from your dentist.

For more information on teeth whitening sensitivity and deciding which whitening method would work best for you – watch my latest video on YouTube.com/TeethTalk

04/13/2026

Many of you have shared my content with patients over the years and I love it! But I wanted to make it easier for dental offices to bring patient education into the practice every single day SOOO that’s why we started BetterMouth TV 🦷📺!!! It’s a better way to use waiting room time to help patients feel more informed & comfortable before the appointment even begins! And/or during the appointment in your op!!!

Comment “TV” and I’ll send you the link to learn more! And if you’re interested, be sure to share with your dentist or office manager :)

04/11/2026

he asked his dental hygienist on a date!!!

ps I know in some countries there are laws against dating your dental patients, although it’s not a law here in the US, it’s def still awkward if it doesn’t work out lol

only one hour in, only saw one patient, and I’m already SOOO tired and ready to go back to sleep hahaha but I truly love...
04/10/2026

only one hour in, only saw one patient, and I’m already SOOO tired and ready to go back to sleep hahaha but I truly love my job!

04/10/2026

As a dental hygienist, these are the phrases I say EVERY SINGLE DAY during cleanings 😅 From “Do you floss?” (no judgment, I promise!) to “No worries” and “Still doing okay?”, my goal is always to meet patients where they are and make dental visits more comfortable, informative, and stress-free.

Whether we’re talking flossing alternatives like water flossers and proxy brushes, proper toothbrushing technique (hello 45-degree angle!), or giving you a break when you need it, everything I say is to help protect your gums, prevent cavities, and support your overall oral health. And dental cleanings don’t have to be scary! Communication, comfort, and education go a long way.

04/09/2026

How do I clean my face shield as a dental hygienist? Sooooo let’s talk about what the manufacturer recommends and what I realistically do when I’m in a rush.

🦷 Soap + water is best to prevent scratches and fogging. Disinfectant wipes can shorten the life of your shield. Sharing my personal experience so you can decide what works best for you… without ruining your shield.

🦷 PS my shield is from spitblocker.com and my discount code is TEETHTALKGIRL

04/08/2026

“why do I have another cavity?!” So although spring doesn’t FEEL like cavity season… grazing + “healthy” snacks can sneak up on your teeth 🌸🦷 but that doesn’t mean you have to stop snacking! just snack smarter. timing, hydration, and flossing matter more than people realize.

04/07/2026

Dental hygienist here to gently say… fit matters! Not because of aesthetics. Not because of shade. Not because of trends. But because poorly fitting veneers can trap bacteria, lead to decay underneath, gum inflammation, debonding… and potentially bigger, more expensive problems down the road. Love your smile. Love your choices. Do what makes you confident. Just make sure whatever is in your mouth is healthy, functional, and not setting you up for long-term issues.

Overall I don’t care if you have veneers, implants, crowns, or all natural teeth — I just care that they’re healthy.

PS nothing against Chappell Roan!!! I like her a lot!!!

04/05/2026

You can’t floss away a cavity but you CAN stop one before it becomes a cavity. Pre-cavity reversal at home is a thing, but not cavity reversal. Here’s the nuance people miss:

🦷 Incipient decay (pre-cavity) = early mineral loss before a hole forms → can often be halted or remineralized with proper flossing, fluoride, and daily home care

❌ True cavities (cavitation) = enamel is already broken → cannot heal, cannot be flossed away, needs a filling

Once decay reaches dentin, there’s no reversing it. And putting off your dental filling appointment only means bigger, more expensive treatment later. Prevention saves teeth & money. Full explanation on YouTube.com/TeethTalk 🦷💗

04/04/2026

she says she hates the safety glasses at the dentist and finds the goggles more comfortable! honestly, as long as you’re wearing something to protect your eyes, I don’t mind what you bring from home. I just can’t get over how these goggles feel more uncomfortable than simple safety glasses… but hey if you want full protection, the goggles definitely work and no judgement! but if you’re saying the goggles are more *comfortable* than safety glasses… I’m confused! each to their own, though!

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