I Dislike the Dentist—These TikTok Tips Aid in Avoiding Additional Appointments

      Here’s my reality: I would prefer to deal with emotional baggage over undergoing a dental cleaning. To make things worse, my teeth seem to be prone to issues. Cavities? Always. Sensitivity? Of course. While I wouldn't hesitate to invest in a comprehensive seven-step Korean skincare regimen and meticulously gua sha my jawline, I previously resisted flossing. However, I stumbled upon a specific TikTok niche—DentalTok, if you will. It turns out there’s an optimal sequence for cleaning your mouth, and apparently rinsing after brushing is a common beginner’s error?

      Since revamping my oral hygiene routine to include a few easy steps, I've reduced cavities and made it through two dental appointments without feeling judged by the dentist as he bombards me with questions while his hands are in my mouth. If you’re someone who tends to avoid the dentist or just want to feel confident about your routine, here’s what has worked for me.

      1. Confronting flossing (at last)

      Let’s begin with the task I used to evade at all costs: flossing. I was a habitual non-flosser, and my go-to tactic—panic-flossing the night before a visit—wasn't fooling anyone. The dentist always caught on. But once I discovered a water flosser, everything shifted. No more bleeding gums, no more lectures from the hygienist, and no more excuses.

      Dr. Joyce Kahng (@joycethedentist on TikTok) suggests water flossing as a gentle yet effective method to clean between teeth without aggravating your gums. After investing an embarrassing amount of time reading reviews, I chose this COSLUS water flosser due to its various tip options and 10 pressure settings (I didn't want to start at full blast). I love it so much that I even bought a mini version for my travel bag. My dentist advised me that it's not a complete substitute for traditional string floss, so I alternate between both—but the water flosser has become an essential part of my daily routine.

      

      

      

       COSLUS

      

       This rechargeable water flosser features 10 (!!) pressure settings to target every area of your mouth.

      

      

      

      

       COSLUS

      

       A favorite among dental enthusiasts, this water flosser boasts a larger tank and deeper clean without the dentist-level price.

      

      

      

      

       COSLUS

      

       Compact and lightweight, this model is ideal for maintaining your routine while traveling.

      

      

      

      

       Cocofloss

      

       This influencer and dentist-recommended floss is textured to facilitate easy removal of buildup and comes in various fun flavors.

      

      

      2. Enhancing brushing techniques

      After watching several TikToks from dental experts, I realized I was making mistakes with the most fundamental step of my routine—brushing. Kudos to Tefi’s mysterious dentist for offering this analogy: Treat toothpaste like lotion. You wouldn’t wash off your moisturizer right away, right? It’s the same concept. That idea stuck with me. I was rinsing off the benefits before they could work. Now, I brush, spit, and walk away. No rinsing, no water.

      I also upgraded my old plastic toothbrush to a stylish electric sonic toothbrush from COSLUS that effortlessly provided a noticeably deeper clean. It's effective, budget-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing on my bathroom counter. I started to look forward to brushing, which is something I never imagined saying.

      

      

      

       COSLUS

      

       With five modes and six replacement heads, this electric toothbrush will serve you well for the long haul.

      

      

      

      

       Moon

      

       For those days when my gums are sensitive, this ultra-soft brush still gets the job done without discomfort.

      

      

      

      

       Euthymol

      

       With a robust herbal flavor and vintage packaging, this fluoride-free option has a nostalgic charm.

      

      

      

      

       Marvis

      

       This cult-favorite toothpaste feels like a luxury product and features a formula that helps polish surface stains.

      

      

      3. Adding a tongue scraper

      This is the step I was unaware I needed until a TikTok dentist referred to the tongue as a “bacteria carpet.” Yikes. I’ve since incorporated a quick tongue scrape into my morning routine and haven’t looked back. It’s low-effort, oddly satisfying, and makes my mouth feel cleaner than any mouthwash ever could.

      Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri (@drshaadimanouchehri) explains that tongue scraping can reduce bacteria responsible for bad breath and cavities. Plus, it only takes five seconds.

      

      

      

       Longevity Labs

      

       This cute tongue scraper features an easy-to-grip design and flexible edges that are gentle yet effective.

      

      

      

      

       Koppen

      

       Made with extra-flexible edges, this copper scraper is