What's one thing I can do today to improve my oral health?
A: Drink more water and brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Small, consistent steps make the biggest difference.
Tip: Keep a reusable water bottle nearby throughout the day. Every sip helps wash away bacteria, keeps your mouth moist, and reminds you to care for your whole body, not just your smile.
Does using a medium bristled brush or brushing harder mmake my teeth cleaner?
A: NO. Brushing harder or using a medium bristled brush can actually cause more damage to your teeth. It causes enamel wear and trauma to your gums leading to irreversible damage!
Tip: Use a soft bristled toothbrush and use a low abrasive toothpaste (do not use charcoal toothpaste). When brushing, use light pressure. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor is best!
Do I really have to floss?
A: YES. If you have all 32 teeth you are not cleaning approximately 40% of your teeth’s surfaces because brushing alone cannot reach in between and under your gum line.
Tip: Use flavored floss picks (coated with xylitol) to make flossing easier and taste great!
Why is dry mouth such a big deal?
A: Saliva helps wash away food particles, balance acids, and prevent cavities. When your mouth is dry (often from stress, medications, or dehydration), bad bacteria thrives, increasing your risk for decay.
Tip: Chew sugar-free gum and breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Also avoid mouthwashes with alcohol in them as they can make dryness worse.
I think a piece of my tooth chipped off! What should I do?
A: Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, so unless there was significant trauma, it’s unlikely a healthy tooth would suddenly chip; small white-to-yellow, chalky pieces are more commonly dislodged calculus (tartar) or possibly a chipped tooth-colored filling. If your tongue doesn’t feel anything sharp or jagged your teeth are likely fine, but when in doubt, schedule a dental visit to confirm and discuss next steps.
Tip: For tooth sensitivity, apply a small amount of potassium nitrate toothpaste (such as Sensodyne) directly to the affected tooth, and if you wear a clear aligner, retainer, or nightguard, place it over the toothpaste to help it soak in and relieve sensitivity before your dental visit.
I think my breath smells bad. Why? And what should I do about it?
A: Halitosis (bad breath) can be caused by harmless factors like foods or odor-producing bacteria, but it can also be caused by more serious factors like tonsil stones, stomach problems, or gum disease.
Tip: If you scrape the back of your tongue with a spoon and sniff it, that’s likely what your breath smells like! You can clean your your tongue with a tongue-scraper or a toothbrush.
Are dental X-rays safe?
A: Yes! Dental X-rays are very safe. They use only a tiny amount of radiation, less than what we naturally encounter every day. For example, a banana naturally contains a small amount of radiation, and a routine set of dental X-rays, called bitewings, gives off about the same small amount you’d get from eating a few bananas. X-rays are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially when proper protection, like a lead apron, is used.
Tip: Ask your doctor whether you need dental X-rays, don’t skip them because you feel fine, they help detect problems early.
Why do I need to see the dentist if my teeth don't hurt?
A: Gum disease and other dental issues begin quietly, meaning problems can start without pain. Regular dental visits help catch problems early, keep your teeth healthy, and prevent future pain.
Tip: Prevention is easier than repair. Regular checkups help catch gum disease and cavities before they turn into big and expensive problems.
What's the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist?
A: At routine dental visits, you typically spend more time with your hygienist because hygienists focus on preventive care and education to stop disease before it starts, even when home care is good. Dentists, by contrast, diagnose and treat existing problems, and while hygienists can perform deep cleanings like scaling and root planing, they cannot diagnose periodontal disease.
What can I do when I become anxious?
A: A way to help is to distract yourself with healthy alternatives that do NOT involve your phone!
Tip: Try looking around and finding an object and spelling out the name of the object in your mind. Try describing a pair of shoes. Be creative! This helps you tune into your surroundings and not on what is making you anxious.
How can journaling improve my mental health?
A: Writing your thoughts helps organize emotions, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness. It’s like giving your mind a space to breathe and reset.
Tip: Try pairing journaling with brushing your teeth, write a quick thought before or after. It helps connect mental hygiene with oral hygiene, making both a daily habit.
What is therapy like? What can I expect?
A: Therapy may look like entering into a scheduled appointment with a licensed therapist either in-person or online. If in-person, they will walk you back to a private room or safe space and typically will have a noise cancelling machine. The therapist typically is not taking notes while they talk to you, but some may prefer to. No matter the platform you meet, a therapist is there to help and listen. They may ask thought provoking questions. It is meant to be a safe space to share your thoughts and feels as well as to help heal mentally where it is needed.
Why is mental health just as important as physical health?
A: Your mental health impacts how you think, feel, and act. It can impact anything from your sleep and motivation level to your appetite and how you care for yourself physically. A healthy mind supports a healthy body.
Tip: When brushing your teeth, take a mental minute to check in with yourself, notice how you’re feeling, breathe deeply, and remind yourself: you deserve care, inside and out.
How do I know if I need help?
A: If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress happen often, or if you no longer enjoy activities you once did, it’s important to reach out to a trusted adult or mental health professional for support.
Tip: Notice changes in your appetite, sleep, and energy? Keep a “feelings journal” to track your mood. If tough days keep adding up, its time to reach out.
Who can I talk to if I need help?
A: Remember, you are not alone, support is available. Talk to a combination of friends, family, and/or professionals. Safe online communities can help but it is important they’re moderated by professionals. If you are in a crisis, reach out to a hotline right away.
Tip: Make a short “support list”with 3 people or places you can contact, and keep it somewhere easy to find.
How can I start to love myself?
A: If you want to love yourself, that desire itself is proof that self-love already exists within you, because wanting something good for yourself is an act of love, even if it doesn’t feel complete yet.
Tip: Starting and maintaining a gratitude journal by writing down three things you’re thankful for each day can greatly improve your mental health and make it easier to notice and appreciate the good in your life. Over time, you may realize you help attract and sustain these good things, an act of care you’d only give to someone you truly love.
Mind and Mouth Matters has been developed as part of a Maryland Coalition for Allied Dental Education (MCADE) student engagement project by dental hygiene students from the Community College of Baltimore County.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is always available.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
hours
Tuesday - Friday: 10am to 4pm
Address
31 S. Greene St. Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone
410-706-0600
The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is an auxiliary enterprise of the University of Maryland, School of Dentistry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
