Be Boring: For a Healthy Mouth

In today’s world, we’re constantly being sold on what’s new, exciting, and “game-changing.” Scroll through social media and you’ll find an endless stream of dental hacks, trendy fads, and miracle products. Most of them are promoted as alternatives to the tried-and-true oral care techniques and products with outlandish claims.

But here’s a different take: if you truly want a healthy mouth, be boring.

That’s right. Be consistent, predictable, and maybe even a little bit dull when it comes to your dental routine. In a sea of shortcuts and fads, it’s the time-tested basics that quietly deliver the best results. They may not come in sleek packaging or promise instant transformation, but they work. And they’ve worked for decades.

Take a step back and think about what really keeps your mouth healthy. It’s not the latest tictoc trend. It’s brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. It’s flossing every night before bed. It’s showing up for your regular dental checkups and cleanings. It’s fixing dental problems when they are small. These habits don’t generate headlines, but they quietly prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and even tooth loss.

New trends aren’t inherently bad—some may be harmless or even helpful—but many are unproven, unregulated, or just unnecessary. For example, charcoal toothpaste became wildly popular a few years ago, marketed as a natural way to whiten teeth. But the abrasiveness of charcoal can wear away enamel, and most of these products don’t contain fluoride. That means you’re scrubbing off your tooth’s protective layer while missing out on one of the most important ingredients for decay prevention. Not exactly a great trade-off.

Other popular trends like oil pulling or DIY orthodontics may sound appealing, but often skip the essential understanding of how teeth, gums, and your bite works. Without the professional oversight, these shortcuts can lead to more harm than good—and cost you far more down the road in repairs.

What works best in dentistry—what’s safest, most reliable, and backed by research—is consistency. Much like tending to a garden, it’s not about doing something once and expecting perfection. It’s about small, daily habits that build over time. Brush every morning and night. Floss even when you’re tired. Avoid sipping sugary drinks throughout the day. Choose water when you can. Come in every six months, even if your teeth “feel fine.” These might sound basic, but they’re the reason some people reach their senior years with most of their natural teeth intact.

If you’re someone who’s already doing the basics, give yourself credit. There’s nothing boring about having a healthy smile, no matter how routine it may feel. So brush, floss, and see your dentist. Then repeat. Because sometimes, the most remarkable thing you can do for your health… is to simply be consistent.

At Joiner and Zwart Dentistry, we don’t chase gimmicks. We believe in thoughtful, evidence-based care. That means taking the time to get to know you, looking beyond what’s trending, and recommending treatments that truly make sense for your oral and overall health. It’s not always exciting—but it’s dependable. And in dentistry, dependable is a good thing.