Someone’s smile is often the first thing we notice in another person, but it reflects far more than appearance alone. Dentistry and oral health sit at the intersection of daily ritual and long-term disease prevention, shaping far more than just a smile. From the chemistry of fluoride strengthening enamel to the mechanics of toothbrushing and flossing that disrupt plaque before it hardens, small habits carry outsized impact. But with trends like oil pulling, activated charcoal, and “natural” oral care flooding social media, where does evidence end and myth begin? Do these alternatives actually protect our teeth and gums—or could they quietly do more harm than good?

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Connie Wang, DMD, PharmD, a bo ...