A Dentist's Take on Modern Oral Health

Written by Julie Woon, MSJ

Dr. ArNelle Wright, known as The Daily Dentist on social media, the University of Florida-trained clinician who founded Doctors for Future Doctors and leads Oral Health and Wellness of Oviedo. She holds key leadership roles with the ADA and Florida Dental Associations and is a passionate advocate for equity, leadership, and excellence in dentistry.

What are some of the most common mistakes you see millennials making with their dental care?

Dr. Wright: The biggest issue I'm seeing is not having a dental home - meaning not having a designated dental provider you see regularly. Many people only come in when they have pain or when something feels wrong, rather than establishing a relationship with someone who can monitor their oral health over time.

If you're a healthy dental patient - your gums aren't bleeding, you don't have much plaque buildup, and you're doing well with home care - you should typically see your dentist every six months. But there's another group who have undiagnosed gum disease or dental issues, and without regular checkups, these problems go untreated and worsen over time.

Do our teeth and gums change as we move through our 20s, 30s, and 40s?

Dr. Wright: Absolutely. Hormones play a major role in all aspects of our health, and as we age, hormonal changes affect our oral health - especially for women. You may also develop new medical conditions that require medications, and many medications can cause dry mouth, which changes the bacterial environment in your mouth and increases cavity risk.

I often see patients who say they never had cavities growing up but suddenly they're getting multiple cavities in their 40s. My first question is always about new medications or medical diagnoses. We even do salivary testing to see what bacteria might be contributing to these changes, rather than just treating the symptoms with fillings.

How do lifestyle habits like drinking coffee and sparkling water affect our teeth?

Dr. Wright: I give my patients permission to indulge, but with guidelines. The key is frequency and timing. Instead of sipping coffee or soda throughout the day, which creates constant attacks on your teeth, have these drinks with your meals. If you're going to have candy, dessert, or coffee, consume it all at once rather than little bits throughout the day.

I also recommend using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. And remember to drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth lubricated and help rinse away acids and bacteria.

What's your take on popular dental trends like charcoal toothpaste and oil pulling?

Dr. Wright: As a woman of science, I have to say that science does not support charcoal toothpaste - it's actually harmful to your tooth structure. The reason these products are sold in stores is simply because people buy them. Social media has become a huge marketing tool where anyone can promote products, whether they're effective or not.

Oil pulling doesn't show any significant results in my experience, and I don't know how people manage to keep oil in their mouth for 20 minutes. I stick with the "two by two rule" - brushing and flossing twice a day for two minutes.

The key is having a trusted dental professional who stays current with research and can guide you through these trends with evidence-based recommendations.

Is there ever a point where dental damage is irreversible?

Dr. Wright: This is both yes and no, depending on the individual case. I've seen younger people who've had to have all their teeth removed due to advanced damage, requiring dentures or implant-supported prosthetics. While this might seem like "damage done," I don't see it that way if the person can still function, smile, eat, and enjoy life.

I'm what I call a "hope dealer." I believe in finding options for every patient, whether they're 25 or 95. The options might be different based on age, health, and other factors, but it's my duty to find solutions and present them. I look at each patient individually, considering their dental history, health background, fears, diet, and emotional state to provide truly comprehensive care.

Can you tell us about the organizations you've created to support women in dentistry?

Dr. Wright: I've always had a mentorship energy, partly because I didn't have much dental care growing up and had to navigate becoming a dentist without much guidance. I created Doctors for Future Doctors during COVID to help undergrad students and non-traditional applicants understand the dental school application process.

Dental Femme focuses on women who are early in their career or want to transition from being employees to practice owners or entrepreneurs. I've found myself involved in both the clinical side and the industry side of dentistry, and I want to show people that you don't have to just be a 9-to-5 clinician - you can make waves by sharing your story and getting involved in professional organizations.

I believe in pulling off the mask and showing the real journey, including failures. I didn't get into dental school on my first try, I had to retake the DAT, and I didn't have family money to buy a huge practice. But I'm changing the generational trajectory in my family tree, and I want to share that authentic journey in real-time.

How can people learn more about you and your work?

Dr. Wright: You can find my practice, Oral Health and Wellness of Oviedo, on Instagram @oralhealthoviedo. Connect with me personally @thedailydentist on Instagram, or find me on LinkedIn as ArNelle Wright, DMD. I'm also expanding my TikTok presence to reach younger audiences.

You can email me directly at thedailydentist@gmail.com, and if you're interested in the organizations I mentioned, look up Dental Fem Network on Instagram. I love doing webinars and connecting with people to see how I can help with their needs.

The most important thing is having that dental home - a trusted provider who knows your history and can guide you through all the noise of social media trends with science-based recommendations.

Want to hear more from Dr Wright? Check out the YMyHealth podcast on YouTube and your favorite podcasting platform!