YouTuber Whitney DiFoggio, better known online as Teeth Talk Girl, shares her simple and practical tips for improving oral health and, ultimately, holistic well-being.
Whitney DiFoggio
What do you wish more people understood about the connection between oral health and overall health?
It’s so much more than just fresh breath and cavity prevention. I wish more people understood the critical role that gum health plays in whole-body wellness. The mouth isn’t isolated from the rest of the body, and what happens in your mouth can absolutely affect your overall health. For example, untreated gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and even Alzheimer’s. If we could get more people to prioritize gum disease prevention, we wouldn’t just be saving teeth; we’d be supporting their entire body’s health.
Why is flossing still one of the most overlooked but important habits in oral care?
Let’s be real, it’s not glamorous. It’s not trendy like skincare tools or techy wellness gadgets. Flossing isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational. It reaches areas your toothbrush simply can’t, like between your teeth and under the gumline. These are the spots where bacteria love to hide, and if left undisturbed, these bacteria can trigger inflammation and gum disease. I totally get that it feels like “just another step” in your routine, but that small step makes a massive difference in preventing future dental issues.
How do you approach educating patients or viewers about gum disease without overwhelming them?
I always start by meeting people where they are. Everyone’s oral health journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. During my master’s program in health communication, I learned how important it is to tailor health education to different populations, learning styles, and emotional states. I keep things conversational, step-by-step, and always grounded in empathy. If someone feels overwhelmed, that’s totally valid! Dental info can be a lot, especially if you’ve never been taught this stuff before. But we work through it together — no shame, no judgment. My goal is always to make the experience less intimidating and more empowering.
Why do you think so many people wait until there’s pain before seeing a dentist?
Two big reasons: finances and fear. Dental care can be expensive, and understandably, a lot of people delay treatment until it’s absolutely necessary. However, the tricky part is that waiting often turns a small, affordable fix into a bigger, more costly problem, like needing a crown or root canal instead of a simple filling. I always encourage people to think of preventative care (like cleanings, exams, and x-rays) as an investment in their long-term health and their wallet. If money is tight, dental and dental hygiene schools often offer low-cost or even free care.
Then there’s fear, which is so common. Dental anxiety is real. If you’ve had a bad experience in the past, it can take time to rebuild trust. I always say finding the right dental office is kind of like dating. You might need to try a few places before finding a team that makes you feel safe, supported, and respected. However, once you do, it changes everything.
What dental product or tool do you think is underrated but makes a huge difference at home?
Just a simple toothbrush and floss. People are often surprised to hear that you don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive tools to take great care of your teeth. Even the most basic toothbrush and floss (yes, even from the dollar store!) can be super effective if you’re using the right technique. That said, higher-end products like electric toothbrushes can help reduce user error and do more of the work for you. However, the key takeaway is that consistency and proper technique matter more than the price tag.
