Yep, you read that right. The title probably made you click, so hi — I’m Alliyah, and I’m here to share my surprisingly fulfilling trip to the dentist (never thought I’d say that).

Let’s be real. Growing up, anytime you mentioned you were going to the dentist, kids instantly judged you.
“Ew, cavities? You should brush your teeth.”
“I’ve never had to go that much.”
Like, okay Becky, congrats on your superior molars. Meanwhile, I was over here practically on a first-name basis with my dentist.

Let's just say... I hate the dentist. Not only because I went way too often as a kid, but because the sound of those drills makes my soul leave my body. Most of my back teeth? Cavities. My baby teeth? Also cavities. And yes, I had to put those nasty little things under my pillow for the tooth fairy — honestly, I’m shocked she even paid me.

Growing up, the advice was always the same:
Use Crest or Colgate. Mouthwash. Brush for two minutes. Floss. See you in six months.

But here we are in 2025, and my mindset has shifted. I didn’t go looking for a holistic dentist (I didn’t even know they existed). I just saw a $30 cleaning deal at a place near my house, 4 weeks before my wedding.

Best. Accident. Ever.

The Visit That Changed My Mouth Game

I was greeted with so much kindness — rare these days — and met my unique hygienist. I told him about my cavities, fears, and noise issues. He said, “Next time, bring headphones,” and then immediately told Alexa to blast Kenny G at full volume. Everyone was looking at us, and I was laughing way too hard for someone in a dental chair.

But here’s the good stuff I learned:

1. Oil Pulling vs Mouthwash

He basically asked, “Why use regular mouthwash filled with blue dye, fluoride, chemicals, and only a 99% effectiveness… when you could use coconut oil?” Coconut oil coats your teeth with antimicrobial properties, helps whiten, and (apparently) is 100% effective.

Now, 99% vs 100% effectiveness doesn’t sound like a huge deal — but it’s really about avoiding extra chemicals and dyes in your mouth. If coconut oil isn’t your thing, there are dye-free, alcohol-free rinses like Therabreath Overnight Oral Rinse - click to view product

2. Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Never heard of it before — but it’s the main structural component of tooth enamel and bones. It’s fluoride-free, strengthens your teeth, and supports your mouth’s microbiome. I started using FYGG: Feed Your Good Guys toothpaste — it’s prebiotic, BPA/PFAS free, vegan, gluten-free, no artificial junk, no detergents.

Pro tip: Only use a dime-sized amount, coat your teeth, and do not rinse after brushing.

3. Saliva & Genetics Matter

If you brush and floss religiously but still get cavities while your sibling lives on soda and candy with perfect teeth — blame genetics and saliva. Saliva helps neutralize acids and remineralize enamel. Thin, watery saliva is good. Thick, sticky saliva? Not so much.

Hydration helps you in general, but it won’t magically change your saliva. And honestly? Nothing helps, because your parents did this to you!

Bonus Tip from Doc

Xylitol — a sugar alcohol — helps fight the bacteria that cause cavities and can remineralize your teeth. If you’re a gum or mint person like me, try PUR Gum Variety Pack or Zellie’s Mints. Eat (or suck) them after meals to coat your teeth in xylitol and help prevent staining. Also, rinse your mouth after coffee.

So no, I’m not here to tell you fluoride is evil or coconut oil is the only way. I’m not a scientist — I’m a woman who’s been through a lot of dental drama. Now that I know my saliva is a big reason for my cavities, it’s less about blame and more about doing what works for me.

Hope you learned something. And seriously… take care of your mouth.

My Trip to a Holistic Dentist