08/25/2026
These analogies are intentionally graphic, but the takeaway is simple: Brush twice a day. Floss daily. Clean your tongue.
Now for the actual science behind the analogies:
1. “Bacteria poop” can contribute to cavities.
The bacteria in dental plaque metabolize sugars and carbohydrates, and the metabolic byproducts (aka “bacteria poop”) include acids that can lower the pH around your teeth. Those acids pull minerals out of enamel. This process is called demineralization.
To combat demineralization, your mouth has a pretty amazing defense system: saliva. It helps buffer those acids and supplies minerals that allow your teeth to repair themselves through remineralization.
It’s a constant give-and-take. When demineralization happens more often or outweighs remineralization over time, that’s when the risk of cavities increases.
2. Black hairy tongue (also called lingua villosa nigra) happens when the tiny projections on the surface of the tongue, called papillae, become elongated and collect bacteria, food debris, and pigments. This can create a dark, sometimes “hairy” appearance.
It can look alarming, but it’s generally harmless and often improves with better tongue hygiene and addressing contributing factors.
3. Not flossing is like eating from a trash can in Florida.
Okay… this one is definitely more of a mental image than a scientific comparison. But think about what happens to food scraps sitting in a hot, humid environment. They start to break down and decompose.
Now imagine food debris sitting between your teeth, in a warm (~98.6°F!), moist mouth, where it can hang around with plaque bacteria.
Flossing helps physically remove what your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth and along the gumline.
Share this with someone who might be just as surprised as you were!
