If you’ve ever stood in front of your bathroom mirror at 10:00 PM, exhausted after a long day of work and family life, and felt the heavy guilt of skipping your flossing routine—you aren’t alone. In fact, Dr. Lawnin, the owner of Tanglewood Dental Associates, feels the exact same way. Despite his expertise, he’s the first to admit that when the kids are finally in bed, the last thing he wants to do is focus on perfect flossing technique.

But with only one filling in his entire life, his "realistic" approach to oral hygiene clearly works. In this article, we’re pulling back the curtain on Dr. Lawnin’s personal at-home regimen. From his specific toothpaste rotation to the 3D-printed device he calls "a Waterpik on steroids," you’ll learn the high-tech shortcuts he uses to maintain a healthy smile. Most importantly, he reveals why your post-brushing habits—specifically the "45-minute rule"—might be even more critical than the brushing itself.

‍

1. The Toothpaste Rotation: Why One Size Doesn't Fit All

Why settle for one benefit when you can have three? Dr. Lawnin doesn't just stick to a single tube of toothpaste; he uses a rotation strategy to ensure his teeth get a variety of "nutrients" and cleaning power.

His daily go-to is Boka, a favorite because it utilizes nano-hydroxyapatite. This isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerhouse ingredient that helps rebuild tooth enamel. However, he doesn’t stop there. To keep his smile bright and polished, he rotates in Arm & Hammer and Colgate Whitening.

"I kind of rotate back and forth... so I can get a little bit of grit. Those are the two toothpastes I generally alternate between."

By switching between a remineralizing paste like Boka and a slightly more abrasive "gritty" paste like Arm & Hammer, he manages to strengthen his enamel while physically scrubbing away surface stains from coffee or food.

• Practical Application: You don't need a dozen tubes. Try keeping one "treatment" toothpaste (focused on sensitivity or enamel) and one "polishing" toothpaste (whitening) on your counter and swap them every few days.

‍

2. The "Lazy" Way to Floss Like a Pro

Let’s be honest: by the time you’ve finished work and finally tucked the kids into bed, you’re hitting a wall. Dr. Lawnin is right there with you. "At the end of the day, I’m exhausted," he admits. "Last thing I want to do is make sure my flossing technique is solid."

Instead of fighting the fatigue and doing a poor job with string floss, he uses a high-tech shortcut: Proclaim. Think of it as a 3D-printed, custom-fitted mouth device that acts like a "Waterpik on steroids." Because it is custom-molded to his mouth, it cleans between every tooth simultaneously, which eliminates the "human error" that often occurs when we’re exhausted.

• Why this works: It’s better to use a high-tech tool every night than to use string floss perfectly once a week. The best tool is the one you actually use.

‍

3. The 45-Minute Rule: Let the Science Sit

This might be the most expert tip in the entire routine, and it costs exactly zero dollars. After Dr. Lawnin brushes, he stops. He doesn't rinse with water, he doesn't grab a coffee, and he doesn't snack. For at least 45 minutes, he lets his mouth stay "quiet."

"Those ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite or fluoride, they’re in my toothpaste. I let them sit on the tooth. That helps remineralize the teeth. That’s what makes a big difference."

Think of your toothpaste like a face mask or a deep conditioner. If you rinse it off the second you apply it, you’re washing the medicine down the drain. By waiting 45 minutes, you give those active minerals time to bond with your enamel.

• Dr. Lawnin's Habit Stack:
  1. Brush thoroughly after a meal.
  2. Spit, but do not rinse. Skip the water and the mouthwash immediately after brushing.
  3. Wait 45 minutes before having your next drink or snack.

‍

4. On-the-Go Defense with Xylitol

We can’t always be near our bathroom sinks. For those "in-between" moments, Dr. Lawnin relies on a secret weapon found in the checkout aisle: Xylitol gum.

When he can’t brush, he reaches for brands like Trident or Orbit. It’s not just about fresh breath; it’s about chemistry. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, which is your body’s natural way of neutralizing acid. Xylitol, specifically, is a sugar substitute that bacteria can’t digest, essentially starving the "bad guys" in your mouth.

‍

Your Next Steps

Maintaining a world-class smile doesn’t have to feel like a second job. As Dr. Lawnin’s own routine proves, success comes down to a few smart swaps: rotating your toothpaste, automating the "heavy lifting" of flossing with tools like Proclaim, and having the patience to let your toothpaste work its magic for 45 minutes. By mimicking these expert habits, you’re not just cleaning your teeth; you’re proactively rebuilding them every single day.

At Tanglewood Dental Associates, we believe that the best dental care happens when professional expertise meets your real-world lifestyle. If a dentist can admit to being too tired to floss perfectly, you can give yourself permission to use a few shortcuts, too.

Ready to upgrade your own regimen? * Start small this week: grab a pack of Xylitol gum for your car.

• Try the "Wait to Rinse" rule tonight.
• Schedule a visit with us at Tanglewood Dental Associates to discuss 3D-printed oral care or get a personalized toothpaste recommendation tailored to your smile.