• Terra Ziolkowski, a dental assistant in Miami, Florida, created a quick self-audit checklist to help people spot small issues early and keep a simple routine consistent.

Florida, US, 25th February 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Terra Ziolkowski has released a free resource for everyday individuals called the “15-Minute Mouth Check,” a one page self-audit and mini script designed to help people catch common oral health slip-ups before they become expensive problems.

The guide is built for real life. It uses short prompts, a simple checklist, and plain language notes that people can complete at home, then bring to their next dental visit if they choose.

“Most people do not need a complicated routine,” said Ziolkowski. “They need a routine they can actually repeat, even on busy days.”

The “15-Minute Mouth Check” includes:

• A quick daily habit check (morning and night)

• A gum and tooth scan you can do with a mirror and good lighting

• A “what to mention at your next appointment” note section

• A short script for asking clear questions at the dentist without feeling awkward

“Perfection is not the goal,” Ziolkowski added. “The goal is a routine you can keep when life gets messy.”

The real-world cost when small problems get ignored

Ziolkowski created the guide to address a common pattern: people delay care, rush routines, and only react when pain shows up. The costs can add up fast.

• A single cavity filling can cost about $100 to $1,150 per tooth, depending on the situation and materials. 

• A dental crown can range from about $800 to $2,500 per tooth without insurance. 

• Emergency department dental visits average about $749 for patients who are not hospitalized, and ED care is often far more expensive than a dental office visit. 

• Lost productivity time due to untreated dental disease is estimated at $45 billion per year in the U.S., tied to oral pain and unplanned dental visits. 

“People are often surprised that the basics still matter most,” said Ziolkowski. “This guide keeps the basics clear and easy.”

Use this in 15 minutes

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Grab a mirror and turn on bright lighting. No special tools needed.

1. Check your routine (3 minutes)
   Circle what you actually do most days: brush once, brush twice, rush at night, skip between-teeth cleaning, snack late, fall asleep without brushing.

2. Do a quick scan (6 minutes)
   Look for:

• Gum bleeding when brushing

• Sore spots

• A tooth that feels sensitive to cold, sweet, or pressure

• A spot you always miss (same side, same back tooth)

1. Write your “next visit notes” (4 minutes)
   Use the guide’s prompts to jot:

• Where it hurts or feels sensitive

• How long it has been happening

• What makes it better or worse

1. Use the short script (2 minutes)
   Pick one question to bring to your next visit, such as:

• “Can you show me the one spot I keep missing when I brush?”

• “Is this sensitivity something I should treat now, or watch?”

• “What is the simplest routine you want me to follow for the next 30 days?”

Common mistakes people make

Ziolkowski says the same issues show up again and again, even for people who care about their health.

• Treating oral care like an all-or-nothing routine
  Doing nothing because you cannot do everything perfectly.

• Brushing fast and skipping the gumline
  Speed usually means missed areas.

• Waiting for pain before taking action
  Pain often shows up later than the problem.

• Not asking questions at the dental visit
  People leave without a clear plan, then repeat the same habits.

“This is about small checks that prevent big problems,” Ziolkowski said. “You identify the simple change you can keep, and you stick with it long enough to see results.”

How to use the resource today

Use the “15-Minute Mouth Check” tonight or tomorrow morning. Complete the checklist once, write down two notes, and choose one small habit to keep for the next seven days. Then bring your notes to your next dental visit and read your questions directly from the script.

About Terra Ziolkowski

Terra Ziolkowski is a dental assistant based in Miami, Florida. She supports patients through chairside care, clear communication, and practical oral hygiene education focused on simple habits people can maintain.