How to Prepare for the Dentist if You Haven’t Been in Forever
Despite the time-honored wisdom that we should visit a dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months, many of us just … don’t. According to the CDC, around 35%…
How to Do a Saltwater Rinse (and When You Should)
This post is part of our Home Remedy Handbook, a tour of the landscape of home remedies from the iffy to the doctor-approved. Read more here. If you’ve ever had…
How to Tell If Your Cat’s Teeth Are Hurting
Photo: Monika Surzin (Shutterstock) Maintaining healthy teeth is obviously important for us, but the same is also true for our cats. Although we may not think about a cat’s dental…
How to Get Dental Care Without Insurance (or Money)
Photo: luckyraccoon (Shutterstock) Most “health” insurance plans in the U.S. don’t cover two pretty vital things: your eyesight and your teeth. While health insurance in general is a dumpster fire…
Here’s How Effective Those Teeth-Whitening Products Actually Are
Photo: Harbucks (Shutterstock) Everybody wants whiter teeth, to the point where TikTok is full of bogus home whitening recipes, and there are even chewing gums that boast (extremely minimal) teeth-whitening…
How to Know If Your Kid Really Needs Braces
Photo: Marian Weyo (Shutterstock) Braces are a common thing for kids to get, and chances are your child’s dentist will suggest you get a consultation with an orthodontist at some…
Rubbing Oranges on Your Teeth, and Other Whitening ‘Hacks’ You Shouldn’t Do
Photo: Billion Photos (Shutterstock) Who doesn’t want whiter teeth? On the other hand, who wants to volunteer for extra dentist visits, with all the time and expense they involve? Fortunately,…
15 Surprisingly Practical Ways to Use Dental Floss Around the House
Photo: Alliance Images (Shutterstock) It’s strong, it’s stretchy, it’s lightweight. Sometimes, after a dentist’s visit, it’s even free—and it can do a lot more than prevent cavities and halitosis. Turns…
Why You Should Stop Rinsing Your Mouth After Brushing
Photo: bbernard (Shutterstock) The core pillars of dental hygiene are widespread and well-known. Brush twice a day, floss daily, avoid sugary foods and drinks and—don’t rinse your mouth out after…
How to Clean Your Night Guard, Because It’s Grosser Than You Think
Photo: Marmolejos (Shutterstock) When I got my dental night guard, the woman who made the molds was adamant that I only, only, rinse it with warm water every day and…