You go to the dentist every six months (ish) and brush twice a day (usually). But when it comes to keeping your pearly whites, well, pearly, things are a bit more involved than just checkups and scrubbing sessions. Like, do you really need to floss? And do the whitening tricks you see on TikTok *really* work? Here’s everything you need to know about getting healthier—and, yes, whiter—teeth.
Q: ISN'T BRUSHING BASI-CALLY JUST BRUSHING? LIKE, DO I NEED TO BE USING A CERTAIN TECHNIQUE?
A: The short answer? Yes, says Dr. Lawrence Fung, dentist and founder of Silicon Beach Dental in Los Angeles. “Always brush at a 45-degree angle so the bristles can get under the gums to sweep away plaque.” Brush for a total of two minutes: 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth (top left and right, then bottom left and right).
HOW DO I CHOOSE A TOOTHBRUSH? SO. MANY. OPTIONS!
Go for an electric toothbrush, says dental hygienist Jessica Morgan. “Two minutes of brushing with an electric toothbrush is more than you could do in a month with a regular brush.” (Try the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, $60, walmart.com.)
And regardless of whether your toothbrush is manual or electric, always opt for soft bristles (they’re gentler on your teeth and gums).
BRUSHING RIGHT AFTER A MEAL IS IDEAL, RIGHT?
This story is from the February/March 2022 edition of Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February/March 2022 edition of Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why aren't you and your crush together already
Six reasons you aren't dating for real... yet.
A love letter to myself (and all the single girls out there)
This year, I’m my own Valentine. And not only is that OK—it’s kind of amazing, tbh.
WELCOME TO YOUR winter workout WONDERLAND
DON'T LET THE COLD TEMPS FOOL YOU-WE'RE OFFICIALLY ENTERING PEAK FITNESS SZN.
Low-key missing lockdown
Yeah, staying home was weird, but it also was kind of...nice?
Dear Carol
I don’t know if my crush likes me back
THE PRETTIEST PARTS
Changing the way you wear your hair is quick, easy and doesn't even require a major makeover (or a single scissor snip!).
Lucky Girl Syndrome
just became your thing
WHAT'S YOUR GALENTINE'S SUPERPOWER?
We’re 1,000% sure your besties would agree: You’re caring, supportive and pretty much all-around amazing to have as a friend.
Meet You at The Ballet Barre
Pull on your tights and channel your inner prima ballerina.
KyliE Cantrall is just trusting the universe
...and it's giving some serious heart eyes (and star power) right back.