Regular use of mouthwash is a great habit to get into for continued dental health, but my dentist said something that struck me strange last time I visited. He instructed me to use mouthwash before I brushed, not after. "Before?" I asked. "Are you sure?" Yes, my dentist was sure. He explained that rinsing before you brush loosens food particles and buildup, making brushing even more effective. Read more

Sometimes while watching a red carpet event, I am blinded by how dazzling (read: blinding) a celeb's smile can look. I'm thinking they must be doing a little more than the occasional white strip I do myself. Well, according to Blake Lively's dentist Dr. Laura Torrado, it takes more than brushing and flossing to achieve a movie star smile. Torrado recently shared with Us Weekly a few tricks of the Read more

Do you dread going to the dentist? I know I do! There's not much pleasant about the experience, from sitting in a chair in an uncomfortable position, to the pain often associated with dental procedures, to the pain associated with paying through the nose for the pain — even after insurance! My own dental phobia comes from years of orthodontic work as a kid; I have this crazy memory of the Read more

While getting my teeth cleaned the other day, my dentist asked me if I brush twice a day. "Of course. Ever since I was a kid," was my response. But she said that I should bring a toothbrush and toothpaste to work and brush after every meal, three times a day. She added that if I had time, I should brush after snacks and beverages like coffee, too. I know that means a lot of time spent at the Read more