HEALTH

We all know the importance of brushing your teeth—and we know that keeping a consistent oral hygiene routine is the first (and last!) step to a great day.

But you could be missing out on some vital tips that can really take your dental hygiene to the next level, like coconut oil mouth therapy and funky flossers. So if you're ready to go from "Ugh, I hate the dentist!" to certified dental diva, check out these tips that will perfect your overall pearly-whites routine...

Mouthwash & oil pulling

Why it's important:  Mouthwash is like the cherry on top of the dental hygiene cake. Not only does it freshen your breath (so you can get closer to your crush, obvi), but it can also prevent cavities. It also fights off harmful (and smelly!) bacteria by dislodging old food particles. But many popular mouthwash brands are rife with harsh chemicals and uncomfortable stinging sensations, which can be off-putting. Enter: oil pulling!

What's oil pulling?: Over the last few years, oil pulling has seen a major rise in popularity, especially in online communities that focus on self-care and hygiene, like clean girl TikTok. While this trend may seem new, it's actually been a staple in Indian Ayurvedic wellness for centuries! But what is it exactly, and what is it supposed to do?

 

 

 

 

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Oil pulling involves swishing natural oils in your mouth for one minute, twice a day, after brushing your teeth. It has a variety of amazing benefits, most notably the prevention of gingivitis, tooth decay, cracked lips and canker sores. It's also known to help whiten teeth naturally (buh-bye, white strips!). And because oil pulling is not as chemically abrasive as commercial mouthwashes, it's a huge bonus for the girlies with sensitive skin.  

Guru Nanda's Concentrated Mouthwash is one of our faves, because it does double-duty as both a mouthwash *and* a pulling oil.

If you want a more authentic oil-pulling experience, you can also grab a bottle of their Coconut + Peppermint Pulling Oil. (PSA: It's a little more...unpleasant of a swishing experience, shall we say? But you may see results faster thanks to the ultra-concentrated formula.)

Both products are a blend of—you guessed it—coconut oil (which decreases plaque and reduces inflammation) and peppermint oil (which freshens your breath).

Girl floss

Slate Electric Flosser, $80

Why it's important: Brushing is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth, but it's not where your oral hygiene routine should end. That's where floss comes in! Flossing cleans teeth in all the spots that brushing can't reach. It also disrupts the formation of dental plaque on a physical level. But it seems like there are so many different ways to floss: floss picks, water picks, string floss...how's a girl to choose?

Make flossing fun: Try adding an electric flosser into your daily routine! Slate's electric flosser uses gentle vibrations to remove plaque and food debris between your teeth—and also functions as a tongue scraper and gum massager. The best part? It's made to reach underneath braces.

Minty fresh, right? Now show us those pearly whites!

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

by Faith Green | 1/31/2024