Better Health
Is That Chic Toothpaste Worth the Price?
TRAVEL: Treasures hidden in Paris, D5
MUSIC: Free summer concerts in downtown Westfield, D9
DANCE: Company to perform at Jacob’s Pillow for final time, D9
By B ee Shapiro
The New York Times
It was bound to happen. Toothpaste, perhaps the last part of your daily grooming regimen that had not been gussied up, has now been rethought. Chic dental care has arrived.
It wasn’t so long ago that toothpaste, floss and mouthwashes were perfunctory products meant to clean but also to instill a certain amount of fear (ack, cavities! bad breath? lose all your friends!).
That was the epiphany Craig Dubitsky, the founder of Hello oral care, experienced a few years ago when standing in his local drugstore in Manhattan.
“Everything was a big swath of blue and a big swath of red, like the cola wars,” said Dubitsky, who formerly worked at Eos, a company he helped found that makes lip balms and other skin-care products. “And why am I seeing a picture of an extracted tooth on the products? Or a staff wrapped with snakes. Then I started reading the ingredients, and it was things like triclosan and saccharin. The FDA banned triclosan for hand soap, but you could still put it in your mouth. I thought it was insane.” Dubitsky set out to rethink the whole category.
He ditched what he called the “emotional scare tactics” and branded his line with the friendliest word he could think of: Hello. Then he hired a formulator to work with him on products like charcoal toothpaste and mouthwashes with aloe vera.
Though Dubitsky took marketing cues from the beauty world, he knew he had to “marry fun and functionality,” he said. “If your shampoo didn’t work, it’s just a bad hair day. But if your toothpaste doesn’t work? You’re in a lot of trouble.”
He also pointed out how much our culture has changed in recent years. Everyone deserves and expects design across all price points, he said. Is it just about looks?
Dubitsky is far from alone. Already there is a wide variety of products — new and old — on the market. Old-school Marvis toothpaste, which was founded in the 1950s and was a pioneer of offbeat flavors like licorice, ginger and jasmine, is experiencing a resurgence and is available at retailers like the millennial friendly Revolve.com. It has company in Buly 1803, the French apothecary and fragrance line, which has $29 tubes of toothpaste that come in packaging worthy of Gucci and flavors like orange-clove-cinnamon (recently sold out on Net-aPorter).
Coconut oil features prominently in new formulations like Cocofloss ($8), a coconut oil dental floss sold at Sephora. The beauty brand Lush introduced a toothpaste exuberantly called Boom! Dental Dynamite ($10.95), which is essentially a charcoal, kaolin clay and gunpowder tea tablet that you chew before brushing. Chic dental care wasn’t an
obvious extension of Lenny Kravitz’s brand, but he has a new line called Twice (named for the act of brushing twice a day).
For several years, Kravitz has been providing free dental care to communities in the Bahamas, where he has a residence, but he came to realize that once-a-year clinics weren’t enough; the communities lacked basic dental hygiene products.
With the brothers Julian and Cody Levine, he dreamed up two toothpastes: one for the morning (a zingy wintergreen and peppermint) and one for the evening (a calming peppermint-vanilla-lavender).
A portion of the proceeds ($17 for the pair) goes to the Bahamas communities.
“The aesthetic of it was important because people like that upgraded toothpaste experience,” Kravitz said.
“When it sits next to the rest of your products, it looks beautiful and sleek.”
“It’s definitely about dental health, but also you’re giving people confidence,” he said, adding that he saw the effects firsthand in the Bahamas.
“That’s your calling card, your smile.”
What ingredients should you be using?
If the high prices elicit more of a grimace than a grin, you may want to study the ingredient listings. Michael Apa, a dentist in Manhattan who has built a name for himself among models, celebrities and Middle Eastern royalty, insists that not all are created equal.
His Apa Beauty line, packaged in minimalist white and gold, is sold by beauty retailers like Violet Grey in Los Angeles. It includes products like Blue Lip Shine (the subtle blue crystals in the $25 gloss are said to make teeth look whiter); $25 Pink Gum Gel with extracts of lemon, cucumber and Irish moss to rejuvenate gums; and $25 fluoride-free toothpaste containing the hydroxyapatite that Apa believes is superior to fluoride at remineralizing teeth.
“Fluoride is meant to strengthen teeth, but it produces more of a calcifying effect,” he said.
“Hydroxyapatite actually mineralizes
teeth and it permeates better — your teeth have pores, and micro-hydroxyapatite can get in those pores and strengthen them from the inside out. But, it’s superexpensive.”
Butensky is also encouraged that newer brands are bringing excitement to dental care and changing the perception of it as a chore.
Steven Butensky, who has a practice in Manhattan, said that a lot of healthy dental care is based less on product than on regular acts of brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist. Still, he said he has seen promising research on hydroxyapatite but wants to see longer-term studies. And he is not averse to some of the newer ingredients. Coconut oil and aloe vera have anti-inflammatory properties, while charcoal can help remove stains, though it may be abrasive if used daily, he said.
Dubitsky, of Hello, is on board. “Of course oral care is about health products,” he said. “But I want to bring some joy to this daily act. It’s really that simple.”
(ABOVE
Above: Reformulated and redesigned toothpastes, made with activated charcoal, in New York. Toothpaste, perhaps the last part of your daily grooming regimen that had not been gussied up, has now been rethought. Chic dental care has arrived.
Warning signs of oral cancer
Mouth cancer, also referred to as oral cancer, is an oftoverlooked form of the disease.
Though mouth cancer is not as prevalent as other forms of the disease, a 2015 study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology noted it is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, perhaps making this form of the disease worthy of additional attention from the general public.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes mouth cancer is most closely linked to tobacco and alcohol use. However, even non-smokers and individuals who do not drink can develop mouth cancer. The MSKCC reports that mouth cancer is typically diagnosed after a dentist notices symptoms during routine exams, which is one of many reasons to schedule dental exams and cleanings at least twice per year. In addition to making dental exams part of their regular health care routine, individuals can keep an eye out for these warning signs of mouth cancer.
Mouth ulcers that are not healing:
The MSKCC notes this is a common symptom that is present in most people with mouth cancer. This is marked by a broken area of skin that will not heal.
Pain in the mouth:
The MSKCC notes that persistent pain in the mouth that
does not subside is another common symptom of mouth cancer.
White or red patches in the mouth or throat:
This symptom might be hard for individuals to spot, particularly if the patches are in the throat. The MSKCC notes that a fungal infection known as oral thrush can cause red patches (erythroplakia) and white patches (leukoplakia) as well. Though the presence of these patches are not evidence of cancer, they can lead to cancer if left untreated.
Difficulty swallowing:
A burning sensation when chewing or swallowing food may be indicative of mouth cancer. The MSKCC notes that some people with mouth cancer feel as though food is sticking in their throat. Some people also cough or feel as though liquid is entering their windpipe. Difficulty swallowing and chewing compels some people to eat less, which is why unexplained weight loss is another warning sign for mouth cancer.
Speech problems:
Changes to one’s voice is another potential warning sign of mouth cancer. A voice may sound quieter or husky, and some people’s voices may sound as if they have a cold all the time. The MSKCC notes that some people slur words or experience difficulty pronouncing certain sounds when they have developed mouth cancer.
A lump in the neck:
Swelling in one or more lymph nodes in the neck is a common symptom of mouth cancer, and people with this sign may feel as though they have a lump in their neck. If a lump in the neck is slowly growing bigger, that is a warning sign for mouth cancer. Lumps that come and go are not typically a byproduct of cancer, according to the MSKCC.
Additional warning signs:
A lump or thickening in the lip, a lump in the mouth or throat, unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth, loose teeth with no apparent reason, and difficulty moving the jaw are some additional warning signs of mouth cancer. Mouth cancer is not as common as other forms of the disease, but it can still be deadly if left untreated. More information is available at mskcc.org.
Did you know?
Oral cancer is a common form of the disease. The National Institutes of Health says oral cancer accounts for approximately 3 percent of all cancers worldwide. Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women, and most cases occur in people over the age of 40. The American Cancer Society anticipates 54,000 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. The World Cancer Research Fund says that India has the highest number of oral cancer cases in the world.
By M elinda W enner Moyer
Mint gum is the only thing that gets me through the workday. Is all that chewing bad for my health?
If you’re a regular gum chewer, you’re in good company. In one 2019 study of more than 3,000 U.S. teens and adults, 62% reported munching on gum over the past six months; and on average, they chewed about one piece per day.
Gum chewing can affect various parts of the body, experts say — in positive and negative ways.
The potential benefits:
Better oral health
Chewing a piece of gum spurs the production of saliva, which can protect your teeth from erosion by neutralizing the acidity in your mouth, said Dr. Peter Arsenault, a dentist and professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Similar to brushing, the gum’s movement around the mouth may also remove bits of food and plaque from your teeth and around your gums, Arsenault said. The extra saliva, he added, may also improve your breath, because bad breath is exacerbated by a dry mouth.
Sugar-free gum options are generally better for your teeth than those made with sugar, which feeds the bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Gum made with the sugar substitute xylitol may provide added dental benefits, because it can reduce the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. In a 2022 meta-analysis of 30 studies, researchers found that chewing xylitol-containing gum (or eating xylitol-containing candies) three to five times a
day after meals could reduce cavity risk by 17%.
Less heartburn
When swallowed, the extra saliva from gum chewing may help to neutralize acid in the esophagus, leading to fewer heartburn symptoms, said Dr. Aditi Stanton, a gastroenterologist in Cincinnati. There is little research on the issue, but in one 2005 study of 31 people who were prone to acid reflux, researchers found that chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after eating heartburn-inducing foods led to reduced acid levels in the esophagus.
Improved cognition and less stress
More research is needed, but some limited evidence suggests that chewing gum may help some people concentrate and learn. In a 2018 study of 40 adults, researchers found that those who chewed gum while presented with physiology lessons performed better on tests afterward than those who didn’t chew gum.
Other evidence suggests that chewing gum could potentially improve mood and alleviate stress, at least over the short term — similar to how some people shake their legs or twirl their hair when they are nervous, said Jenna Watson, a therapist in Orlando, Florida, who focuses on stress and burnout.
Researchers don’t know why this may be, but there is some evidence that gum chewing can activate various parts of the brain by increasing blood flow to those regions.
The potential drawbacks:
Jaw troubles
Gum chewing may exacerbate jaw problems among
people who are prone to issues or injuries with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which connects the jawbone to the skull, Arsenault said. This includes people who grind or clench their teeth. Gum chewing can tire the jaw muscles and lead to clicking, popping, headaches and facial muscle fatigue, he said.
To balance the oral health benefits with the potential jaw issues, Arsenault recommended chewing gum for only short periods of time after eating — say, for 15 to 20 minutes. If you have a TMJ injury or disorder, however, you may want to avoid chewing gum completely, he added.
Digestive problems
While chewing a piece of gum can help with acid reflux symptoms in some people, it can actually worsenthose symptoms for others, Stanton said. In some cases, gum chewing can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that prevents acid from entering it. When acid enters the esophagus, it can lead to heartburn symptoms. When people chew gum, especially if they do so vigorously or rapidly, they may also inadvertently swallow air, which can cause bloating, gas and burping, Stanton said. Common sugar substitutes in gums, like xylitol and sorbitol, “can have laxative-like effects,” she added, increasing the risk of developing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping or bloating.
Microplastic exposure
Many gums are made using plastics like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, Arsenault said. This helps give gum its elasticity. Although more research is needed, one study recently presented at a conference found that these plastics can be released into our mouths, but it’s unclear how that affects health, said Katrina Korfmacher, an environmental health researcher at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The new study suggests that most of these plastics are released from gum within several minutes, so if you tend to spit out gum and start a new piece as soon as it loses its flavor, it may be better to stick with the same piece for as long as you can. And, Korfmacher added, to be a good environmental steward, “make sure you don’t throw it on the ground.”
The New York Times
A hygiene guide for kids
Watermelon is widely considered a summertime treat that’s particularly refreshing on a hot day. A staple at backyard barbecues, watermelon makes a great appetizer, side dish and even dessert.
Watermelon also can make for a nutritious addition to a backyard barbecue menu. Those who want something nutritious to eat alongside less healthy fare like hamburgers and hot dogs can consider the many nutritional benefits of watermelon.
cream is 286 calories. Watermelon is a low-calorie dessert alternative to ice cream that can be especially appealing after eating popular backyard barbecue fare.
Watermelon promotes hydration
The world learned a significant lesson about the importance of personal hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apart from getting vaccinated, one of the single-best things people could do to prevent the transmission of the virus was to wash their hands thoroughly throughout the day, particularly after touching surfaces at stores, schools and other public places.
The importance of handwashing is one of the earliest hygiene lessons children learn. But it’s not the only important lessons kids should be taught about personal hygiene and how it relates to overall health. Here are the grooming and hygiene lessons that children should learn as they get older and mature.
Washing hands
Regular handwashing reduces the risk that kids will contract and transmit illnesses. Everyone should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or about how long it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ two times. It is important to wash hands after going to the bathroom; before eating or making food; after sneezing, coughing or blowing one’s nose; after touching pets or other animals; and whenever hands are dirty. Emphasize to children that germs are there even though they cannot be seen.
Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene is another consideration for kids’ health. The American Dental Association says teeth should be brushed and flossed twice a day as part of a daily hygiene routine. Lessons emphasizing personal hygiene and grooming can keep kids healthy as they grow up.
Bathing and showering
The American Academy of Pediatrics says a baby should be bathed three times a week, but there may be instances when children require more frequent
bathing. Over-bathing can dry out the baby’s skin, so parents are urged to keep that in mind.
At some point a child can bathe on his or her own. Parents magazine says some kids are mature enough to bathe on their own at age five or six, but most experts recommend waiting for solo bathing or showering until youngsters reach age eight.
Fresh clothing
Encourage children to pick their own outfits so they are more inclined to choose fresh clothing each day. While it is possible to get away with wearing something for more than one day, soiled clothing and undergarments should be changed daily and children should be encouraged to do so.
Washing hair
Sebum from the skin can build up on the scalp and cause oily, smelly hair. Children should wash their hair once or twice each week and brush it every day, according to Health Direct, an Australia-based health organization. If kids are afraid of getting water in their eyes, suggest they wear swimming goggles while bathing.
Head lice inspection
Head lice is common in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are six to 12 million infestations of head lice each year in the United States. Inspecting children’s hair and treating when necessary can help to reduce such infestations.
Using
an antiperspirant or deodorant
As children get older and their hormones and bodies change, some may develop body odor. Daily showers
may be needed for kids who have started puberty. In addition, the daily use of deodorant or antiperspirant can help control odor and sweating.
Did you know?
Dental caries, commonly referred to as cavities or tooth decay, continue to be big problems among young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States and the leading cause of missed school among children. More than half of children between the ages of six and eight have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth. In 2019, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists reported in its State of Little Teeth findings that while tooth decay had decreased overall, one in five children under the age of five have experienced tooth decay. Oral health experts surmise that controversy over the use of fluoride may be one contributor. Diet also has an effect on oral health. Children who consume sugary drinks and treats, like fruit bars and gummy snacks, are doing their dental health a disservice. Amanda Hill, a registered dental hygienist, says she has seen an uptick in the number of young children with crowded baby teeth, leading to poor facial growth and unhealthy airway development. This may lead to ‘mouth breathing,’ which increases risk for decay and gum disease. Hill suggests soft foods and ‘pouch’ treats like yogurts and applesauce may be robbing developing children from chewing, thus leaving them with an underdeveloped jaw. Children should see a dentist, if not at the time their first teeth erupt, by their first birthdays. Establishing a consistent dental routine also can ensure healthy teeth and catch dental issues early.
Watermelon is low in calories
The Mayo Clinic notes that one cup of watermelon is 46 calories. That makes watermelon an ideal low-calorie dessert, particularly when compared to other treats, including ice cream. The calorie count for a single cup of ice cream varies by flavor, but the United States Department of Agriculture notes one cup of vanilla ice cream contains 274 calories, while one cup of chocolate ice
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that drinking enough water helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate the joints, prevent infections, and promotes proper organ function. Water also delivers nutrients to cells. Come summertime, it’s easy to fall victim to dehydration, but consuming watermelon can help to prevent that. The Mayo Clinic notes watermelon is 92 percent water, which can help people remain hydrated on hot summer days spent outside.
Watermelon is a good source of vitamins C and A
The National Institutes of Health notes that human beings are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, which means they must get this crucial vitamin from the foods they eat. Watermelon contains 14 percent of the recommended daily value
(DV) of vitamin C per USDA dietary guidelines, making it a worthy addition to anyone’s diet. Watermelon also contains 5 percent of the recommended DV of vitamin A, which the NIH notes is important for normal vision, immune system health, reproduction, and growth and development.
Watermelon does not contain any fat, cholesterol or sodium
It’s not only what’s in watermelon that makes it so healthy, but what’s not in it as well. Unlike other popular desserts, such as ice cream, watermelon contains no fat, cholesterol or sodium. Opting for watermelon over more traditional desserts can help people lower their fat consumption, reduce their cholesterol and avoid overconsumption of sodium. Watermelon makes for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. But watermelon provides a host of additional nutritional benefits as well, making it an ideal food for your next backyard barbecue.
The Novelty of a Natural Smile
By M adison M alone K ircher
The New York Times
“I love your teeth. You’re from England, right?” Charlotte Le Bon asks her co-star Aimee Lou Wood in an early episode of this season of “The White Lotus.”
Wood’s smile is broad, beautiful and something of a novelty these days — both among her castmates and in a broader sea of actors with straight, evenly spaced teeth having been apparently willed into submission by orthodontics or cosmetic modification.
The line, which Le Bon improvised, turned out to be prescient.
Online, viewers of the show have also begun praising Wood, who is indeed from England, for choosing to keep her natural smile. The praise has also prompted a question: When did everyone’s teeth get so perfect?
Emma Dickson, 30, said seeing Wood onscreen felt “comforting.”
Like Wood, Dickson has a gap between her front teeth. As an actor and medical aesthetician, Dickson, who lives in Chicago, said she was all too familiar with the pressure to
have flawless pearly whites. She described the style of veneers that are so ubiquitous in Hollywood as the “copy-and-paste smile,” and said she was saddened when celebrities with teeth resembling her own appeared to correct them.
“I feel like in the beginning of the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise and ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians,’ there was this fascination with the most bleached tooth you could have,” said Sarah Hahn, a prosthodontist in Fremont, California, who has carved out a niche for herself on TikTok analyzing celebrity smiles.
“It became more and more prevalent. So many people were doing it.”
“You could name off a million celebrities,” she added, “and they were all getting veneers.”
Over time, as the look became more widespread among celebrities, everyday people began to take a harsher look at their own smiles.
Joyce Kahng, a cosmetic dentist from Costa Mesa, California, said she saw an uptick in patient interest in veneers after 2020 thanks to the “Zoom effect.”
Aging in Place?
“People were constantly looking at themselves and starting to nitpick themselves,” she said. Wanting perfect-looking teeth is a very American — though not exclusively — aesthetic ethos, she said.
“People expect celebrities to all get their teeth done at this point,” Kahng continued. “It started with celebrities. Then it went on to influencers. And influencers are a tad bit closer to just regular everyday people. Once influencers started getting them, everyone started getting them.”
Still, not everyone finds a gleaming row of straight, bleach-white teeth aspirational. As people train their eyes to spot celebrity veneers, a small backlash has started to brew. Some derisively call the too-perfect teeth “Chiclets” and yearn for an older era of television and filmmaking when actors didn’t so closely resemble one another. Even those who want veneers may ask for ones that don’t look too perfect.
“American TV now is becoming visually very homogenous,” said SueAnn Jarrett, who is 33 and lives in New York City’s Brooklyn borough.
“I feel like a lot of people are just looking very similar.”
Shedika Williams, who lives in Brooklyn, said Wood’s teeth made her feel a twinge of regret about getting braces and altering her own smile.
“I watch a lot of TikTok videos of creators doing before-and-afters, and it makes me sad because I always think the before picture looks way better,” said Williams, 27. “It just made them look more unique, and their teeth fit them.”
In her videos, which she calls “veneer checks,” Hahn explains what is going on in celebrities’ mouths in technical terms, often using images spanning multiple years to show changes.
A former professor, she tries to keep her videos positive and educational, she said, hoping to help people understand what dental work their favorite stars might have had rather than to criticize the quality of the work itself.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Wood addressed the sudden fascination with
her teeth.
“These people live in Hollywood,” she said of her castmates. “I live in my little flat in South East London, and I’m so British in my sensibility that I wasn’t sure how to handle being around so many people who are so front-footed and confident. All I ever do is take the piss out of myself.”
The way “White Lotus” fans are talking about her teeth, she added, “that I don’t have veneers or Botox — it feels a bit rebellious.”
Dickson said she was also slightly uncomfortable with the way some people have lavished praise on Wood’s smile.
“There is something slightly unique about her, but in every other way she fits the exact beauty standard that Hollywood has loved forever,” Dickson said. And perhaps a way to make normal teeth more, well, normal again would be not to comment on them, she suggested.
“Even for myself, when people are like, ‘Oh my God, they love your gap!’” Dickson said. “It’s always just kind of like, ‘Thank you — why are we talking about this?’”
