Latest news with #WhitneyWhite
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best toothpaste, mouthwash, floss and more — grab the top products for oral care
As you scan the dental care aisle for the best products to brighten your smile or freshen your breath, keep this in mind: your pick impacts more than just your teeth. The right oral hygiene products should protect against cavities and gum disease, and may even help lower your risk for bigger health issues like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. "Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, which means poor oral hygiene can lead to infections that can impact your whole system," says Whitney White, DDS, a dentist in Las Vegas. In fact, there is substantial evidence linking periodontal disease to several systemic health issues, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. A healthier mouth may even make for a healthier mind. Research has linked gum disease with an increased incidence of dementia. If you think gum disease happens only to "other people," here's a surprising news flash for you: If you're over 30, flip a coin — those are roughly your odds of having periodontitis right now, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This severe form of chronic gum disease quietly eats away at the bone around your teeth, and, yes, it can lead to tooth loss. Here's the good news: You can easily protect your teeth, gums and overall health by regularly caring for your mouth. After speaking with five experts and testing more than 60 products over the course of six months, we've narrowed down the overwhelming wall of dental care options to the absolute best choices. From the best mouthwash to the best tongue scraper, we're here to help you build the ideal oral care arsenal. Read on for our expert-backed, thoroughly tested recommendations. Update, July 8, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Several of our top picks are up to 45% off for Amazon Prime Day right now. Your mouth deserves the best care possible, and today's dental products make that easier than ever. Whether you're looking to brighten your smile, protect against cavities or maintain healthy gums, understanding the right tools for the job is a must. Let's break down the essentials: Toothbrush: "Choosing the right toothbrush is key to effective cleaning," says Kunik. Soft-bristled manual toothbrushes are great when used correctly because they're gentle on gums and enamel. But electric toothbrushes can take the clean a step further. They're more effective at removing plaque and improving gum health, making them a worthwhile investment. Interdental brush: Also known as mini brushes, interdental brushes are ideal for cleaning significant gaps between teeth or around braces, bridges and implants, says Kunik. Mini brushes are also an A+ choice for people with gum recession or periodontal issues. (But make sure to consult your dentist before using.) String floss: Flossing is a crucial step for removing debris and plaque from between teeth, areas your toothbrush can't reach. And finding the best floss is simple — it's the one you'll actually use, says White. What matters most of all is simply making flossing a consistent part of your routine. Water flosser: Water flossers use an adjustable pressurized stream of water to remove food and plaque between your teeth. They're especially effective for folks with braces, implants, gum disease or sensitive gums, says White. Floss pick: This convenient device consists of a string of dental floss attached to a plastic handle. While a great choice for flossing on the go, Marashi notes that it's not as effective as traditional floss. Tongue scraper: This U-shaped metal or plastic tool is useful for removing bacteria, food debris and dead cells from the surface of the tongue, says Wei. Using a tongue scraper regularly can help promote better oral health and reduce bad breath. Mouthwash: Regularly swishing mouthwash allows you to reach areas in your mouth that may be missed by brushing and flossing alone. "Choose a mouthwash that fits your oral health needs, such as fluoride mouthwash for cavity prevention or antibacterial mouthwash for gum health," says Wei. At-home oral care is essential — and so is care from a dentist. "Only a professional cleaning can remove calcified plaque (tartar) stuck between your teeth, below the gum line and on top. No mouthwash, brushing or flossing can fix this. You must have it professionally removed," says Marashi. The American Dental Association recommends dental cleaning every six months or, if you have gum issues, every three to four months. To help you choose the right oral hygiene tools for your daily routine, here's what Kunik recommends considering: User-friendly design: The easier a product is to use, the more likely you'll stick with it. For example, someone who finds traditional floss frustrating might have better success with a water flosser. Effectiveness: Always look for products with a proven track record. The ADA Seal of Acceptance signifies approval from the American Dental Association, which is a great way to ensure a product has been tested for safety and effectiveness. Comfort: Oral care should never hurt. Soft-bristled toothbrushes, gentle floss and alcohol-free mouthwash are all smart options if you experience sensitivity or irritation. Ingredients: Pay attention to what's in your products. Fluoride is essential for cavity prevention, while alcohol-free mouthwashes are better for people with dry mouth. If you're sensitive to specific ingredients, look for alternatives tailored to your needs. Flavor: While a blast of peppermint might be right for some, you might prefer unflavored options. Whatever you choose, know that taste can make a big difference in whether you use a product regularly. Cost: You don't need the priciest products for a healthy smile. While some premium tools might be worth the investment, many budget-friendly options deliver excellent results. Focus your spending on the basics that matter most. We carefully evaluated 62 dental hygiene products over the course of six months, including mouthwashes, tongue scrapers, flossers and toothpastes, to identify the best options for enhancing your routine. Our approach combined hands-on testing, expert insights and extensive research. Five dental professionals, including cosmetic dentists, general dentists and orthodontists expertly guided our understanding of what matters most in oral care tools. Our team rigorously tested each product, assessing factors like performance, comfort and everyday usability. We also analyzed hundreds of verified user reviews to assess long-term reliability and satisfaction. Final selections were based on proven effectiveness, practical design and overall value. While dentists generally consider traditional floss most effective, water flossers like the Waterpik are ideal for beginners or those with dexterity challenges. Their easy-to-handle design is often easier to manage than string floss. Waxed floss glides more smoothly between teeth thanks to its protective coating, making it ideal for tight spaces. Unwaxed floss offers a thinner profile but tends to fray or break more easily during use. Tongue scrapers are highly effective at removing stubborn debris and odor-causing bacteria from your tongue's surface, fighting bad breath and supporting oral health. Regular use leaves your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner. Regularly cleaning your tongue scraper helps maintain hygiene and ensures effective use. Some are dishwasher safe, while others should be cleaned with soap, toothpaste or sanitized in boiling water. Check the manufacturer's instructions before tackling the job. Dentists recommend using an alcohol-free mouthwash to help protect the natural balance of microbiota in your mouth while effectively combating bad breath. Our top pick is Therabreath, known for its powerful, long-lasting freshening effects. If you have sensitive teeth, avoid alcohol-containing mouthwash, which may exacerbate sensitivity. Instead, opt for formulas with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and CoQ10 that can help calm irritation. Many mouthwashes are specifically labeled for sensitivity relief. In the lead-up to this article we thoroughly tested water flossers, toothbrushes and toothpastes. We then added 18 dental hygiene products to our testing protocol to round out our oral hygiene list. Some of those items are featured above. The ones that didn't quite make the cut are included here. The Autobrush U-shaped toothbrush is ADA-approved and features a 30-second timer, but it fell short of our top picks. Though it cleans effectively, I prefer the precision and control of a traditional electric toothbrush, even if it requires more effort. However, this could be ideal for children or those with dexterity challenges that make brushing difficult. Cocofloss dental floss is available in a whopping 15 flavors. I tried "delicious mint" and loved the taste and texture of the floss, which slid easily through my tightly spaced teeth. Though I'd use it again, it did not do a better job than our top-pick Reach waxed floss, which costs 80% less. Biöm's Swish mouthwash has an invigorating, spicy mint flavor, leaving my mouth feeling extra clean without burning. It's alcohol-free and contains all-natural flavorings like peppermint essential oil and licorice extract, but it costs more than twice as much as our best overall mouthwash pick. Spry's xylitol mouthwash is alcohol-free and gentle enough to use if you have bleeding gums, canker sores or similar mouth woes. While it contains soothing, healing ingredients like echinacea, chamomile and aloe vera, the aftertaste is slightly bitter. Spry may be an excellent choice for those with tooth or gum sensitivity. The stainless steel tongue scraper by drTung has easy-to-grip handles, making tongue cleaning simple and efficient. Recommended by both Wei and Kunik, it's a reliable choice for maintaining oral hygiene. It performs similarly to our top pick but is about 60% more expensive. DenTek's Easy Brush interdental cleaners have small brushes that fit comfortably between teeth but tend to bend easily, making them tricky to use. They might be a better option for someone with orthodontics. Tom's of Maine Antiplaque Floss is made with natural waxes and is free of artificial ingredients, but it's too thick to slide easily between my crowded teeth. If you have wider spacing, this would likely be a solid option. Riven's probiotic mouthwash tastes fantastic and leaves my mouth feeling fresh, but at $22 a bottle, it's hard to justify. While there's research behind the importance of a healthy oral microbiome, large-scale research is still needed to confirm the benefits of probiotic mouthwash. Even so, Fraundorf believes it can be a helpful addition to your routine if used alongside traditional methods like brushing, flossing and regular dental visits. Erin Fraundorf, DMD, MSD, orthodontist and founder of BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio in Ladue, Mo. Randy Kunik, DDS, orthodontist and founder of Kunik Orthodontics in Austin, Texas Jon Marashi, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles Michael J. Wei, DDS, FIADFE, general, cosmetic and restorative dentist and founder of Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist in New York City Whitney White, DDS, dentist and practice owner of Aspen Dental in Las Vegas Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
New York Times
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Onstage and Off, Whitney White Is Everywhere This Spring
This spring, Whitney White directed the ensemble drama 'Liberation' Off Broadway, then the two-hander 'The Last Five Years' on Broadway. Just days after that musical opened, she stood in an upstairs room at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, rehearsing 'Macbeth in Stride,' her adaptation of the Shakespeare tragedy, which begins performances on Tuesday. During the song 'Reach for It,' White, who plays a version of Lady Macbeth, took the lead. 'Power's not supposed to look like me,' she sang into a microphone. Maybe it should. A multidisciplinary artist with an unusual number of hyphens, White, 39, is an actor, a musician, a writer for theater and television (the Amazon series 'I'm a Virgo') and an increasingly in-demand, Tony-nominated stage director. Her current projects, White observed during a rehearsal break, are all about ambitious women. 'I'm weirdly one of them,' she said. White grew up in Chicago, in a one-bedroom apartment with her working single mother. Her first exposure to theater was at her grandfather's church, the Apostolic Church of God, which boasted a 50-person choir. A visit to Cirque du Soleil was another formative experience. At Northwestern, White took theater classes, but she found the scene there cliquey, exclusionary, so she majored in political science instead. While interning for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008, she realized that she had to be an artist after all. 'There's nothing else that I can really wholeheartedly do with myself,' she said. With Nygel D. Robinson at the piano, the cast of 'Macbeth in Stride' in rehearsal, from left: Charlie Thurston, White, Holli' Conway, Phoenix Best and Ciara Alyse Harris. Credit... Elias Williams for The New York Times Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
New York Times
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Review: In ‘Liberation,' the Feminist Revolution Will Be Dramatized
How much would you give to see your mother again as she was in her prime — which is to say, before she had you? That's one of the be-careful-what-you-wish-for scenarios that Bess Wohl dramatizes in 'Liberation,' her gutting new play about the promise and unfinished business of feminism. All the clenched fists and manifestoes in the world cannot point its second-wave characters, or even their nth-wave daughters, to the sweet spot between love and freedom. Indeed, the play's warning, if not quite its watch cry, is: 'It's almost impossible to have both.' At any rate, it hasn't been working for the six women who meet on Thursdays at 6 p.m. on the basketball court of a local rec center in a backwater Ohio town in 1970. There, amid banners celebrating local team championships — boys' teams only, of course — they try to make of their random sisterhood a lifeboat to survive the revolution they seek. On the agenda: consciousness raising, problem sharing, political action and self-love prompts. Yes, at one session they all get nervously naked. But 'Liberation,' which opened on Thursday at the Laura Pels Theater, is neither satire nor agitprop. As directed with cool patience by Whitney White, the better to let its climax sear, and with a cast led by Susannah Flood and Betsy Aidem each at the top of her form, it is gripping and funny and formally daring. In a trick worthy of Escher, and befitting the complexity of the material, it nearly eats the box of its own containment, just as its characters, lacking other emotional sustenance, eat at theirs. The burden of the trick falls mostly on Flood, whose role is a superimposed, asynchronous portrait of at least two women. The main one is Lizzie, a young journalist stuck on the wedding beat at the local paper, with obits thrown in as a sop to her demand for equality. (In a way, the two beats 'are the same thing,' she says.) Denying that she is the group's leader, though she made the fliers and booked the room, she wants a revolution without having to give up anything to get it and while honoring everyone's contrasting ideologies. History tells us where that approach typically leaves the left. Take the two Doras, different as could be. The one who is actually Dorothy (Audrey Corsa) is a secretary at a wine and spirits firm working her way up the corporate ladder with the help of her décolletage. The one who is actually Isidora (Irene Sofia Lucio) is an activist from Italy who has seen too little action. (She's also stuck in a green-card marriage.) If the first wants to work the system, the second wants to blow it up, or at least to participate meaningfully in a local version of the national Women's Strike for Equality in August, 1970. The rest of the lifeboat crew are likewise carefully particularized to create lines of possible connection and tangles of possible conflict. Susan (Adina Verson) all but announces that she's a lesbian (her ambition is to ride naked on a Harley), but she's not the only one who does not feel fully welcome under the umbrella of '70s feminism. In that, she is trumped by Celeste (Kristolyn Lloyd), the only Black woman in the group. A cautious, intense intellectual, she has returned unhappily to Ohio to care for her dying mother, a responsibility that threatens to sink her. The burdens of motherhood loom large among these women, even if only the oldest, Margie, has children. (In Aidem's performance, Margie is a warm, tough cookie, with a husband she imagines stabbing to death.) But Wohl's manipulations of structure undo the premise. Flood plays not just Lizzie in the '70s but also Lizzie's daughter in the present tense, a woman now approaching 50 who, not unlike the playwright herself, finds herself facing the same problems that the older cohort were supposed to solve years ago. Why didn't they? The adolescent tetchiness of that question, with its implication that '70s feminists did not do enough to spare their literal and spiritual daughters from sexism, nags at 'Liberation' until, in a series of wonderful surprises, it finally fights back. Unraveling in ways reminiscent of Lisa Kron's 'Well' and Heidi Schreck's 'What the Constitution Means to Me,' it forces a confrontation between Flood and Aidem that exists outside of time and feels frankly, bravely autobiographical. I won't describe it further except to repeat: Be careful what you wish for. Wohl has prepared us for this metatheatrical moment from the start. It's Lizzie's daughter who welcomes us to the theater, nattering not quite randomly about the running time. ('Surely you've noticed all of those six-hour, eight-hour, ten-hour plays are by men with no children?' she says. 'A woman with children would never.') And as the story unfolds, several other characters (including two played by Kayla Davion) switch their eras or skins. The appearance of the actor Charlie Thurston at the first-act curtain is not perhaps so much of a surprise, because he's in the cast list, but his arrival, doing impressive layups, significantly changes the atmosphere, even before we know who he is. White's staging for the Roundabout Theater Company somehow keeps us on the useful edge of confusions like that without pushing us over. She explains neither less nor more than she needs to with the gymnasium set (by David Zinn), the institutional lighting (by Cha See) and the intimate sound (by Palmer Hefferan). On the other hand, she lets Qween Jean (costumes) and Nikiya Mathis (wigs and hair) have a field day with the period style. You may never look at sweater dresses and plaid coordinates the same way again. Nor at marriage. The blithe comfort or even disinterest that many children feel about their parents' marital happiness does not survive Wohl's critique of it here. In a way, 'Liberation' feels like a second and far more successful shot at the theme first announced in her play 'Grand Horizons,' seen on Broadway in 2020. In that deliberately overbright sitcom, a woman approaching 80 announces, to her sons' horror, that she wants a divorce from their father. But the horror is played for mere humor. Feeling that his parents are too old for such nonsense, one son gets a big laugh whining: 'How much else even is there?' 'Liberation' shows us how much. A work of great ambition that seems to have grown its craft for the purpose, it asks us to keep growing too, even after our mothers can no longer tell us, now that we are finally mature enough to care, who they were.
