If you read labels to steer clear from any sketchy sounding ingredients, you've probably come across xanthan gum in random items from ice cream to salad dressings, from toothpaste to gluten-free desserts. Xanthan gum sounds artificial, but what is it really, and why is it in so many products? Without getting too scientific, xanthan gum is a carbohydrate created through fermentation. The process Read more

Can an $8, one-hour tooth whitener really work? I had my doubts, and while Walgreens Intense 1 Hour Whitening System ($8) won't get your teeth Ross Gellar-white (not that you'd actually want glow-in-the-dark choppers), it will lighten them a few shades, all under an impressive 60 minutes. But with the good comes a bit of bad. See the full review when you read more. Read more

I know dental care isn't the most exciting topic, but healthy teeth are important and make for a lovely smile. Speaking of lovely smiles, remember the scene in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts announces that "you shouldn't neglect your gums"? With that said, let's review some common bad dental habits that can lead to health issues like gingivitis. And since nobody likes getting that disappointing Read more