Jezebel: bad teeth

Women Can Add Filthy Hands & Bad Teeth To Their Other Body Woes

Dodai — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:20:00 EDT

Commuters at train stations in the UK had their hands analyzed by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as part of the first Global Handwashing Day, reports The Independent. In London, 21% of women had fecal bacteria on their hands, compared to only 6% of men. Oh, sure the bacteria were "all from the gut" and do not necessarily cause disease, but the statistics do indicate that hands have not been washed properly and that women have filthier hands than men.

What the hell? Pair this with the news from Live Science that women are more likely than men to suffer from bad teeth , and you've gotta wonder: Why do women have so much to worry about, health-wise?

I remember going to the drugstore recently and it seemed that all of the items I dumped at the register magnified something that was "wrong" with me: My conditioner was specially made for "dry" and "damaged" hair; my deodorant was "extra" strength; I had not lotion but "intensive body moisture" with "healing" properties; the toothpaste I needed was fortified with "whitening" ingredients for my yellowed teeth and even my tampons were "ultra" absorbent for my tsunami-like menstrual flow.

As for the dirty hands, the UK study doesn't offer much explanation as to why women's were filthier than men's. (One commenter posits: "They have longer nails, that's why.") But the bad teeth can be blamed on hormonal and dietary changes related to higher pregnancy rates. "Women eat more frequently during pregnancy because of having a smaller stomach," says anthropologist John Lukacs. Also, women may produce less saliva during pregnancy. It's an "acid challenge for teeth." Either way: Don't we already have enough to worry about? Excuse me while I go find my waterless hand sanitizer.

Why (Some) Women Don't Scrub Up As Well As Men [Independent]
Why Women Have Bad Teeth [Live Science]

"Should I Tell My Boyfriend About My Incest Fantasies?"

Tracie — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:20:00 EDT

It's time for another installment of Pot Psychology, the advice column in which everyone's problems are solved with an "herbal" remedy. (Remember, kids: Don't do drugs!) In this episode, the wind beneath my wings, Rich, helps me dole out advice on stuff like incest fantasies, rape fantasies, and friends with bad teeth. (And this time, someone sent us dick pics!!!) Got a burning question? Send it to tips@jezebel.com with "Pot Psychology" in the subject line. (Please keep them short; they're verrrry hard to read when stoned.)

P.S. No animals were drugged in the making of this video.

British Women: Bad Teeth, Better Sex

Anna — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:09:20 EDT

The British have long been known for their crappy dentistry, tasteless food, and small penises. Now — despite the small penises — the Brits may be able to add "great sex" to the mix. Beginning this week, women across the pond will be able to heighten their sexual arousal with a Procter & Gamble-designed patch called Intrinsa, which releases a low-level of testosterone and is being heralded as the "female Viagra". Reports Salon:

At the moment, the patch is only going to be available by prescription for "post-menopausal women with diagnosed sexual problems," says the Mail. (It's not available in the United States; the FDA nixed its request to be fast-tracked in 2004.) But it doesn't take a genius to figure out that, like Viagra before it, Intrinsa could become a "lifestyle drug," bought over the counter and used by people who don't have any medical problems.

Bring it on! Frankly, we're sick of spending upwards of thirty bucks on booze just to get in the mood.

Sex Drive In A Patch? [Salon]