Jessica Simpson Has Admitted To Not Using Toothpaste For Days (We're Worried For Her Teeth)

Jessica Simpson has long been in the public eye, and her dramatic transformations have been loved by many. However, her less-than-healthy dental hygiene has left many cringing. Back in 2010, the celebrity owned up to her bad habits on "The Ellen Show", saying she only brushed her teeth about three times a week. Reminder: the recommended amount is twice a day for all seven days, so Simpson's three times is significantly less than what dentists encourage. She's not oblivious to this fact either. "I know it's gross. It's gross!" she called out when the audience was left in silence by her revelation. Simpson explained further, "I don't like them to feel too slippery," before adding, "I do use like Listerine, and I do floss every day, but I don't brush them every day."

Simpson's confession resulted in her dentist speaking out against her harmful dental practices to Inside Edition. He gave the "Irresistible" singer quick advice that everyone can learn from: "One word, brush!" Another dentist explained why Simpson's Listerine and flossing combo wasn't enough: "The bristles of the toothbrush get under the crevice where the gum meet the tooth and remove plaque and bacteria. It has to be a mechanical action" (via Us). According to the Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, the pop star's lack of brushing welcomes bacteria, disease, and infection.

Jessica Simpson's less-than-healthy approach to oral hygiene has had many scratching their heads and concerned for Simpson's teeth. Despite dentists' alarmed response and plea to not follow in the pop singer's footsteps, Simpson is not alone with this radical regimen. There are plenty of Hollywood stars who have rallied behind similar hygiene routines that greatly differ from recommended treatments. In fact, a rival pop icon reportedly has a shared mindset with Simpson.

In July 2011, Britney Spears's former bodyguard revealed that the "Toxic" singer was quite the fan of the unhygienic lifestyle. According to Spears' employee, the singer would go days without brushing her teeth. As he said (via ABC News), "She did not bathe for days on end, did not use deodorant, did not brush her teeth, did not fix her hair, did not wear shoes or socks." 

While these celebrities stand by their questionable oral hygiene habits, other stars have preached healthy routines, like Sofia Vergara. The "Modern Family" actress is thoroughly committed to dental hygiene. She told People in November 2009, "I'm obsessed! My son thinks I'm crazy because I make him do a cleaning every three months. I try to bribe the dentist to make him to do it sooner!" The star even dreamed of becoming a dentist before she landed a role as a television show host.  

Many of us may not realize that we're making mistakes with our oral health. As we've all been taught by our dentists, brushing our teeth twice a day is the ideal standard to maintain our dental health. However, the pesky part that many of us lie about through our teeth (no pun intended) is just as essential to protecting our gums: flossing. Flossing removes built-up plaque beneath the gumline, reduces cavities, and works against gingivitis. But we can't stop at just brushing and flossing. 

According to Harvard Health, taking care of our dental hygiene means focusing on more than just our pearly whites; tongues and gums are all part of the system too. So, though we may have brushing and flossing under our belts, it's equally important to focus on protecting the muscles of the mouth along with the bone.

The Harvard Health report declares that the best routine to strengthen oral health and prevent disease is to rinse first to remove any excess food. Then, brush, floss, and end your routine by scraping your tongue (a great way to prevent bad breath). Don't forget to top off your regimen with another rinse for good measure.