Kaiser covered a Jessica Simpson story earlier today, but I just couldn’t resist this one. People Magazine asked Jessica’s dentist to comment on the fact that she’s admitted that she doesn’t brush her teeth every day. This is something Jessica has discussed in two separate interviews. The first interview honestly sounded like a joke to me, and I thought that she was either messing with us or had just forgotten to pack her toothbrush on a recent trip. Then Jessica confirmed in a follow up interview that she only brushes her teeth three times a week, explaining that she “needs a little coating” on them so that her lips don’t slide! Instead of brushing, she’ll “use a shirt or something” to wipe her teeth along with some mouthwash for fresh breath. She also claims to floss, but I’m not really buying that.

Jessica’s dentist was pretty amazed that she doesn’t brush every day, and told People that he was surprised to hear that there are people who don’t practice regular dental hygiene:

Last week, while appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the singer revealed that she brushes her teeth only about three times a week.

“My teeth are so white and I don’t like them to feel too slippery, but I do use Listerine and I do floss everyday,” she told DeGeneres. “But I don’t brush them everyday. I’ll use a shirt or something … I know it’s gross, but I always have fresh breath.”

Simpson’s dentist, Dr. Bill Dorfman, who appeared on an episode of Simpson’s previous reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica and maintains a practice in Los Angeles, says he’s surprised and concerned about her brushing habits.

“I was kind of shocked. I assumed everybody brushed their teeth all the time,” he tells PEOPLE. “People pay us a lot of money for that slippery feeling. It’s kind of the best part.”

But this wasn’t the first time Simpson has talked about her lack of brushing. In March, the singer told a group of people a similar story at the “iheartradio presents an Evening with Jessica Simpson” in New York.

“Find me when I’m 60 and [my teeth] will probably be all out, but I literally have these strong powerful teeth that don’t need to be brushed,” Simpson told the audience.

Dorfman says people should be brushing and flossing after every meal, or it can cause anything from inflamed gums to heart disease.

“It’s great that she’s flossing all the time, but you have to brush too,” Dorfman recommends. “What goes on in your mouth really affects your whole body.”

[From People]

What the hell is Jessica talking about, she has “strong, powerful teeth?” Teeth are bones for chewing food, they’re powerful by design. Cavities and plaque can destroy them, though, and her dentist is right that she needs to also be concerned about her health. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can contribute to all sorts of health problems, and dental plaque has been tied to increased risk of heart attack. It’s irresponsible not to brush your teeth twice a day, and it’s even worse to announce it as if your mouth is an exception to the rule. Even little kids know they’re supposed to brush in the morning and night, and after every meal if they can. Not Jessica, though, she has “powerful” teeth. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt but in this case there’s little doubt that this is a very stupid thing to say and do. I love that People got a quote from her dentist, and that he was all “there are people who don’t brush?” Do you think Jessica will actually brush her teeth at least once a day now, or will she trade that comfortable teeth coating for uncomfortable dentures?