The Power of Just Doing Something

Hi friends,

Once in a while, an article comes along and coalesces a jumble of your thoughts, impulses, and opinions into something coherent and persuasive, like this piece for Vox about the value of volunteering. In it, writer Rachel Cohen argues that we need to rebalance our expectations for systemic change, countering frustration at the slow march of progress with the immediacy of individual action. 

This could mean donating time or money; it doesn’t have to be (and certainly won’t be) perfect. She leads with some reporting she did on the homelessness crisis – contrary to her expectations, the experts she spoke to told her to just DO something, such as hand out supplies, or donate them to shelters. It “left me uneasy,” she said. “Why did I think only about structural change and disregard more immediate help? And why don’t I do more of those day-to-day charitable things, or know many people who do, either?”

Cohen’s epiphany is interesting within the larger conversation of connection and loneliness (which she also references). It was top of mind after we read this story in the New York Times Magazine, which laid partial blame at the feet of smartphones, those ubiquitous devices that have allowed people to retreat into a digital world without ‘meaningful connection.’” It’s also a result of America’s great “de-churching,” which – relatedly – was also a place for people to provide forms of social services and community volunteering. “I feel urgently like we have to figure out how to reproduce those aspects of religion in secular life,” said one expert to Cohen.

Today in Gloria: Is your dentist in the pocket of big Sensodyne, or is it simply that your teeth and gums become more sensitive as you age? Read on for that, plus: the lowbrow reality TV series we’re looking forward to, a recipe we recently loved, and more. And if you missed our first Tuesday edition (which includes shopping animal print), click here!

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

Most of us are aware (in theory) that a good dental hygiene routine includes regular brushing, consistent flossing, and a biannual checkup. Less commonly known is the fact that women’s oral health needs evolve over the course of our lives. Rising estrogen and progesterone levels during puberty and pregnancy (or just being on birth control!) can set the scene for inflammation-related gum conditions; decreasing levels of those same sex hormones during perimenopause and menopause are linked to a host of issues, from dry mouth to heightened sensitivity. 

The more you know, the easier it is to identify early symptoms and potentially get ahead of problems. But unless you’re a patient at a highly proactive dental practice, chances are this information flies under the radar until you’re in the thick of symptoms yourself. In fact, 2024 survey data from dental insurance company Delta Dental revealed that 84 percent of women ages 50 and up didn’t realize the connections between menopause and oral health. Nor were the vast majority aware that menopause can increase the risk of myriad health conditions like gum disease, jawbone density, tooth loss, and more.

Only three percent of women surveyed said they’d ever discussed menopause-related oral health symptoms with their dentist or hygienist, but even if you do, the conversation might not be helpful. When Sarah Chavarria, Delta Dental’s CEO, brought up menopause at a recent appointment, she felt that the information was treated like a “non-consideration.” The experience made her realize that women (and dentists) could use a nudge to delve more deeply into the topic, together. 

We spoke with Chavarria about the symptoms menopausal women might expect, how to advocate for comprehensive care that relates to your stage of life, and why it’s so vital to treat your dental visit as a preventative checkup. 

Okay, off the bat: What are the oral health issues that can crop up when women are entering perimenopause or going through menopause? 

Any changes in their gums at all; any tooth decay; an abscess; any sensitivity. Tooth loss would obviously be really severe and definitely something to discuss. Dry mouth is super common, because of reduced saliva production, which is a common symptom as we get older, and something to talk about with the dentist and/or hygienist. We had one woman write into our survey that she had a burning tongue, had been going to the doctor over and over again, and was so relieved to finally hear from the dentist that it was a symptom of menopause. 

We know that seeing a dentist regularly correlates to better health outcomes broadly. But can you explain the connection? 

So, this is incredibly important: The mouth has long been treated as detached from the body — like, you go and get braces, get your teeth cleaned, they move your tongue around, and that’s that. But I think what people miss about going to the dentist is that it’s actually a big part of your preventative healthcare.

You’re not just going in for your cleaning or whitening or veneers. They’re screening for cancer. Your dentist or hygienist might be the first person who recognizes you have preconditions like gum disease that can point to heart disease or diabetes. 

What’s surprising about this list of Amazon Prime perks is just how many of them we were unaware of. The guide details 10 member benefits that more people should know about (it’s from a website entirely focused on consumer deals and savings). We have to say: It’s genuinely helpful! Click through for all the information. #partner

TO BINGE Sure, it’s lowbrow, but Hulu’s new reality TV series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives also looks fascinating. The show follows eight Mormon influencers in the wake of a swinging scandal. There’s also Netflix’s new show, The Perfect Couple, which is based upon the popular Elin Hilderbrand mystery and stars Nicole Kidman; and the new, star-studded Peacock series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, about a brazen crime that changed Atlanta history. 

TO TRY This clothing-rental service means we always have something cute and appropriate to wear, whether the occasion is formal or casual. They’re constantly adding new brands and styles, so there’s lots to choose from. Give it a try, and get up to 50 percent off your first month, with the code GLORIA. #partner

TO LISTEN From the investigative journalists at The Lever, the new podcast Master Plan is all about how rampant corruption became legalized in America, tracing a history that began in the ‘70s and that includes drug prices and the Supreme Court. It’s anger-inducing, but also offers hope in the stories of people who have fought back.

TO COOK This recipe, which originates from Ottolenghi’s Jerusalem cookbook is easy, delicious, kid-approved, and freezes well. We made it with a tabouli salad, but would be equally delicious with sweet potato fries. And don’t sleep on the sauce!

TO WATCH Two big, and vastly different, movies hit theaters this week. There’s Lover of Men, which asks, “Was president Abraham Lincoln gay?” then – thanks to multiple Lincoln historians – answers, “Definitely, yes.” Then there’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tim Burton’s wackadoodle sequel featuring Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara.

Chloë Sevigny, surprisingly relatable. This piece about going to a sleepaway camp for trans men was very moving. This is infuriating, but this is heartening.

_{*Gloria may receive an affiliate commission on purchases made through our newsletter.}