Your Oral Health Is in Your Hands

You can achieve a cleaner, whiter, and healthier smile with these 6 inexpensive products.

Many dentists swear by electric toothbrushes; even research finds folks may do a better job with technology's helping hand. But it's possible to keep your teeth healthy without spending a fortune. These new products, all under $10, are so much fun you'll actually look forward to brushing:

1. Oral-B Pulsar This vibrating manual brush has flexible rubber bristles that pivot back and forth during brushing to lift food and stimulate gums ($5.99).

2. Colgate 360° toothbrush Cleaning tip and dentist-like polishing cups remove plaque and stains, and a rubbery tongue cleaner on the back of the brush removes odor-causing bacteria ($3.49).



3. Oral-B Hummingbird Attach a flosser or dental pick to this battery-powered gadget and the plaque seems to vibrate away ($6.99).








4. Crest Pro-Health Rinse Do you dread the mouthwash burn so much you often skip it? Here's the same rewarding minty gain without the pain. This mouthwash uses the germ killer cetylpyridinium chloride instead of alcohol ($4.99 for 16.9 ounces).

5. Crest Vivid White Night A tooth cleaner/whitener combo for those whose teeth are too sensitive for peroxide whiteners. As you sleep, sodium hexametaphosphate "microcleansers" coat your teeth, loosening surface stains so they can be sloughed off by your morning brush ($3.99).

6. Breath Palette toothpaste Sick of mint? These plant-derived pastes spice up your daily routine with 32 fruity and exotic flavors, from tropical pineapple to Indian curry. A less frothy, more natural cleaning ($4.49 per tube; breathpalette.com).






Coming soon: A probiotic mouthwash that boosts the "good" bacteria in the mouth to fight gum disease. The maker, Florida-based biotech company Oragenics, says it may be available in the United States in a couple of years.

From Reader's Digest - December 2005

 

• • Your Medical Care
• • Common Problems
• • Dental Hygiene
• Healthy Habits
• • Shopping Guides

• How Your Dentist Can Save Your Life
• The dentist may be the most important doctor you see this year.
• 
• 3 Surprising Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
• Your toothbrush isn't the only weapon capable of protecting your teeth -- your diet helps too!
• 
• Maintain a Healthy Smile
• 22 secrets for pearly whites.
• 
• About Dental Exams
• Taking care of your teeth is important. Find out who needs a dental exam, when to do it, and how it's done.
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