Dental Details

1 A FINAL RINSE

A co-worker with frequently irritated gums swears by the healing effects of the Natural Dentist Herbal Mouth and Gum Therapy. This alcohol-free mouthwash contains echinacea, an antiviral and antiseptic herb, and the astringent herb goldenseal.

2 DRAG RACING

The concept of flat-tape floss appeals to me. Since it covers a broader surface, I like to think the chore will be finished sooner. One such flat tape is Tom's of Maine Natural Flossing Ribbon. It's coated with beeswax, carnauba wax, and jojoba wax and contains the astringent herb myrrh.

3 CHANGE IS GOOD

I'm a firm believer in changing my toothbrush every few weeks and after every cold or flu. The Fuchs EkoTec Replaceable Head brush makes this easy and reduces waste in the process. A set comes with one plastic handle and three bristle heads that snap in place; heads are also sold separately.

4 POLISHING THE PEARLS

Because I consider most toothpaste too foamy and saccharine, I prefer using Logodent Herbal Dental Gel. Available in peppermint or mint-free rosemary sage, the German-made gel offers a mild taste, little or no foam, and a clean feel, but no fluoride or sodium lauryl sulfate.

5 A CLEAN SWEEP

You won't believe what's hanging out on your tongue until you drag a scraper across it. Metal scrapers (such as Maharishi AyurVed's sterling silver model) may seem more brutal than plastic ones (like U.S. DenTek's), but I prefer the more intense cleaning and breath-freshening action.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning