ToothbrushesThe ADA recommends that everyone
brush in a “2min2X” routine—two min-
utes, two times a day—to remove bacte-
ria that lead to tooth decay. Change out
toothbrushes or electric heads every two
to three months (or when bristles look
splayed and worn), says Cram.
If you opt for a manual toothbrush,
choose a soft-bristled brush. “Soft bris-
tles are flexible enough to sweep under
gums and remove gooey, sticky plaque,”
says Cram. (Medium and hard bristles
will abrade the tooth surface, leaving
bacteria behind.)
Research shows that electric brushes
that oscillate and rotate at a high
frequency can remove more plaque
compared to manual toothbrushes,
says Cram. They’re also great if you lack
the dexterity to effectively maneuver a
manual. (Battery-operated devices don’t
spin fast enough, however, so opt for a
rechargeable model.) Electric brushes
can be expensive, but those priced at the
lower end of the spectrum can be just as
good as more expensive models.MANUAL
Pro-Sys Original ($5 for 2 brushes,
pro-sys.com). A good basic brush, with
soft bristles and an ergonomic handle.Oral-B Indicator Contour Clean
($7 for 4 brushes, target.com). Its brush
heads change color to let you know
when it’s time to replace them.ELECTRIC
Oral-B Pro 1000 ($50 and up, oralb.com).
It carries the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance and
has a competitive price.ToothpasteYour No. 1 feature in a good toothpaste?
Fluoride. “Adults with diabetes are more
prone to gum inflammation that can
lead to gum recession, which exposes
the softer, more cavity-prone roots of
teeth,” says Peter M. Loomer, D.D.S.,
Ph.D., dean and professor at the Univer-
sity of Texas Health Sciences Center San
Antonio School of Dentistry.
You may also find that gum recession
makes your teeth more prone to pain
from hot and cold food. In that case, go
for a sensitivity toothpaste.EVERYDAY
Hello Mojito Mint ($5 for 4 oz.,
hello-products.com). Jon Marashi, D.D.S.,
a celebrity dentist in Los Angeles, rec-
ommends this fluoride-packed formula
because it tastes great and is free of dyes,
artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.SENSITIVE SMILES
Sensodyne Full Protection +
Whitening ($7 for 4 oz., walgreens.com).
In addition to fortifying fluoride, it has
potassium nitrate to desensitize teeth.MouthwashWhile it isn’t a substitute for brushing
or flossing, mouthwash can kill germs
to lessen plaque buildup, and can add
an extra layer of protection if you’re
prone to cavities. Avoid alcohol-based
rinses, as these are drying to oral tissues,
making decay and (oddly enough) bad
breath more likely, says Marashi.ALL-AROUND
Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection
Mouthwash ($7 for 33.8 oz.,
cvs.com). It has a minty taste and leaves
you with a tingling feeling in your
mouth.DRY MOUTH
Therabreath Dry Mouth Oral Rinse
($9 for 16 oz., target.com). It contains
natural enzymes that reduce bacteria
and help control inflammation.Floss
Gum disease starts in-between teeth, so
flossing once daily is a must. The type
of floss you choose depends on your
smile’s unique needs. If you have large
crevices between teeth or have had lots
of dental work, you may also benefit
from an interdental cleaner or water
flosser. But these should be used as
a supplement to floss, not a replacement.UNWAXED FOR NORMAL TEETH
GUM Fine Unwaxed Floss ($6 for
200 yds., amazon.com). The rougher tex-
ture is better able to attach to plaque.WAXED FOR CROWDED TEETH
AND/OR LOTS OF FILLINGS
Listerine Waxed Floss ($2 for 55 yds.,
cvs.com). The coated floss slides easily,
making it easy to maneuver.DENTAL TAPE FOR
WIDER-SPACED TEETH
Oral-B Complete Satin Tape
($3 for 27 yds., walgreens.com). The
wider surface cleans larger spaces
between teeth more effectively.INTERDENTAL CLEANERS
FOR GUM DISEASE
GUM Go-Betweens Proxabrush
($5 for 8 brushes, walgreens.com).
These flossing brushes lend extra
gum-scrubbing power.WATER FLOSSERS FOR
DENTAL WORK
Waterpik Water Flosser Nano ($60,
waterpik.com). It irrigates around tough
areas like crowns, implants, and bridges.Balance: D EN TA L CA R E