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"The cardiovascular connection is known to be especially strong," says New York City–based periodontist James Jacobs, DMD. For example, one British study showed that people who brush infrequently were 70 percent more likely to suffer from heart disease than those who brush twice a day.

Maybe you're thinking, I brush. I floss—at least sometimes. Isn't that enough? Probably not, considering that a whopping 85 percent of American adults suffer from gum disease, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. But it's not too late to reform your ways. Here, we address your top concerns so you can keep your pearly whites in peak condition. Your good health depends on it.

Is there a right way to brush?

Yes! Grip your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, so it's slightly pointing up, and apply gentle pressure as you use a combo of back-and-forth and up-and-down strokes, says Santa Monica–based dentist Nushin Shir, DDS. Make sure you brush each tooth all over, as well as the gumline. And don't rush! A thorough brushing lasts about 2 minutes, so aim to spend about 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth. Photo: Shutterstock

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?

Most dentists think so, even though studies are mixed. If you use them the right way, they prevent you from brushing too hard (which can wear away the enamel, the outer protective layer of the tooth, and make gums bleed) or, more important, not long enough (most have a built-in timer that beeps when 2 minutes are up). They're also thorough. "Some electric toothbrushes go as fast as 40,000 strokes per second. You just can't do that manually," says Jeffrey Golub-Evans, DDS, founder of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry and a past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The downside: Some can cost more than $100, though it's possible to find them for as low as $30.


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What's the best type of floss?

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Whatever kind you'll actually use (waxed or unwaxed)—studies show they work equally well. The key is to floss every day. In fact, dentists wish you'd do it twice a day—it's the only way to remove all the food and plaque (a film that harbors bacteria) that gets stuck between your teeth, says Dr. Austin. Plaque ups the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which makes you more likely to have bleeding gums and even lose some teeth as you get older. But if you're only going to floss once a day, do it at night (so you don't sleep with food particles in your mouth). Photo: Shutterstock

How can I get rid of bad breath?





Can I tell if I have a cavity?

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What is the best drugstore teeth-whitening option?

Whitening strips, such as Crest Whitestrips, says Dr. Golub-Evans. "They deliver a premeasured, evenly distributed amount of hydrogen peroxide to your teeth. Results build over prolonged use, so I'd recommend the 2- to 3-week ones over the stronger 4- to 7-day option." Spreading it out also results in less sensitivity. You won't get as powerful a result as you would from a professional whitening treatment, but they can definitely give you a subtle lift that lasts for 6 months.

Whitening kits that use trays (a tray with a gel mixture goes on your upper teeth and another goes on the lower ones) are also effective, but they tend to be messier, harder to use and can irritate your gums (unless you get custom-fit ones from your dentist). If you go this route, make sure to get one that doesn't require you to measure and distribute the bleach yourself, because it's too difficult to do it evenly.

I've seen laser whitening treatments being offered in spas and malls. Are they safe?

Maybe—but only if a dental professional (such as a dentist or dental hygienist) is administering them. "I once met a banker who was performing these whitenings for extra income!" says Dr. Austin. The problem: An untrained person could end up damaging your teeth, and many people are selling products that haven't been proven safe or effective. In fact, states including Tennessee and Alabama have recently banned teeth-whitening kiosks that aren't operated by dentists.


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Head overseas to save on dental work? Maybe

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In the best-case scenario, you'll see a dentist with good credentials (some have even been trained in the U.S.) and maybe do a little sightseeing, says Neilesh Patel, DDS, CEO/ founder of HealthCare Tourism International, a nonprofit medical tourism website that connects patients with safe, accredited international providers. On the other hand, you're dealing with different standards of care and sanitary practices, and you're doing it far from home (even if things go well, follow-ups or unforeseen emergencies can pose a tricky problem). From sorting through language barriers to determining which foreign seals of approval are actually credible, it can take a whole lot of work to make sure your practitioner is up to par. "Of the dental work I've seen from Mexico, I would say that the majority of cases would not meet the U.S. standard of care," says Dr. Patel. "It's important to do your homework."

If you're still up to the challenge, start by looking for professionals that are endorsed on a reputable site. Some are: Dr. Patel's HealthCare Tourism International (; the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (, a site recommended by the American Dental Association; or Medical Tourism International (, a for-profit organization made up of international hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers that are screened and inspected to ensure that they adhere to a strict set of standards. Once you've narrowed down your options, the ADA suggests reviewing the educational information at The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention's website (; click on "resources" and then "travel").

Lastly, if you're very concerned about having all your i's dotted and t's crossed, you may want to consider booking through a medical tourism travel agency. Planet Hospital (, a California-based company, is generally considered to be the most reputable.

What do you think?