Dental Health

It's not something you give much thought to other than the two minutes you use it twice a day, but if you're not taking care of your toothbrush properly, you could be exposing your body to germs and increasing your risk of cavities.

• Putting it away: The medicine cabinet seems like a clean, safe place for your toothbrush, but darkness and lack of air are what bacteria love. Store it out in the open where it has the chance to dry out.
• Laying it flat: Don't leave your toothbrush lying sideways on the counter. Store it upright in a nifty holder, so gravity can do its thing and allow wetness to drain away from the bristles.
• Covering it up: Things that stay moist are breeding grounds for bacteria. So in order for your toothbrush to have the chance to dry out completely between brushings, avoid using toothbrush covers, cases, or plastic bags (unless your toothbrush is completely dry).
• Brushing and flushing: If you're like most people, you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom. But whenever you flush the toilet, bacteria gets sprayed into the air where it lands on your toothbrush bristles. Totally disgusting, I know. Keep your toothbrush at least three feet away from the toilet. Or, better yet, just keep the toilet lid closed.

Keep reading for more toothbrush mistakes.

You slip under the covers, turn off the light, and rest your head on your pillow. Seems simple and perfect, but here are some things you could be doing in bed that harm your health.

• Grinding your teeth: Formally called sleep bruxism, many people unknowingly clench their jaw or grind their teeth at night, which can lead to tension headaches, earaches, irritated tissue on the inside of your cheeks, jaw pain, and permanent damage to your teeth in the form of chips and worn-down enamel that cause sensitivity or cracks. Stress can be a factor, so reducing the amount of worry in your life can help. If it doesn't, see your dentist about designing your own personal mouth guard to sleep with. Not exactly the sexiest thing to wear to bed, it's sure to offer you a more restful and less painful night of sleep.
• Sucking on a cough drop: If you suffer from a chronic cough, cold or sinus infection, or postnasal drip, sucking on a cough drop every night may be the only way you can get some sleep without coughing keeping you up. Although soothing to your throat, exposure to a bath of sugar all night long is sure to lead to tooth decay and cavities. Here are other natural remedies for your nighttime coughs. If the cough persists, it's time to see your doc.

Keep reading to find out what else you're doing at night that's wrecking your health.

Researchers have discovered that more than just viruses and germs can be transmitted through the mouth — cavities can be added to this list, yes . . . cavities. According to Dr. Margaret Mitchell, the cavity-causing bacteria is commonly transferred between caregivers and children because a mother will taste her child's food to see if it's too hot, therefore directly exposing her child to the germs in her saliva. Dr. Mitchell also discusses an instance where a woman had started developing cavities and gum disease after starting to date a man who had gum disease and hadn't been to a dentist in over 18 years.

Her remedy? You don't have to go cold turkey on kissing — phew — but what you do have to do is make sure you maintain your oral health by flossing and brushing regularly and chewing sugar-free gum, which helps produce more saliva and wash away bacteria.

And for all the parents out there, I suggest blowing on your child's food rather than tasting it; that way you'll decrease the amount of bacteria transferred.

Watching my friend effortlessly clean her 1-and-a-half-year-old's teeth with an electric toothbrush was all the evidence I needed to get back into using my power tool of a toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are fun — they feel good and they easily glide through your mouth, making brushing a breeze (don't even get me started on the flossing).

I tend to go back and forth between my GUM toothbrush (soft bristles in case you were wondering) and my electric toothbrush. Whereas 69 percent of you said that you use an electric toothbrush, so I can see which type of brush you favor. But when it comes down to it, which toothbrush gives you the biggest bang for you buck? Meaning, which toothbrush — old school manual or electric — gets the cleaning job done better?

To see what the verdict is, continue reading.

It's a given that everyone brushes their teeth daily — and if you don't, there really is no better time like the present! Unlike brushing, flossing habits seem to run the gamut, which is why we asked you how often you floss and an impressive forty-three percent of you said you floss at least once a day — bravo!

Flossing is very important to incorporate into your daily routine since lodged food particles between the teeth can cause plaque and bacteria buildup, which eventually leads to gingivitis. And flossing at least once a day will also reduce arterial inflammation caused by the accumulation of bacteria in your system.

OK, we know the facts, we get that flossing is important, but how can we make it easier and more fun? I'm not saying you have to do a happy dance while flossing, but if it were easier, maybe we'd be inclined to floss more. I found three helpful tools that will do just that.

• The Reach Access Flosser ($3): Brought to you by the makers of the Reach razors, this flosser can go below the gum line and effortlessly helps move the floss up and down and against the tooth. And with the look and feel of a toothbrush, maybe we'll be fooled to include it in our morning routine?

Keep reading to find out what other tools I recommend for flossing.

In case you've already forgotten, February is National Pet Dental Health month. So somewhere between the romantic getaways and Oscar bashes you're planning this month, be sure to find time to give your pet's chompers some love! I've given you teeth-cleaning tips in the past, but if you're looking for another primer on doggie tooth brushing, you're in luck: Heidi Ganahl, founder of Camp Bow Wow, has some helpful hints. Keep reading and get brushing!

1. Buy the Right Tools: The first step to brushing your dog’s teeth is finding the right dental equipment. Make sure you purchase a dog toothbrush that is angled and soft. For large breeds, stick to longer toothbrushes so you reach difficult places. A finger brush is easier to use on smaller animals. Remember to never use human toothpaste on dogs because it contains ingredients that can harm Fido’s stomach. There are many dog-friendly toothpaste options that come in fun flavors like peanut butter, beef, or chicken.
2. It’s All About Timing: It’s important to approach your dog when he is relaxed and in a good mood. Don’t force contact, because the pup will rebel against you.
3. Positioning: Make sure your dog is comfortable before beginning. Avoid standing above your dog in a threatening way. Instead, get on the same level and sit in front of your pet.
4. Prep the Gums: Test your dog’s anxiety level and willingness to have his mouth touched. Gently rub your finger on the top row of teeth and gums. You may have to repeat this step a few times before proceeding.

Four more tips after the jump!

I don't like going to the dentist for many reasons. Aside from the prodding and scraping, I shutter when my dentist asks, "Have you been grinding your teeth?" While I'd love to shake my head and look at her like she's lost her mind, we both know that yours truly has taken to grinding my teeth on occasion. While getting a bite guard is the most often prescribed treatment for bruxism (that's the fancy medical term for grinding your teeth), there are a few other things that one can do to keep from clenching their way through the night.

To keep me from cracking my teeth into a bacterial oblivion, my dentist passed on some pointers to me that I'm happy to share with you. Want to check the suggestions out?