It’s been almost a decade since the inimitable Eva Twardokens explained in these pages how diseased teeth and gums can put a big hole in your fitness and longevity plans. That’s because low-grade infections caused by poor dental health can wreak havoc on your blood sugar, immune system, and cardiovascular system.

I didn’t delve into the reasons why dental health is important—go back and reread Eva’s article for that—but I did want to highlight some additional tools you can try on top of the basics.

Oh yeah, but first you have to take care of the basics—brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, getting regular dental care, managing periodontal disease (if you have it), and doing whatever your dentist tells you that you need even if your insurance doesn’t cover it. But there are some additional tools you can try to use on top of those.

1. Electric toothbrush, anyone?

The literature isn’t entirely consistent on whether electric brushes are more effective than manual ones or not, but a few studies indicate that powered toothbrushes may well be slightly superior, especially if they’re rotation oscillation powered brushes. That’s the kind where a circular head spins back and forth, and though you can go crazy with fancy models, a basic one will only cost you about 30 bucks.

This option is especially useful if you’re absolutely exhausted at the end of the day or are brushing your teeth before you’re truly awake, and have a tendency to cut things short. It’s a lot easier to brush your teeth when the toothbrush does it for you. You can also use it directly on your gums if needed, and there are all sorts of fancy settings and options—something to discuss with your dentist!

2. Prescription toothpaste

Some dental hygienists say that it’s difficult to get patients to use prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, but I’m thinking it’s because they may not understand why it’s better than the over-the-counter stuff. Some variations have tri-calcium phosphate, which helps strengthen your grill by (you guessed it) replacing the calcium and phosphate lost in the teeth. Most prescription toothpastes have sodium fluoride, used to prevent cavities. Prescription strength toothpaste can remineralize enamel, repair early lesions, and help people who are prone to cavities. Talk to your dentist to see if prescription toothpaste is right for you, and how you should use it. (Some people avoid rinsing for a half hour after using it for a prolonged effect.)

It’s prescription, so I’m not qualified to tell you whether you’d benefit or not, but just be aware that it’s out there in case your dentist brings it up.

3. The Water Pick

You may be familiar with the water pick (aka oral irrigator or dental water jet) if you had braces growing up. It basically uses a stream of water to remove food debris and plaque between your teeth and below the gumline.

My own dental hygienist believes that using a water pick is more effective than dental floss if used at a high enough setting. Of course, there are conflicting studies and opinion. But I will say one thing: if you know that you’re never ever going to floss, using a water pick is better than nothing. And you can always use both. Water picks are particularly helpful if you find that you can’t get to certain parts of your mouth with floss alone, and trying to floss before or after using it can give you a better idea of how useful it is for you. Just something to consider adding to your regimen.

4. Magical mouthwash?

There are dozens of over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses to choose from. A stronger option is the prescription mouthwash with chlorhexidine, such as Peridex or PerioRX. It is a strong anti-microbial. Unfortunately, it can stain teeth and has a strong after taste.

I’m personally partial to CloSYS, which is available over-the-counter at Walgreens and CVS, doesn’t really have a flavor (though it comes with mint drops), is free of sulfates, and contains Cloralstan, a patented stabilized chlorine dioxide that kills harmful bacteria. It’s best if you don’t eat or rinse your mouth for a half hour after using it.
Adding all these new tools to your daily oral regimen may seem like a lot at first, but when you think about it, you’re really not doing that much more than usual. Brushing with an electric toothbrush and using prescription toothpaste won’t take that much longer than a manual toothbrush with Crest (or ToothSoap, or whatever you use), and combining water picking with flossing may well reduce the time for the latter. A five-minute mouthwash rinse and you’re set for the night…and well on your way towards better dental health!