If you are a lackluster brusher, a high-powered electric toothbrush will make a huge difference in the state of your mouth.

MONEY WELL SPENT | If you think listening to someone talk about watching paint dry is snooze, try concentrating while a pal waxes on about brushing his or her teeth.

So you know I would never bring up ongoing tooth care unless I had something interesting to report. Last week, during a routine appointment with my dental hygienist, she confessed to having trouble cleaning my teeth. “I’ve looked for plaque everywhere, and I can find just the tiniest speck on a single tooth,” she said. “Mouths like yours could put me out of business.” Read more