Sales of cosmetics, chocolate and (shudder) Spam are up, but Americans have reined in spending on nearly everything else from cars to clothes to restaurant meals. But as the stock and housing markets hit new lows and we resort to shopping in the back of our closets, we may find a glimmer of a silver lining: Recessions can make us a little leaner–and greener.

“The bottom line is, people get physically healthier when times are bad,” says Christopher Ruhm, a professor of economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro who has studied rates of illness and mortality during recessions. For example, when cash is scarce, we eat fewer fattening restaurant meals and by not going out as much, we’re also responsible for fewer global warming emissions from transportation. Caveat: Ruhm only said, “physical health improves.” Faced with job and savings loss, “people feel mentally worse,” he adds. No wonder we’re buying more chocolate and lipstick!

A little knowledge can also help us cope better. Here’s a look at how your health, and that of the environment, may be trending during this economic crunch.

1. You’ll eat more home cooked meals (and be trimmer, healthier and likely happier for it). Some 71 percent of Americans are cooking at home more and eating at restaurants less frequently, the Food Marketing Institute reports. “Home cooking has fewer calories and more nutritional value than foods purchased outside the home,” says Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition at NYU. “So eating at home is always good value, not least for encouraging family cooperation and interaction through meals,” Nestle says.

2. You may buy less fresh produce (but you may already be buying more). When cash is scarce, shoppers tend to buy foods containing less water, which are less perishable, along with cheap staples like beans and rice, the New York Times reported in October. And more beans and rice, more canned foods and more pasta results in less, well, regularity, because you’re getting less water in your diet. Thus far, though, the evidence countervenes the conventional wisdom: Also in October, Nielsen market polls showed an increase in unit sales of fresh produce versus last year.

3. You may also buy less red meat (a win for the environment and our health). The head of the International Panel on Climate Change (which shared the 2007 Nobel with Al Gore) urges people to cut back on meat in order to help stem the tide of methane, a potent greenhouse gas excreted by cows. People who eat foods high in saturated fats, such as red meat, are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association, as well as some cancers, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Animal fats, including dairy products, also have high levels of toxic dioxins.

4. You may continue to buy some organic food (reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated). While organic food sales have slowed, the organic marketplace is still growing, leading to continued benefits for our soil and water quality and those of us who prefer food without pesticide residues and added hormones and antibiotics, recession or not.

5. You may be buying more locally grown foods (if it’s not you, someone’s doing it!). The USDA announced a growth in farmers’ markets, whose number nationwide reached 4,685 in August 2008, a 6.8 percent gain from two years before. This news is better for the environment (fewer planes and trucks spewing pollutants and carbon) and for our health (fewer post-harvest preservatives and pesticides).

6. You may eat more Spam (and Bisphenol-A). Production of Spam, a staple from the Great Depression and World War II, is up a lot. It’s cheap, yes, but Spam comes in a can, and canned foods are the main source of hormone-disrupting Bisphenol-A in our diets. Plus, BPA leaches more readily into fatty foods (like you know what) or acidic ones (like tomatoes) so resist the temptation (if that’s a possible reaction to Spam!) and save pennies in other ways.

7. You’ll exercise more (and even if you hate it, it may cheer you up). Twenty-five percent of Americans said they’re coping with the recession stress by exercising more according to a recent health poll. “When people feel mentally worse, you wonder, what can you control? You can exercise more and eat healthier,” Ruhm says.

8. You’ll brew your own coffee (and/or tote a refillable mug). To save money, people are forgoing Starbucks in favor of brewing their coffee at home. In addition to saving money and thereby raising self-esteem (not to mention confidence in one’s ability to perform these basic tasks), home brewing will also help reduce the 28 billion disposable coffee cups we chuck a year, resulting in 100 million pounds of landfill trash.

9. You will probably buy less soda (yesss!). Unit sales of carbonated beverages are down more than 5 percent. Great for your health: Whether you were drinking sweet high-caloric drinks or artificially sweetened sodas, even diet sodas contribute to weight gain, according to a 2007 study. And, buying less soda is great news for the environment, given the growing waste and disappointing recycling rates associated with aluminum cans and plastic bottles (but switching from soda to bottled water is cheating!).

10. You’ll drive less, breathe cleaner air and have fewer accidents. Americans drove nearly 11 billion fewer miles from Sept 2007 to Sept 2008 than in the previous 12 months, the Department of Transportation announced in November. Despite the recent fall in gas prices, the trend continued into Thanksgiving when planned holiday car trips fell by 1.2 percent, the first decrease in years. “People go out less, drive less, so there are fewer traffic accidents and pollution levels fall, Ruhm says. This, along with the slowdown in industrial activity, means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and far less smog and particulate pollutants, which cause lung disease and lower birth weights.

11. Your recession baby may be more likely to be a girl (check back in a couple months). While most parents, of course, are equally delighted to be blessed with a child of either sex, this intriguing thesis reveals the possible physical outcomes of economic shocks. “After environmental shocks, sex ratio drops 3 to 4 months later. A recession is one kind of environmental shock. And dramatic downturns such as this one are so unusual–so dramatic and so fast,” says Ralph Catalano, a professor of public health at UC Berkeley who’s studying the affect of environmental stress on sex ratios, including a decline in male births in Germany during a past recession. Why? “There are two ways in which a depression or disorganized economy may affect sex ratios,” Catalano says. One, “You’re more likely to conceive females on more days of the month, a lot of evidence suggests, and stressed males have reduced libido and lower sperm counts, so where there’s less sexual activity it favors female babies,” Catalano says, adding that he doesn’t believe this argument. More compellingly, he says, “In animal research, females that are stressed tend to spontaneously abort offspring that are less likely to produce grandchildren, and so they’ll get rid of smaller males in utero.” When will we know if this is happening or not? “Given the current economy, we should see reductions in male to female sex rations by January or February of next year,” Catalano says.

12. You may splurge on a little makeup (count us in!). As is typical in recessions, cosmetic sales are going up and up (40 percent at last count)–a harmless indulgence, so long as you make sure your personal care products are free of the most toxic ingredients, such as phthalates in synthetic fragrances. “We are concerned about the effects these chemicals may have on many hormone-related processes such as sexual development in children,” says Luz Claudio, associate professor of community and preventive medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, who is conducting a long-term study of the relationship between girls’ development and the personal care products they use. In recent human studies, phthalates have been associated with feminizing traits in male infants. Happily, U.S. sales of natural personal care products are posting strong growth even in this weak economy, rising 12.5 percent in 2007, according to market researchers Mintel, who predict another increase from $465 to $513 million this year–better for your health, water quality and wildlife, all around.

All in all, we think you’ll have good green cause for optimism. Recent reports show that when Americans are buying anything, we’re looking for green options not only for the sake of our health, but also for the sake of the planet. We’re behaving greener and healthier, too, saving energy (which saves money), driving less and walking more, reusing and recycling. The environment remains American’s top social cause, a survey found in November, and nearly 7 out of 10 Americans say they’ll remain loyal to brands that support social causes, even in a recession.

Help is on the way! The new Administration is planning to invest in green energy, infrastructure and jobs to get us out of this recession. So, turn off the TV and socialize. That’s what the holidays are all about, being with family and friends. And, if you conserve energy by watching less TV, you may be less depressed and have more sex as a result. The sun still shineth, winds of change are afoot and like winter itself, this economic chill may precede green growth. As Granny always said, health is wealth!

Toothbrushing

What’s the best toothbrush? The brand is not as important as the size and texture of the brush. You should always choose a soft or ultra soft toothbrush with rounded bristle ends. The brush head shouldn’t be too big for your mouth. It is difficult to reach all the places where plaque hides with a large brush. Look for compact sizes, they have smaller brush heads but the handles are for adults. Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis, every two to three months or when you notice the bristles fraying. Toothbrushes with fraying bristles won’t clean as well and they can irritate the gums. Children are likely to wear out toothbrushes more quickly because their brushing strokes are not yet perfected and they have a tendency to chew on the bristles. Parents should keep a close eye on their children’s brushes. Toothbrushes should be allowed to air-dry between uses. If you brush frequently, alternating between toothbrushes is recommend.

How often should you brush?

If you are healthy and free of periodontal disease, two to three times a day should be adequate. In the morning after breakfast and before bed are the most important times to brush. Try to schedule additional brushings around meals. If you have a form of periodontal disease, increased brushing is necessary. I usually recommend a minimum of three times and up to five times per day. Controlling plaque is a tough business. Many of my patients keep a toothbrush at work to make mid-day brushing convenient. The key is to make your routine as uncomplicated as possible. The optimum amount of time to brush is two minutes. Two of your daily tooth-brushings should be for two minutes and supplement with shorter brushing times if necessary. If you time yourself the next time you brush, you might be surprised how quickly you go.

What is the best brushing technique?

Since everyone’s mouth is different, individual instruction given by your dentist or dental hygienist is essential. Unless you use a proper technique, you can brush five times a day and still not get your teeth clean. There are some basic techniques to follow in proper tooth-brushing:
1. Focus your soft bristled toothbrush at the gumline. This is where plaque hides.
2. Begin by placing the bristles of your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle on the outside of your teeth (cheek side) where the gums and teeth meet.
3. Move the brush in a circular motion brushing two to three teeth at a time.
4. Use light pressure so the bristles glide gently between the teeth.
5. The same method is used on the inside (tongue side) surfaces of the back teeth.
6. To brush the inside of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically using a back-and-forth motion.
7. Then move to the biting surfaces using the same back-and-forth motion.
8. Finish by brushing your tongue.
9. Bacteria that forms on your tongue, especially on the base (back), can cause mouth odor. Start at the tip and work your way back down the middle, then each side. Special tongue cleaning devices are sold, but your brush is adequate.
Parents will need to assist their children until they are about five years old. Their small motor skills are still developing and it is impossible for them to be effective alone. I recommend that children be allowed to brush alone first, then parents should brush them gain.

Flossing

Is flossing really necessary? In a word—yes. Periodontal disease in adults starts primarily between the teeth. Plaque forms mainly at the gumline (where the teeth and gums meet) and in between the teeth. Brushing takes care of the gumline and flossing reaches between the teeth. Think of it this way: There are five sides to each tooth. When you brush, only three are cleaned (top, outside, and inside). That means the surfaces on the sides (between) of the teeth are untouched. The plaque has a protected environment, free to damage the teeth, gums and bone. There is no real substitute for flossing. Floss reaches below the gumline into the pocket area where plaque bacteria multiplies and toxins are produced. Daily flossing is required to hinder calculus formation, which leads to future breakdown. There are other dental tools that can be used to clean between teeth but floss is the only one that can remove plaque below the gumline. Children can be expected to start flossing for themselves, around age eight. Until then, parents need to floss for them. Guidance from your hygienist on how to floss your child’s teeth is advisable. The trick is to start early.

Which floss is the best?

There are dozens of flosses on the market, waxed, unwaxed, flat, round string, ribbon, textured, spongy, flavored, fluoridated, etc. According to a recent study from Ohio State University-Columbus, there aren’t significant differences between flosses. The primary issue is comfort and ease of use for the flosser. In my opinion, a flat, waxed floss is preferred because it is less likely that the gum tissue will be cut. For my patients who have wider spaces between their teeth, I recommend the textured or woven flosses. You can get a floss recommendation from your own hygienist, and once you’ve tried a few different types, I’m sure you’ll find a favorite. Flossing aids are very popular. They simplify hold the floss. They are especially useful for people who have trouble flossing with their fingers. I prefer the disposable floss holders that have the floss already attached. They are available in bright colors and smaller sizes for children.

What’s the best time to floss?

The ideal time to floss is before bed. As stated before, it is imperative that your mouth is clean before sleep because the levels of bacteria in the mouth rise during sleep. I encourage my patients with periodontal disease to floss at night to gain the greatest benefit. But if your teeth are relatively healthy, you can be flexible about when you floss. You don’t even have to floss at the same time as you brush. The important thing to remember is that you should floss once within a 24-hour period. Remember, plaque will start to calcify and form calculus within that time frame.

How do you floss?

Proper flossing is a skill that takes time and practice to master. You will need perseverance and patience if you are just beginning, but the end result is worth the effort. If you have never flossed before, it will probably take about two weeks of daily practice to get the hang of it. Make the commitment to yourself to try flossing at least once a day for two weeks. If you are having trouble with a particular area, don’t give up on the rest of your teeth. At your next dental appointment, tell your hygienist where you are having trouble. She may have a flossing tool to recommend. I encourage patients to call me during office hours if they have any questions or concerns regarding their oral hygiene. The dental staff at your office is there to assist you, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Flossing technique

While flossing, keep in mind that you are not cleaning the space between the teeth or the gum. You are cleaning the tooth itself. The floss should hug the tooth when being inserted. Use a back and forth motion to guide the floss down the tooth. When you feel a slight resistance, stop, and slide the floss in an up-and-down motion to clean the tooth. The floss should always be in contact with the tooth surface. Notice how the gum tissue fills in the space between the teeth. If you pop the floss straight down, you will hit the gum, causing injury and pain.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

We have already discussed how to select a manual toothbrush and dental floss, but there are numerous other products that might be useful. Walking down the dental supply aisle at your favorite store shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed. A good starting point is to look for the ADA Seal of Approval. This is not a guarantee that the product will work, but at least you are assured it won’t harm you. I have listed the products most asked about by my patients.

Anti-plaque rinses

Most mouth rinses will change the bacterial level in your mouth. Even rinsing with water will have a benefit to some degree. The majority of rinses contain a percentage of alcohol. Sometimes, these rinses can cause a burning feeling, but for the most part the burning is harmless. There are times when rinses that contain alcohol should be limited. If you are pregnant, or if you suffer from limited saliva flow (dry mouth), then it would be beneficial to use a non-alcohol-based rinse. In my opinion, it is better to use rinses after flossing and brushing, not before. A good antimicrobial rinse (Listerine) used daily can help control early gum disease. Your dentist may recommend a prescription mouth rinse in cases of acute or advanced periodontal disease. They are only used as an adjunct to periodontal treatment and good brushing and flossing. Keep in mind, rinsing will not remove bacterial plaque.

Automatic toothbrushes

Using an automatic toothbrush can give you an advantage in your war on bacterial plaque. They are easy to use and are sold everywhere. Most of them have a two-minute timer (the optimum amount of time). The handles are easy to hold, especially for those affected by arthritis or diseases that limit motor skills. The cleansing action is greater overall and anyone can benefit, especially the lazy brusher. Sonic brushes are the latest to appear on the market. I have seen the greatest improvement in the oral hygiene of patients who use a sonic brush. They are generally more expensive, but the results are worth it.

Take care with medications

If you are medicated (taking antibiotics) before dental treatment, then these brushes might not be for you. It is imperative that you check with your physician, cardiologist or orthopedist before using any automatic toothbrush.

For kids with braces

Parents, if your children have braces, do them a favor and buy them an automatic toothbrush. You can’t imagine how difficult it is to adequately clean teeth with braces using a manual toothbrush.

Oral irrigation

Water piks have come into favor again after years of sitting under the sink. The new models are compact and easy to use. Some units come with attachments (Pik Pocket) that make flushing the periodontal pockets feasible. You can get rid of food debris in hard-to-reach areas (around and under bridges, orthodontic braces), but water piks will not remove plaque. They should only be used in conjunction with brushing and flossing. I have seen a decrease in bleeding gums in patients who use an oral irrigator regularly. Again, if you need to be premedicated before dental visits, consult with your physician before using these products.

Toothpastes

Like mouth rinses, there isn’t much difference between pastes in their effectiveness. Paste or gel is a personal preference. Gels are preferred when using an automatic toothbrush, to reduce splattering and foam. The main question should be: Does it contain fluoride?

Tartar-control pastes

Tartar-control toothpastes are very popular and are billed as pastes that will reduce calculus (tartar) formation. The fact is, they will reduce calculus, but only above the gumline. Calculus that forms above the gumline is strictly cosmetic. Tartar-control pastes do not affect calculus formation below the gumline where gum disease starts. Therefore, they have not been proven to reduce gingivitis.

Tooth-whitening pastes

Tooth-whitening pastes in general have little lasting effect on the teeth. I have never seen anyone’s teeth get whiter using an over-the-counter tooth-whitening product. Stain reduction is possible, but any paste can achieve this with good brushing. Due to the added chemicals in tartar-control and whitening pastes, some of my patients have experienced increased sensitivity in their teeth and/or gums. For this reason, I do not recommend these products to my patients.

Desensitizing toothpastes

Desensitizing toothpastes can be helpful in decreasing root sensitivity, but the relief is usually temporary. The active ingredient varies in the different pastes. So if one paste doesn’t work, it might be worth trying another brand. It could take up to several weeks before you will know if the paste is working. Read the label and follow the instructions to gain the maximum benefit.

Fluoride

Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay as much as 40 percent. Regular fluoride use can also help desensitize and prevent decay on root surfaces in adults. In cases of excessive decay and extreme sensitivity, your dentist may write a prescription for a toothpaste that contains a higher dosage of fluoride. Children who receive fluoride from many sources (vitamins, water, foods, rinses, and toothpastes) should be monitored to avoid fluoride overdosing. Only a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste is necessary for any child.

Interproximal toothbrushes

Interproximal toothbrushes are tiny brushes that clean between your teeth. The brushes come in various shapes and sizes that can be attached to a handle. As the brushes wear out they can be replaced. Some disposable pocket versions come with the brushes attached. These are great tools, and valuable in removing plaque and food from wide spaces between the teeth. Still, they do not replace flossing. These brushes should only be used in areas where they easily fit between the teeth. Applying force could lead to trauma to the gum and tooth. Toothpicks should be avoided. Since they are made of wood, they can break and become lodged under the gum causing pain and trauma. Sometimes it takes a trip to the dentist to remove them.

Rubber tips

Rubber tips are used to massage and stimulate the gums. They can be useful in decreasing red swollen gums. Rubber tips can sometimes be found on the end of your toothbrush or they are sold separately. Place the tip gently against the gums between the teeth and massage. Only use a light pressure, just enough to see the gum tissue blanch.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Even with good daily brushing and flossing, it is difficult to remove all the bacterial plaque that leads to calculus. Hardened calculus must be removed by your dentist or hygienist on a regular basis to help prevent gum disease. How often you need to have your teeth professionally cleaned depends on how long you can stay healthy between visits. If you have a normal level of health, six months is the suggested length of time between visits. Your dentist/hygienist may vary the interval from time to time to suit your needs. People with periodontal disease will need shorter intervals, three to four months, indefinitely. Others may temporarily need closer visits (like
pregnant women, patients with braces, and lazy brushers/flossers). Controlling periodontal disease is not only important to your teeth, it is important for your overall health. New research indicates there is a link between gum disease and certain heart disease. Additionally, doctors are currently researching a potential link between gum disease in pregnant women and low-birth-weight babies.

Conclusion

It is necessary to take an active role in your dental health, and your dentist/hygienist can assist you in keeping a healthy mouth. Fighting bacterial plaque with good oral hygiene is an integral part in keeping your teeth for a lifetime. An appealing and healthy smile is a great asset. A smile can communicate ideas and feelings. It can build your confidence in business and social situations. Good digestion depends on strong healthy teeth to chew food effectively. If you have loose or missing teeth, your health could be compromised by a limited diet and insufficient digestion. A clean mouth will have fewer dental problems, and your dental work will last longer and look better. The need for new treatment and painful emergency situations will decrease. All this will save you time and money at the dentist’s office.

So stay healthy and keep smiling!