Wellness

There are many approaches and countless factors that make up a persons overall wellness. HowStuffWorks has extensive coverage on the different types of natural medicine such as DIY remedies and traditional Chinese medicine.

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You know what toothpaste is -- after all, you've been using it your whole life. However, toothpaste didn't always come in tubes, or even in paste form. Yes, once upon a time, people used abrasive powders to get that minty-fresh feeling.

By Marie Willsey

Massaging your gums stimulates them and keeps them healthy, so it's a good practice. But you don't necessarily need to use a gum brush to do so.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Electric toothbrushes are much better at cleaning your teeth than traditional brushes and are highly recommended by dentists. Here are some of their other benefits.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

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We clean our teeth with a toothbrush, but does your toothbrush itself need cleaning? Here are some common methods for disinfecting your toothbrush, as well as how to keep it clean for daily use.

By Chris Opfer

Periodontal disease, if left unchecked, could lead to gum redness, bleeding and, eventually, even tooth loss. Can a simple toothbrush help you avoid this fate?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

You probably think of it as a way to clean cuts, but can you also use hydrogen peroxide on your teeth?

By Terri Briseno

We know they give you pearly whites. But can those popular whitening strips damage your teeth?

By Terri Briseno

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Do food and drinks counteract the cavity-fighting and enamel-protecting benefits of toothpaste or simply ruin the fresh taste in your mouth?

By Stefani Newman

Brushing and rinsing play major parts in a good oral health routine, but if you use both toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride, can you have too much of a good thing?

By Stefani Newman

An abscessed tooth is one of those things you probably don't want to think about until it happens to you. And if it does, you're better to get it treated sooner rather than later.

By Kevin P. Allen

Humans haven't always been avid tooth brushers, so why do we have to do it now? And twice a day, no less?

By Sara Elliott

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There are advantages to a Waterpik over regular floss, but the biggest is that it's more fun. Wouldn't you rather do something enjoyable?

By Sara Elliott

A water flosser can do wonders for your teeth, but you may have to use a variety of tips to get the healthiest mouth on the block.

By Sara Elliott

Plaque may be your teeth's enemy, but it can't hide forever. Using plaque-disclosing tablets can help make sure it's removed completely during brushing and flossing.

By Brion O'Connor

Tongue scrapers are said to help remove the bacteria that causes bad breath. But is using one any more effective than just brushing your tongue?

By Tom Scheve

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Using a dental scaler can be an effective way to help keep your teeth free of plaque and stains. How can you use one correctly?

By Tom Scheve

Some argue that using a dental pick is more effective than flossing when it comes to cleaning between your teeth. But is it safe to use a dental pick without a dentist's supervision?

By Tom Scheve

You're watching your TV when an ad tells you how white your teeth can be. It may not be a "Satisfaction" redux, but it is appealing. Do DIY tooth polishers really work?

By Robynne Boyd

You may have seen DIY dental kits for sale online and wondered if you could save a few visits (and bucks) at the dentist. But these can do costly damage to your teeth.

By Sarah Winkler

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Dry mouth isn't just an annoyance; it's actually a common -- and dangerous -- health problem. It has a variety of causes, but does Biotène make an adequate cure?

By Stephanie Watson

Green is good -- for your gums. Discover how eating vegetables can help you control gingivitis.

By Kim Williamson

These home remedies for diarrhea can help you recover faster and stay healthy. View 10 home remedies for diarrhea to get started.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Staying motivated to lose weight can be difficult, especially if one stops seeing results. Learn more about staying motivated with a workout routine to feel you best and lead a healthier life.

By Elizabeth Scherer

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Arm, chest, and shoulder exercises can strengthen the upper body while easing back pain. Learn several ways to tone those regions in men and women alike.

By Lisa Faremouth

Stretching warms you up in preparation for doing other exercises, but it's also good for you in and of itself. Use our article and illustrations to learn to stretch the muscles throughout your whole body.

By Lisa Faremouth