A healthy mouth and gums are fundamental to a healthy bod. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and bacterial buildup in the mouth as well as in the bloodstream. Studies suggest that periodontal bacteria can interfere with proper organ function and even lead to heart disease and stroke. Not exactly the kind of killer smile you had in mind, is it? So how do you keep those gums fleshy pink and those teeth sparkling white? Here's what four pros recommend for getting the gunk out and delaying decay.

Catrise Austin, DDS, New York City
"I currently use and recommend the Sonicare Elite," says Dr. Austin. "It's the Bentley of toothbrushes. Sonic brushes are much more effective in removing plaque because of the power and motion of the brush. It feels like the dental hygienist is cleaning your teeth every day!"

Peter Rinaldi, DDS, New York City and Beverly Hills
"Any of the pulsating/oscillating [Braun Oral B] or sonic toothbrushes [Sonicare] is better than using conventional toothbrushes," says Dr. Rinaldi. Why? Manual scrubbing produces about 300 brush strokes per minute. Pulsating/oscillating toothbrushes reach between 3,000 and 7,500 strokes, and vibrating toothbrushes produce 40,000. "The more brush strokes, the more plaque and debris that are potentially removed."

Samuel L. Yankell, professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Yankell, who has been studying toothbrushes for nearly 30 years, has seen manual products go from flat-profile, straight-handle designs to an array of bristle patterns and angled heads. "The designs are much more appealing now, and this has translated into efficacy when they're used properly," he says. But mechanical brushes, with their boost in power, seem to have gained an upper hand in removing plaque and keeping gingivitis at bay. "In published short-term studies, power toothbrushes are more effective than a manual toothbrush when used for the same amount of time and under the same conditions (for example, using the same brushing motion). The longer a person brushes, the more effective the product will be."