Thanks digdirt - Yep.. picked up an electric toothbrush yesterday and went to town on the blossoms. I figure I'll hit them twice a day for fun. At the very least the flowers will be plaque free! By the way -- Do you think there is anything wrong with the Green Grape? Other than being really short, it seem healthy. Even has some toms on it. Here's a closer look (click to view full image):

I've used a Sonicare brush for years. We have a pair of them. Why would you necessarily want a charger that can charge both brushes at the same time? You're not supposed to leave the brush on the charger all the time because that will just destroy the batteries. Our current brushes are over a year old and still doing about two weeks on one charge. When one brush gets low, we leave it on the charger until it's finished (replacing it after use). Then the other will run low, so it will have a turn on the charger. I've never used the Oral-B flavor. I don't think a mechanical brush is going to be as effective as an eletronic style. (A motor moving the head vs electromagnets.) It is possible for an electric brush to be too harsh on your gums, so you do have to use them gently on the gums and then at an angle on the sides of your teeth. My hygienist said the brush should be held still, but I move mine around gently to ensure the bristles are touching all the surfaces. It does seem to help toughen up the gums so they don't bleed so easily when flossing.

Mooorrrrnnnn'in!!!! Well, yesterday I ate TWO cinnamon buns which accounted for about 75% of my points for the day. Glad to say they are now out of my system. I am not angel but at the very least I am a very satisfied devil! Maxed my points yesterday and refocussed on better foods today. Crunchy red deliciuos apples, low fat (almost NO fat) rice pudding, planning soup for supper with low fat meat (realized I have not had much protein ... again!). To catch up a wee bit: ((((((Yellowhair & DH)))))))). I am prone to return to medication for diabetis, hence another incentive to behave (diet controlled). You were right to drag him to the doc like you did. Men. Never understand how they can just let things go or pretend that nothing is wrong. He owes you a treat I would say. Glad to read your post and that you were firm when you had to be. Big hugs coming your way! Kathy, I would love to have gone shopping with you. Especially with my wieght and body changes of late. Don't want to spend money on clothes again, yet....but quite happy to shop second hand. Sure can find gems in there if you have the time to look! Miss Walmart. MaryAnn your post about being surprised with your weight after your school break was a good trial run to see how you can handle maintenance after you reach goal - might not be as hard as you thought. You've done good girl! Beverly I know its hard but you are making better choices right now and reading the menu more and I bet labels too...so, in small ways, you are pulling yourself forward. Glad to see ya posting! Alice..really happy you are participating with us. We are with ya all the way. Don't forget small goals count, you can do this! We can all do this. Its wonderful to make new friends too! Keep us posted on your activities and thoughts! I have gone back to the MSNBC news site to read more nutrition articles. I think I am going to spend some time printing out inspirational articles and put them in a binder for when I need to read them. Never hurts to have them at hand. Today is a better day, it's also my last day this week (I booked tomorrow off). Want to make some soup tomorrow, do some laundry and get out for a stroll/fresh air. Have my nurse coming for a home visit (she is part of my outpatient clinic for my depression management). I tell ya, it never hurts to ask for help. I applaud all of those professionals who are always there when I need them. Life has it's challenges and I prefer to take the bull by the horns! Yeeeeee hhhhhhaaaaaaaaaa! Let's make today count! McPeg

Petra, the same thing happened to me. I went to the dentist semiannually and all was well. I begin to "age" and suddenly it's gum problems! Anyway, I chose an Oral B (I liked that the brush was "smaller") Professional 3000. I'm meticulous about brushing each tooth and crevice. When the timer goes off I'm not even halfway thru (not a problem, as the timer is just a "warning" and doesn't turn the brush off). I have four heads for my brush. I've distinguished them with fingernail polish "dots" and rotate using the so they have a chance to dry. I've had my current brush for 3 years; it replaced an older model. When this ones goes, it's highly likely I'll get another rotating model (probably Oral B, too). I also have a Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser (also 3 years old). This was my first water flosser and I love it. Besides doing my teeth, I also finish up like the dentist does...spraying between the lips and gums, and the top of the palate. It makes my mouth feel so clean. I continue to manually floss too. Finally, I rinse with a regular mouthwash, especially at night before I turn in. I still go to the dentist every 4 months for a cleaning. I almost look forward to learning my latest pocket numbers, hoping for a move in the right direction. A few have improved and I'm holding on others.