Health

GOOD LIVING

nasal congestion.) But if that stale, tacky feeling stays in your mouth no matter how much water you sip, it may be linked to a medication, says Wolff; antidepressants, blood-pressure drugs, and antihistamines are common culprits. If you don’t address it, more than your comfort may be at risk: In addition to providing moisture, saliva helps keep the mouth and teeth clean by clearing away food debris and bacteria, so its absence can foster the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease, says Stanley Heifetz, a New York City‒based cosmetic and restorative dentist. Treatment: Hydrate. “Drink lots of water, and try green tea, which has antimicrobial properties,” says Heifetz. Sugar-free gum can offer some relief, since chewing stimulates the salivary glands, says Wolff: “This is especially beneficial after a meal.” If you drink alcohol, cut back, particularly on red wine, whose tannins can interfere with saliva production. And ask your doctor if dry mouth is a known side effect of any medications you take—there may be an alternative.

THE SIGN A GRAY-WHITE TONGUE

Translation: That film is likely just accumulated gunk. “The top of your tongue is like a carpet,” says dentist Graham Forbes of Capital Dental Design, in Richmond, Virginia. “The tiny bumps, or papillae, on it create a texture that can trap plaque.” This can worsen if a cold or an infection throws off your mouth’s bacte- rial ecosystem. And eating spicy foods, smoking, or drinking can cause the papillae to become inflamed, locking in bacteria and debris that then build up into the coating (or plaque) you see. Treatment: A few gentle passes with a tongue scraper should do the trick. Wolff also recommends brushing the top of your tongue with baking soda, which works as an antiseptic and a cleanser. Any swelling should go down over time, but drinking warm water with lemon (an anti-inflammatory) or swishing with salt water may help speed things along.

THE SIGN A TOO-RED TONGUE

Translation: Are you vegan or vegetarian? A smooth, bright- red tongue may mean you have a vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, since low levels of each can lead to a loss of papillae. People who eat only plant-centric meals are especially prone to a B12 deficiency, since the vitamin is found only in meat, poultry, and dairy products; iron loss can occur in women who have heavy periods. Treatment: Ask your doctor if you need a supplement, which should help rebalance your diet and return your tongue to its normal color and texture.

THE SIGN BAD BREATH

Translation: If your usual routine— brush, floss, rinse, repeat—can overpower your morning breath, you might just have a case of dry mouth in disguise, since a lack of moisture lets stinky bacteria thrive. “Our mouths dry out naturally overnight, because we may produce less saliva and often breathe through our mouth while we sleep,” says Forbes. But gum-disease bacteria can release an odor too, as can the mucus from a sinus infection. And if you still have your tonsils, you may have developed a tonsil stone. “The deep grooves on your tonsils can trap food and bacteria, and if they’re not rinsed away, they can calcify into tiny white, pebble- like deposits that can release a pretty big smell,” says Forbes. Treatment: If your breath’s still funky after you give your teeth and tongue an a.m. once-over, Heifetz recommends sipping warm lemon water. You can also chew gum or parsley and gargle with alcohol-free mouthwash. For sinus issues, try rinsing with a neti pot or using a saline nasal spray; if symptoms don’t improve, talk to your doctor about other treatments, such as an allergy med- ication that may help ease your breathing. Tonsil stones may sound unusual, but one study showed that up to 40 percent of patients may have them. Luckily, they’re simple to take care of. You can remove one yourself with a tooth- brush, a cotton swab, or even a clean finger, says Forbes—but if that makes you (literally) gag, have your dentist or doctor do it.

THE SIGN STINGING TONGUE SPOTS

Translation: Feel like you’ve got the world’s worst pimple on your tongue? It’s probably time to examine your diet. These white or red bumps, called transient lingual papillitis, are inflamed taste buds, and they can be a reac- tion to spicy foods or a food allergy, says Wolff. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or gastrointestinal issues could also be to blame. Treatment: To ease the pain, try a warm salt-water rinse or an OTC topical antiseptic gel, cream, or mouthwash. Stick to cool beverages, and talk to your doctor if the sensitive spots occur so often that you suspect a food allergy.

THE SIGN A CRACKED TONGUE

Translation: The cracks could be genetic or a sign of dehydration, but they’re more likely a natural by-product of aging. (Yes, just like the wrinkles on your face.) They also appear to be more common in people who have psoriasis— an inflammatory disease that is thought to provoke the fissures. Treatment: There’s nothing you need to do, other than keep the grooves clean to prevent bacteria and food particles from lodging there and causing inflammation or pain. Drink lots of water to ward off dehydration, and make a habit of using a tongue scraper or a soft-bristle brush.

THE SIGN EXTRA-TENDER GUMS

Translation: You’re probably not cleaning your teeth regularly or thoroughly enough. Skipping sink sessions can lead to gingi- vitis, a mild form of gum disease that results when particles of food caught between teeth or along the gumline attract inflammation- causing bacteria. If your gums look red and swollen instead of firm and pink, or bleed when you brush or floss, that’s the likely cause. But gingivitis can strike strict brushers, too: Even if you tend to your teeth like clockwork, “most people aren’t capable of cleaning every surface of every tooth,” says Heifetz. Treatment: “Gingivitis is almost always reversible with proper daily brushing, flossing, and a cleaning at your dentist’s office,” says Forbes. Two times a day, brush around each tooth and gum thoroughly—“spend two minutes brushing, not 20 seconds,” says Heifetz—and then floss. If the puffiness or bleeding doesn’t subside after about two weeks, it’s time to get a professional cleaning.

THE SIGN TONGUE RIPPLES

Translation: Your tongue is enlarged, and the ripples or scallops around its sides are actually indentations from your teeth. Sleep apnea is one explanation: Experts have found that patients with the condition often have large tongues, either due to genetics or because their tongue has gained volume along with their body weight (the back of the human tongue is about 30 percent fat), according to a 2014 study of obese sleep-apnea patients. Hypothyroidism can also cause swelling throughout the body, including the tongue. Rule out those two possibilities and the

Health

GOOD LIVING

ruffles might point to stressrelated tooth clenching or grinding, an allergy, or possibly even a B12 or iron deficiency. Treatment: If you have other possible symptoms of sleep apnea— acid reflux, snoring, sleepiness, or memory problems—talk to your dentist (the profession is now becoming trained to tackle it) or doctor to schedule a visit to a sleep specialist for an official diagnosis. If you’re sleeping just fine, ask about getting tested for hypothyroidism, which can be easily treated with a prescription medication.

DENTIST’S ORDERS

A clean mouth is part of your body’s first line of defense. These three tools can help you keep it sparkling between checkups.

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

A 2014 review of 56 studies comparing electric brushes with manual ones found that after three months, people using the former had a 21 percent greater reduction of plaque and an 11 percent lower occurrence of gingivitis. “You don’t have to be as perfect navigating the ins and outs of your teeth,” says Forbes. “It does a lot of the work for you.” We like colorful Goby brushes (from $50 each, goby.co).

WATER FLOSSER

Research suggests that these at-home versions of the dentist’s sprayer can help reduce gum bleeding caused by gingivitis. “It’s a great option for those who don’t like to floss with string,” says Heifetz, who recommends the Waterpik Aquarius Professional ($80, waterpik.com).

DENTAL DISCLOSING TABLETS

Here’s another way to brush more carefully: Turn your teeth (temporarily) red. Chews such as Butler G-U-M Red-cote ($30 for 248, amazon.com) release a dye that briefly stains plaque, highlighting problem spots. “Using them twice a week will help you become a more proficient brusher,” says dentist Ana Gutiérrez Gossweiler, director of the Oral Health Research Institute Clinic at Indiana University School of Dentistry.

WELCOME TO THE BLOOM SHOW.

It’s the one-of-a-kind reblooming garden hydrangea that never ceases to impress. From spring to fall get gorgeous colorful blooms with minimal maintenance.

experience life in full bloom™

hydrangeas

WIN THIS!

This colander could be yours! Visit win .marthastewart .com on May 10 to enter for your chance to win. For more details, see page 109.

Brighten Her Morning

Sheldon Ceramics’ hand-thrown berry colander moves from sink to table with style. $80, sheldon ceramics.com.

Grow Closer

Give her green thumb a thumbsup: This leather planter by All Hands is handwoven. From $130, allhands ny.com.

Editors’ Picks

GOOD LIVING

Deliver a Bouquet

Twosome Eau de Parfum, by Swedish artisan Efva Attling, is a soft blend of lemon zest, cassis, and violet. $120 for 50 ml, aedes.com.

MOTHERLY LOVE

Whether she’s a brandnew mama or a beloved nana, celebrate the woman who knew you first with a sweet and stylish gift.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER ARDITO

Heat It Up

If she loves to cook, make her day with a pot in a happy hue. Martha Stewart Collection enameled cast-iron round casserole, from $100 for 2 qt., macys.com.

Smooth It Over

Pamper the hands that always held yours. The Cottage Greenhouse’s luxe cream contains carrot oil and shea and avocado butters. $24, thecottage greenhouse.com.

Freeze Time

Got tissues? A cherished photo is extra-special in a scalloped-bone frame by Food52. $54, food52.com.

Add Some Zip

She can put makeup in this leather pouch by Kempton & Co. to keep her tote organized, or carry it on its own like a clutch. $78, kemptonandco.com.

Band Together

All the siblings can contribute to this classic Shinola Cass watch. It’s built in Detroit and guaranteed for life. $650, shinola.com.

Treat Her Right

Spoil her sweet tooth with decadent, delightfully chewy fleur de sel and chocolate caramels from Miette. $14 for 8, miette.com.

Ask Martha

GOOD LIVING

Q:

How do I prep my wood floors for painting?

—Sam Chadwick, Tucson, Ariz. A: First, give the entire floor a light sanding with 100-to-120-grit abrasive paper (always wear a mask), both to remove any old finish and to rough up the surface so the primer will adhere. Sand off stubborn stains or raised areas with 180-to-320-grit paper. Vacuum the floor when you’re done, then go over it with a tack cloth—available at paint and hardware stores—to remove any remaining dust. (Or use a damp cloth, but let the whole floor dry thoroughly before priming.) Last, add a coat of primer to seal the area; once it’s dry, you’re ready to paint.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE SCHLECHTER

Ask Martha

GOOD LIVING

Q:

What are the best gifts for recent graduates who are moving into small apartments?

—Zoe Nussbaum, Cincinnati

A: Grads need (but often can’t yet afford) help with their #adulting. So buy them highquality items that serve everyday needs, from a chic organic-cotton tote to noisecanceling headphones for working in a cubicle.

Panasonic Retro OverEar Monitor headphones, in Cream, $90, panasonic .com.

Want Les Essen tiels Orly

Shopper tote, in Beige/Cognac, $185, wantles essentiels.com.

Breville the Fast Slow Pro 6-quart pressure cooker, in Silver, $380, williams-sonoma.com. Areaware concrete desk set, in Sand, $50, areaware.com.

Frieling 5-to-6-cup French press, in Mirrored Finish, $85, frieling.com.

Whim by Martha Stewart Collection Connect the Dots duvet set, from $180 for twin, and 360-thread-count cottonpercale sheet set, in Grey, from $50 for twin, macys.com.

Q: How can I keep oil from spattering all over my kitchen when I’m cooking?

—LaTonya Simpson, Sacramento, Calif. A: In a pinch, you can invert a metal colander over your pan. But a stainlesssteel mesh splatter screen works best at keeping oil off of you—and your walls. Look for one with feet (so it can rest on a counter without making a mess) and a silicone handle (which stays cool). We like Cucinare’s 13-inch splatter screen guard with double-thick mesh ($16, amazon.com).

Q: Do I need pet insurance?

—Akeelah Hamilton, Minneapolis A: It’s ultimately a personal decision, but since it’s often expensive, many owners focus on the costliest times of life: the first two years (for vaccinations and spaying/neutering), and the later stages (for cancer, heart disease, and organ problems). There are two main types of insurance: Complete coverage usually has minimal exclusions, a low deductible and copay, and a high policy maximum. Catastrophic coverage generally also has a high policy maximum, at a lower premium, but a high deductible and often a high copay. Tennessee veterinarian Doug Kenney suggests picking “the highest policy maximum, the lowest copay, and the lowest deductible—in that order—for which you can afford the premium.”

LET US HELP YOU!

Email your quest ions to ask martha@marthast ewart.com, or send them to Ask Martha, c/o Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 805 Th ird Avenue, 25th fl oor, New York, NY 10022.

Please include your full name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters and messages become the property of Meredith Corp. and may be published, broadcast, edited, or otherwise used in any of its media. By submitting your questions to Ask Martha, you are agreeing to let us use your name and hometown in connection with our publication of your questions.