Gumology

"When Andrea came into my life, I felt that I could be friends with my gums," says one pleased practitioner gushing over the benefits of Andrea Glaesner's dental hygiene program--the "revolutionary," "amazing," "remarkable" brushing technique for healthy teeth and gums that is so infomercial-oversold during the very repetitive opening testimonials that I would not have been the least bit surprised to discover that--as an added bonus--practicing "gumology" would firm up my butt. However, once you're past the first 13 minutes of happy talk, Gumology does indeed offer a useful reminder that while 'different strokes for different folks' may be a cornerstone of diversity training, it's anathema inside the mouth, where up-and-down and/or side-to-side brushing does considerable more harm than good. Divided into five segments--technique, visualization, flossing, tongue scraping, and rinsing--the program, featuring Glaesner and clients, advises viewers on the don'ts of oral hygiene, and walks them through the do's, from selecting the right brush and using correct brushing strokes to remembering to clean the tongue (which is "like a shag carpet") and proper rinsing. Solid instruction, good camerawork, and excellent encouragement ("you don't have to brush every tooth; only the ones you want to keep") ultimately outweigh the program's bloated beginning and a few curious omissions (neither toothpaste nor electric toothbrushes are discussed, and flossing--while exhorted--is not actually taught). Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)