Problem: Article: Selecting a toothbrush from a store can be overwhelming; the variety of special features, let alone colors, is enough to leave you scratching your head in the dental care aisle. Picking a brush that is right for you is more important than buying the most expensive brush with the most features. Things to look for in a toothbrush include: An appropriate size. Larger toothbrushes can be more difficult to maneuver in your mouth. Most adults are well-served by a toothbrush that is about half an inch wide an one inch tall. The right bristle strength. Bristles are generally categorized as "soft," "medium," or "hard/firm." Most people do well with a soft-bristled brush, which has the flexibility to clean near gums without causing excess bleeding. An endorsement. Check to see if a toothbrush you're considering bears a seal of approval from the American Dental Association (ADA). A brush without such an approval is likely fine to use, but it can give you extra peace of mind knowing that your selection has been endorsed by a respectable dental health agency. Manual or electric? There is no right answer when choosing between a manual and an electric toothbrush. As long as you use either regularly, you will probably have healthy teeth. If you do choose to go electric, be sure that you find an electric brush that oscillates, which is more effective at removing plaque. Brushing your teeth regularly prevents cavities and tooth decay, ensuring the strength and functionality of your teeth. With proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy throughout your life. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the less risk you have for tooth decay and gum disease. Brush after meals when possible. Your toothbrush should be placed against your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, and moved on the tooth surface in a circular and up-down motion. Do not use too much force or pressure when brushing. Allow the tips of the bristles to reach between the teeth. Cover all the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of all your teeth, making sure the grooves and crevices are cleaned well. Take particular care to clean the inside of the lower front teeth and the outer surfaces of the upper back teeth, as these are the surfaces that tend to collect the most tartar. Brush your teeth for two to three minutes. Once you finish, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Flossing your teeth regularly (usually about once a day) and thoroughly is a great way to ensure that your teeth remain free of cavities and decay. You can choose either Nylon (or multifilament) floss or PTFE (monofilament) floss. Although PTFE is slightly more expensive and shred-free, either floss should effectively remove plaque and debris. Dispense around 18 inches (45.7cm) of floss from the dispenser. Wind it tautly around the middle fingers of each hand, keeping a one inch section open for flossing. Floss the upper teeth first, then the lower teeth. Hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger and gently guide it between your teeth in a rubbing-sliding motion. Never use force, as it can damage the gum tissue. Once it reaches your gum line, make a "C" shape around an individual tooth and then manipulate it in the space between the tooth and gum. Rub floss against the side of the tooth, moving it in an up and down motion, away from the gums. Keep using a fresh section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth. Floss the back of the last molars carefully. In addition brushing and flossing to clean your teeth, you can make your mouth fresher and cleaner by using a tongue cleaner. Your tongue can house germs and food particles, so cleaning it thoroughly can help your overall dental hygiene. Use a tongue scraper by placing the edge of the scraper against your tongue and dragging it forward. A toothbrush, though less effective than a tongue scraper, can still improve your oral health if used to brush the tongue. A tongue brush with bristles may clean your tongue as well as a tongue scraper. You might even be able to find a toothbrush that includes a tongue brush on the opposite side. Gum massage is associated with increased blood flow to the gums, increasing the availability of nutrients and oxygen while removing waste from the gum tissue. You can massage your own gums with your fingers in order to loosen additional food. Press your index finger on your gum and use a gentle circular motion to stimulate the gums. Massage all around, and end by using a mouth rinse or warm salt water rinse. Be aware that massaging your gums can lead to increased sensitivity. The American Academy of Periodontology warns that increasing circulation to the gums can also intensify the sensitivity of irritations from plaque and food particles. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, can help strengthen enamel and fight cavities. It can even aid in repairing tooth decay if it is still in an early stage. You may be able to increase your fluoride intake by drinking tap water. Many public water systems add fluoride to the water to help the dental health of community members. You can also apply fluoride directly to your teeth. While it is an ingredient in many commercially available products, you may be able to get a stronger fluoride concentration from a prescription toothpaste or mouthwash product. Brushing your teeth is an important part of everyday oral hygiene, but it's important to take care of your toothbrush to avoid any risk of infection or contamination. Replace your toothbrush when it's worn or frayed, about every three or four months. You should also get a new toothbrush after you have had a cold, strep throat, or similar illness. Don't share toothbrushes. Sharing a toothbrush may put your mouth at an increased risk of infection. Those with diminished immune systems or infectious diseases should take particular care not to share toothbrushes or any other oral care items. Rinse your toothbrush with tap water after every brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste or other debris. Store your toothbrush upright and allow it to air dry. Keep toothbrushes separate to prevent any possibility of cross contamination. Do not cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers for long periods of time. If your toothbrush does not have the opportunity to dry out, it becomes more susceptible to the growth of microorganisms. A closed container may accelerate your brush's exposure to these, increasing the risk of infection.
Summary: Choose the right toothbrush. Brush your teeth properly, at least twice a day, to maintain their strength. Be sure to floss your teeth daily. Use a tongue scraper, cleaner, or a brush to gently clean your tongue. Massage your gums. Add fluoride to your hygiene routine. Take care of your toothbrush.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Mint is difficult to grow from seed, and it is virtually impossible for some varieties, like peppermint. Cut a 4 inch (10 cm) sprig about inch (1 cm) above a junction to allow new branches to grow in its place. The sprig does not need to have many leaves, and almost any sprig will do. Place the sprig in a glass of water, and remove any leaves that fall below the water line. Within a week, small white roots should appear under water. Wait a few more days to another week to allow the roots to develop into a decent length. Add water to the glass as necessary. Make sure that you change the water every four to five days to prevent rot. You can find mint seedlings at most nurseries and garden stores. There are many varieties of mint, such as sweet mint, chocolate mint, spearmint, lemon mint, apple mint, and peppermint. Spearmint is most commonly used for cooking. Mint is a fast-growing, fast-spreading plant and is perfect for one of your first attempts at growing plants. Runners are long stems that grow away from the current plant and set their own roots in the ground. These can be carefully dug up and transplanted. If you have a friend growing mint, the plants will have runners that could be transplanted.
Summary:
Take a cutting from a pre-existing mint plant. Purchase a mint seedling or small mint plant. Find a runner from a current plant.