Oral fitness: Celeb trainer Jillian Michaels's fit tips for your mouth

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1110-jillian-michaels_vg.jpg

We think about our abs, glutes and biceps a lot--but our mouths? Other than flossing, brushing and an occasional breath mint, most of us don't give our mouths much thought. Celeb fitness trainer Jillian Michaels has an important message for you on that topic ...

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Jillian Michaels, the fab fitness trainer on the Biggest Loser, is a new spokesperson for Oral-B, which just launched the The Oral-B Vitality toothbrush. Here is an excerpt of our recent convo about the importance of "oral fitness":

VG: When it comes to health, do you think that we tend to focus on the "fitness" of the visible parts of our body: the biggies like our thighs and butt, but not so much on what's not so 'out there'--our oral health, for example?

JM: Yes, definitely. ...it really does makes sense considering your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. In fact, studies are continuing to show heart disease, diabetes and obesity have all been linked to oral health. Even so 80 percent of adults still have some form of gum disease--I was shocked. (Brush Your Teeth--For Your Heart's Sake.)

VG: What's worse: Skipping a day at the gym or skipping brushing your teeth all day? (I know that a lot of Glamour readers have admitted to not brushing their teeth before bed).

JM: They're both pretty bad! But I have to say you'll probably notice the effects of not brushing your teeth by the end of the day more than if you skipped the gym.

VG: What would you like to share with women about "oral fitness"?

JM: I see that many women put the health of others before their own health. Would you send your kid to bed without brushing their teeth? Probably not! It's important to tell yourself "you're worth it" make the investment in your oral care just as you would your skin care, your hair care or any other areas of your health. (We review the pen that promises to whiten your teeth.)

VG: What's your best advice for syncing physical fitness with oral fitness?

JM: Think of your oral care routine as you would any other fitness routine. Put it the time and effort and make it count. If you're going to spend 10 minutes on the treadmill, put it at an intensity that's going to get your heart rate up and make an impact. Same goes with your oral health--when you're spending those two minutes brushing your teeth--maximize the effort by brushing with a power toothbrush. The Oral-B Vitality is proven to remove twice as much plaque as a regular manual toothbrush.

Photo: Oral-B

Related: Your Pearly Whites: Why Cheese Is Good and Mouthwash Is Bad (Seriously!)

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