PULSE SMILE AND SAY, 'BRUSH!'.

We're obsessed with flashy smiles like Julia Roberts' and Regis Philbin's, and dental hygiene companies are equally obsessed. Here are some of the products available that are promising to produce pearly whites:

WHITER THAN WHITE: Johnson & Johnson's Reach Whitening Floss that is coated with silica, the same compound used in many whitening toothpastes to get between your teeth and polish the areas missed by toothbrushes. The company suggests using it once a day with noticeable results in 30 days, priced at $3.50 at most markets and drug stores. After you floss, you're ready to rinse. Dentist-to-the-stars Dr. Irwin Smigel has created Supersmile In-between Mouthrinse. It's made with Calprox whitening agent, baking soda and fluoride and is supposed to fight cavities and dissolve the protein that causes those nasty coffee and tobacco stains. Unlike most mouth washes, Supersmile is sold in a box of 60 disposable packets of dry mouthwash crystals that dissolve instantly with water. It's priced at $24 a box. To order, call [phone] or visit www.supersmileusa.com.

- Barbara De Witt 

THE NEW BZZZZ IN TOWN: Brushing teeth together is fast becoming the new family pastime since Crest, best-known for its cavity-fighting toothpaste line, has expanded its SpinBrush-line to include colorful and inexpensive battery-operated toothbrushes perfect for each member of the family. There are four toothbrushes designed just for kids: a mermaid, rocket ship, race car and cell phone. Each toothbrush is kid-sized, with a smaller brush head and smaller handle. For adults, the full-sized toothbrushes come in six colors plus the classic white version. At $5.99 each, these electric toothbrushes are a bargain.

- Nancy Hewitt

TIME FOR A NEW BRUSH?: Toothbrush makers are equally busy, reminding us that you should replace your brush every month - or sooner if you've been sick. And if you think your germs are the only concern, consider that the average toothbrush may harbor more germs than a toilet flush handle, a wooden cutting board or the receiver of a public telephone, according to a study by Butler GUM oral care products, which happens to be introducing a nifty new toothbrush with built-in antibacterial protection that lasts up to 30 days. It comes with two replaceable heads, costs $5 and is sold at markets and drug stores.

- B.D.

HIGH-TECH BRUSHING: The Sonicare toothbrush advocates love to brag about how their electric brush cleans teeth via gentle sonic waves as the brush moves at a pace of 31,000 brush strokes per minute. Sounded like a gimmick to me, so I decided to take their 30-day challenge. I used a Sonicare brush twice a day for 30 days. I was impressed with the toothbrush. It left my teeth feeling cleaner, though in 30 days it did not rid my teeth of a few stubborn stains. My dental hygienist gave my teeth a thumbs up, though it's been several years since I've had a cavity. He said the Sonicare brushes are more beneficial for people who do not practice good dental hygiene because the brush is on a timer that keeps it going for the dentist-recommended two minutes. It is also good for anyone with arthritis because the large handle is easier to grip than a regular toothbrush, he said. The Sonicare toothbrush comes in three models: Sonicare personal for a suggested retail price of $79.95; Sonicare advanced for $99.95; Sonicare Plus for $119.95. All models have a timer, the advanced and plus models have a ``quad pacer'' that prompts the user when to move from one area of the mouth to another. The plus model also comes with an extra travel head and case. They are available at retail outlets such as Macy's, Target, and Bed, Bath and Beyond. To find the location nearest you or for more information, visit the Web site at www.sonicare.com or call [phone].

- Elizabeth Smilor

HEALTHY EVENT: Strokes aren't just a risk to the elderly. The Stroke Association of Southern California reports that every 45 seconds someone in the U.S. has one, and that strokes are the No. 1 cause of serious long-term adult disability in the U.S. and also the third leading cause of death. Healthy living can minimize your risk of having one. So with that thought in mind, the Stroke Association of Southern California is holding a community health fair at UCLA's Jackie Robinson Baseball Stadium from 7 a.m. to noon Sunday. During the ``Field of Dreams,'' event, more than 100 exhibitors will offer free health and fitness screenings. Celebrity hosts include actress Bonnie Franklin, former basketball star Walt Hazzard and others who will be on hand to give autographs. There will also be doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and other experts available to answer questions. Stroke survivors will compete in a 5K race, 10K fun run/walk and the Walk 'n' Wheel-A-Thon. And if you need to relieve some stress, take advantage of free soothing massages. For more information about the Stroke Association of Southern California or the event, call [phone].

- B.D.

BOOKS

CHASING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH: As baby boomers age, wrinkles have become a big business. There are so many wrinkle-removing creams, drinks and pills on the market it's hard to know what works and what doesn't, but two new books can help you create your own youth tonics.

James Duke's ``The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions'' (Rodale; $29.95) is a hefty resource for turning back the clock that begins with growing your own herb garden.

Duke, who is a botanist with the Department of Agriculture, focuses on the specific herbs and foods that can reduce the risk of disease and increase youthful vitality. Among his favorite youth preservers are bilberries, celery seed, echinacea, evening primrose, garlic and many others. But you have to read the book to know which ones help various health concerns and how to use them.

A smaller volume with a handy plastic cover to protect it from kitchen spills is Pierre Cousin's ``Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin'' (Storey Books; $16.95).

This book includes 48 easy recipes for facial masks, cleansers, toners and lotions using fruit and herbs. The recipes are tasty little concoctions, and one of the most historical is his ancient Egyptian recipe for almond milk, which uses ground almonds, organic honey and spring water to be applied to the face and neck.

- B.D.

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

(1 -- color) no caption (toothbrush by Butler GUM)

(2 -- color) no caption (Crest SpinBrush)

(3 -- color) no caption (Sonicare toothbrush)

(4 -- color) no caption (``The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions'')

(5 -- color) no caption (``Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin'')