By Lisa Neff

Contributing writer

So trick-or-treat has passed, leaving you with a half-empty bag of candy, a bowl of candy corn and sugar-coated teeth.

What to do?

This week, CFP offers some advice from America’s smile professionals—and we don’t mean those beautiful guys leaning against the Halsted Street rockets on Saturday nights.

The first bit of advice comes from Oral-B, the world’s leading toothbrush brand.

According to Oral-B VP and dentist Paul Warren, the average person does not brush the two minutes dentists recommend. Rather, the average person brushes about 47 seconds.

Most people also brush too hard, which can contribute to early gum recession.

So Oral-B’s research and development team came up with the Triumph, a smart brush with a wireless display that signals when the brushing is too hard, when to move to the next quadrant, when a two-minute brush is complete and when its time to replace the brushhead. www.oralb.com

Heady issues: Ever wonder how many have borrowed your toothbrush while taking a turn in the bath? A study commissioned by Philips Sonicare found that the communal toothbrush is all too common. PS’s research also found that hot water may not be enough to sanitize a brush. About 9 percent of men surveyed admitted they’ve used a toothbrush that’s fallen into the toilet. So Philips Sonicare created the UV Sanitizer to kill up to 99 percent of the bacteria on a brush head in about 10 minutes. The Sanitizer works with Philips’ power brush heads and other top brands. Philips Sonicare also created the all-in-one FlexCare toothbrush with an integrated UV Sanitizer. www.philips.com

Earthy smile: The Natural Dentist products take a whole body health approach to oral care, providing an alternative to mass market items that contain alcohol, harsh chemicals, preservatives, artificial dyes and sweeteners. The company’s Healthy Gums Daily Oral Rinse recently earned a No. 1 over-the-counter rating from an association of dental professionals and it gets a taste-approval from CFP. www.thenaturaldentist.com

First in floss: Tom’s of Maine now offers a natural, effective and ADA-approved oral hygiene system that includes toothpaste, mouthwash and floss. The natural products company’s naturally waxed floss recently earned an American Dental Association seal of acceptance. Tom’s uses three natural waxes — beeswax, carnauba and jojoba — to help the floss glide smoothly while still being gentle with the gums. Natural resins make the mouth feel clean and healthy. www.tomsofmaine.com

Sensitive issues: Theradent teeth desensitizing oral rinse is the first medicated oral rinse for relieving dental sensitivity to cold, heat, sweets and contact that comes from worn enamel or receding gum lines. This alcohol-free rinse isn’t the solution to that problem, but it really can alleviate the pain temporarily. www.theradent.net

Berry good: Think the sugary berry juices can do more harm than good to your teeth? Well, in addition to its many other health properties, cranberry juice can help prevent bacteria from adhering to teeth, thus preventing the buildup of dental plaque that covers the teeth and then begins to cause cavities and even gum disease. A study at the University of Rochester found that two daily doses of 25 percent cranberry juice reduced bacteria by 67-85 percent.

Stripping: The Crest Whitestripe Daily Multicare works because its rate of whitening is designed to be higher than the rate of everyday stain buildup. The user takes a clear, flexible strip coated with a deep-cleaning and whitening gel once a day for about five minutes—almost anytime, anywhere, except maybe while eating or drinking. www.whitestrips.com

Time-fighting: We of a certain age and above can spend a lot of money and time trying to look younger than that certain age. Face creams. Light-reflecting foundations. Hand creams. Botox. Tucks. Lifts. Pearl Drops Replenishing White was made to fight aging in the mouth, to restore whiteness to teeth damaged mostly by diet. www.pearldrops.co.uk

Dentist-recommended chew: Typically you’ll hear your dentist discourage chewing gum. But three Wrigley’s brands recently became the only chewing gum to get a nod of approval from the ADA—Orbit, Extra and Eclipse sugar-free gums. Our favorites are Eclipse Lemon Ice, Orbit Bubblemint and Extra Wildberry Frost. www.wrigley.com