The fall 2008 collection of Bill Blass designed by Peter Som featured florals.

AP

FASHION

Spring spruce-up

Add these for a fresh look

Want to shop smart? Consider adding these five pieces to your closet — they’ll work well now and see you through summer in style.

• Something floral. A dress? A blouse? Printed pumps? That part’s up to you. But know that anything in an edgy floral print equals a shortcut to style this spring.

• Something navy. It’s as easy to wear as black, but twice as chic. Consider a crisp shirtdress, a striped sailor tee or a skinny patent belt.

• A cropped trench. Choose one that hits at low-hip, and you’ll be able to pair it with pants or a skirt. One tip: Navy and black dress up easier than standard-issue khaki.

• A bright little dress, emphasis on the “little.” Look for one in coral, lemon or grass green, crafted from lightweight cotton. You can wear it on its own at the beach, or as a tunic over slim slacks.

• Platform sandals. Sky-high’s the limit this season. Platform sandals can go boho or black tie — just make sure to choose a pair you can actually walk in.

The belts have it

A great belt is a must-have accessory, whether it’s skinny or wide, shiny or stretchy. Here are four figure-flattering ways to use this wardrobe staple to cinch a basic dress into something decidedly chic.

1. Wrap a soft leather obi-style belt just above your natural waist for a sophisticated twist on the traditional kimono accessory. This is a good option for long-torso frames, since it breaks up the space between shoulders and hips.

2. Try a thin, double-strand belt. Position it to sit low around your hips, and skip the studded versions (unless you’re Avril Lavigne). This is a go-to style for boyish figures, since it calls attention to the curviest part of the body.

3. If your style calls for a statement-making piece, reach for a wide belt in a bright, bold color or eye-catching material. Look for jewel tones, patent leather or muted metallic finishes.

4. Don’t cinch too tight. Remember, it’s a belt, not a corset. The overall effect should make the midsection look slim and sleek.

Sheer beauty

Floaty, filmy fabrics turned up on the spring runways of such designers as Marc Jacobs and Rodarte. How to wear the trend without looking like you accidentally left your nightie on? Try layering a feminine top in a see-through fabric over an opaque camisole, then adding a structured jacket. Make sure the other pieces in your outfit are demure — a loose, sheer blouse looks great with a tailored skirt, for example. Or, if the thought of a sheer shirt makes you cringe, try experimenting with sheer detailing on ruffles, sleeves or panels.

HEALTH

Tips for blocking gum disease

Here are some ways to prevent gum disease:

Floss first: If you floss before brushing, you’ll be able to remove the debris stirred up by flossing. But if you’re among the 95 percent of Americans who don’t floss correctly, try a specially designed plastic toothpick, or an interdental cleaner, which is easier to hold and use.

Brush your mouth: There’s more bacteria on the tongue and roof of your mouth than on the teeth, said Westmont, Ill., dentist Ron Schefdore. Brushing twice a day is ideal because bacteria multiply every 12 hours.

Be British: Rinsing with black tea reduces plaque formation and the production of acids that cause tooth decay, according to research headed by Christine Wu, a professor and director of caries research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Another ingredient in black tea, tannin (also found in grapes and certain herbs), has been shown to fight bacteria that cause decay. Of course, black tea will stain your pearly whites, so if that’s of concern, try green tea.

Fess up: Tell your dentist about every medication you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal drugs, because they could interact with dental treatments.

Chew sugarless gum: Chewing any food stimulates saliva production — which helps neutralize acids. But chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay, according to the ADA. Don’t like gum? Salsa or jalapeno peppers also make your mouth water.

Brush for a song: Turn on your radio or iPod and stick with it for the entire length of a song, says June Lee, spokeswoman for the Academy of General Dentistry.

C if it helps: About 1,000 mg per day of vitamin C helps kill the type of bacteria that causes gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, said Chicago dentist Robert Brandstatter.

Wait 30 minutes: Don’t brush right away after eating citrus foods or drinks, because the citric acid in the fruit can temporarily weaken tooth enamel and leave the teeth vulnerable to erosion caused by brushing.

Discover chewing foods: Eating crunchy vegetables can wipe away plaque and stimulate the gums.

Eat raisins: Wu’s team found that compounds called phytochemicals found in raisins fight bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease.

Snack on cheese or chocolate: Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss and American have been shown to protect against cavities, especially if eaten at the end of a meal, says Chicago dentist Taf Paulson, who also is a big fan of pure dark chocolate. Some research has shown that the fat in chocolate might ward off damage from the sugar.

HOME

Battling the ant invasion

Ants in search of food and water often find ready supplies in homes. Here are some tips from the makers of Combat pest-control products for keeping ants out of your house:

• Ants often enter via tiny cracks and holes in the walls, such as the gaps around utility lines and windows. Filling those openings with caulk will block their entrance.

• Keep vegetation about a foot away from the house, and avoid placing mulch close to the structure.

• Fix water leaks and insulate cold pipes and appliances on which condensation develops. Ants need water, and they’ll enter your home to get it.

• Don’t overwater houseplants. If the tray at the bottom of the plant fills up, empty it.

• Leave pet food out only at feeding time, and store it in airtight containers.