Heloise

Dear Heloise: My dentist is adamant about no rinsing after brushing. If the toothpaste has fluoride, he claims that rinsing will wash it away. — Charlie, in Pennsylvania

Charlie, this is a matter for debate. Some dentists feel that rinsing out after brushing washes away the fluoride. Yet other people say that swallowing toothpaste upsets their stomach, or rinsing cleans out bacteria and food particles that were just brushed out from their teeth. Both sides present valid arguments. — Heloise

TELEMARKETER NONSENSE

Dear Heloise: If a telemarketer calls you, ask yourself these questions while you’re on the call:

— What’s the hurry? Is there an urgent problem that needs to be handled?

— If it’s “free,” why are they asking me to pay or give them credit card information?

— Why am I “confirming” information … or am I just handing it out?

Resist all travel packages, credit card offers, charitable causes, extended warranties, and/or “free” trial offers. For the majority of the time, these are scams. Never give out any financial information over the phone. If asked, just hang up the phone. You can report your experience to the Federal Trade Commission online (FTC.gov/complaint). — Lonnie W., in Michigan

REUSING PAPER TOWELS

Dear Heloise: I hate to simply toss out a paper towel if it can be reused. I rinse out the paper sheet I’ve used, and while it’s still wet, I clean the leaves of my plants with it. I have a huge rubber plant, and keeping the leaves clean not only makes it look good, it helps the plant to breathe. — Vicky, in Clarksburg, West Virginia

SAUSAGE CASING GONE

Dear Heloise: My husband will not eat sausage with the casing on it. So, I tried to peel the casing off but made a real mess of it. Then I tried using a vegetable peeler and had much better results! — Louise Y., in Irving, Texas

TRAVELING ALONE

Dear Heloise: Travel is something I’ve always loved, especially to foreign places, but I used to go with my husband. We’re no longer together, yet I still want to travel. But to be honest, I’m scared to travel alone. None of my friends will go with me to other countries because they’re married or their careers don’t allow for too much time off. — Gigi, in Mapleton, Utah

Gigi, you can go with a group that has similar interests as you do, and any travel agent can help you plan your excursion. If you decide to go by yourself, you might find that you enjoy traveling on your own, or you might meet people who enjoy traveling as much as you do. — Heloise

SCENT SENSE

Dear Heloise: For those of us with allergies, asthma and migraines, I beg all of your readers not to bring anything with a scent onto an airplane! We can become very ill from your beautiful fragrances. We know you love them, and they may smell wonderful, but they make us sick! Please use unscented items when you will be in close quarters. Thanks! — Patti H., via email

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.