Do you use mouthwash? 52% of Americans are unaware that mouthwash holds any value in dental or health care. While mouthwash is not a necessary part of oral hygiene, it is highly recommended by dental professionals. Using mouthwash has many benefits; however, a lot of people do not use it or even know what kind to get. Read on to learn more about the benefits of mouthwash and tips for using it.
The Benefits
Using mouthwash has many benefits. First, it decreases cavities. If the mouthwash has fluoride in it, it helps to strengthen the enamel, therefore building up a stronger resistance against cavity-causing plaque. Mouthwash also helps disinfect the mouth, reducing the amount of bacteria that may cause decay. Another benefit to using mouthwash is that it helps prevent gum disease. Antibacterial mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria under or around the gums that may lead to a periodontal infection. Because of this, mouthwash can also help to soothe canker sores inside the mouth, since it kills any bacteria in the area that may be causing irritation. Lastly, many mouthwashes provide a solution to halitosis, leaving you with fresh breath after using.
The Drawbacks
Though the benefits of using mouthwash outweigh the drawbacks and many of these are case-by-case, they should still be considered before using mouthwash. Though mouthwash can help reduce canker sore irritation, if the alcohol content is too high, it could potentially have the opposite effect. Another problem with mouthwash is that while it does freshen your breath, it simply acts as a “mask” and only lasts for a short time. If a long-term solution is required, mouthwash would not be the best option.
There is also some controversy over whether or not alcohol-containing mouthwash causes oral cancer. While it has never been proven nor disproven, some mouth rinses containing alcohol have been carefully reviewed by the American Dental Association and given the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you are going for an alcohol-containing rinse, it is best to look for one with the seal, as it is the safest bet.
Types of Mouthwash
There are many types of mouthwash that each serve a different purpose. The one that is best for you is the one that best meets your personal dental needs.
- Fluoridated: Some mouthwashes contain fluoride. Though we typically do not need this fluoride as we get plenty from our toothpaste and water, it can help as a reinforcement for strengthening teeth.
- Antiseptic: Antiseptic mouthwashes are specially formulated to stop bacterial growth and treat infection in the mouth. If you are especially prone to cavities or gum disease, this type of mouthwash can help prevent that.
- Cosmetic: The main purpose of cosmetic mouthwash is to disguise bad breath, not to reduce decay. If you’re simply looking for a way to freshen up your breath, cosmetic mouthwash is a good option.
- Total Care: Total care mouthwashes contain antibacterial ingredients which help to reduce the buildup of plaque and prevent gum disease.
- Natural: Natural mouthwash is alcohol and fluoride free. Many people find that some natural mouthwash is helpful in soothing pain following a tooth extract.
Make Your Own Mouthwash
You can make your own natural mouthwash at home with ingredients you probably already have. Here are some recipes you can use if you want to make your own mouthwash.
- Basic mouthwash: 1 cup of water + 1 teaspoon baking soda + 3 drops peppermint essential oil
- Disinfectant mouthwash: 1 cup of water + 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash: 1 part hydrogen peroxide + 1 part water
- Salt water rinse: 1 cup water + 1 teaspoon of salt
Dentists highly recommend using mouthwash because it can help kill bacteria in your mouth that may lead to cavities or gum disease. Mouthwash should never be used as a substitute for brushing or flossing; however, it is a great supplement to these things. If you decide to use mouthwash, you can ask your dentist for a recommendation, as he or she will know which kind is the best for you.
With summer just around the corner, the days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter. This means more hours a day that the sun is in contact with your skin. With this prolonged UV exposure, it is important to keep your skin protected. Keep reading for some helpful tips on using sunscreen to effectively guard your skin during the summer months.
Choosing Your Sunscreen
Do you ever wonder how effective your sunscreen really is? Are certain types better than others? Does SPF actually mean anything? Keep reading for some tips on choosing sunscreen.
What kind is the best?
There are two main types of sunscreen: physical blockers and chemical blockers. Each one has its pros and cons. Physical blockers are made from titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are materials that sit on the surface of the skin and are not quickly absorbed. Because of this, physical blockers reflect UV rays. This type of sunscreen lasts longer than chemical blockers, but because it is not absorbed can be easily washed or sweated off.
Chemical blockers, on the other hand, are made up of benzophenones. These chemicals help to absorb UV radiation. Because this type of sunscreen does soak into the skin, it is much more water resistant than physical blockers. However, it wears off much faster, and therefore needs to be reapplied more frequently.
Both chemical and physical blockers are effective in protecting your skin from UV rays, but which one you use should depend on the situation. If you are going to be in water or sweating a lot, a chemical blocker would probably be the best choice. Any other sun exposure would most likely be fine with a physical blocker.
What does SPF even mean?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. A common misconception about SPF is that the higher the number, the less you have to reapply. In actuality, the SPF number is only a guide to how long you can go without reapplying. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the number of minutes it takes you to burn without sunscreen times the SPF number to find your maximum sun exposure time with sunscreen. For example, if it normally takes you 15 minutes to burn, and you use a sunscreen of 20 SPF, then you can go a maximum of 300 minutes in the sun before reapplying. This equation is not always accurate, however, because most people use less sunscreen than the amount used in testing; therefore, reapplication needs to be even more frequent.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that is of an SPF 30 or higher, and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Using Sunscreen
In order for sunscreen to be effective, it is important to apply it properly. Here are some tips for using sunscreen:
- Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside so that it has time to fully absorb into your skin.
- One ounce is usually enough to cover all surfaces of your body. Typically one ounce is about 2 tablespoons.
- Reapply every two hours or after swimming or heavily sweating.
- Don’t forget your lips! Use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your lips from getting burned, too.
Soothing a Burn
If you do get burned, there are some easy home remedies you can try to help ease the pain.
- Aloe vera or a cool compress to cool off the burn and reduce stinging.
- Drink water and use lotion to restore moisture back into your skin.
- Blend washed potatoes in a food processor or blender and apply the mixture to the burned area. Once it dries, wash it off. The potatoes help to relieve some of the pain accompanied by the burn.
- Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin may also help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
While one sunburn may only cause you a slight inconvenience, repeated exposure to the sun’s UV rays without protection could possibly lead to skin cancer. Because of this, it is important to use sunscreen anytime you will be in contact with the sun and to reapply often. Be sure to use enough to generously cover all exposed areas, and your skin will have a much better chance at surviving the summer.
Are you afraid of going to the dentist? Studies show that about 15% of Americans suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. There are many different factors that may contribute to this fear; however, it is important to overcome dental fears, otherwise it may have a negative effect on your health. Keep reading for some tips to help set your mind at ease at the dentist.
Fear of the Pain/Drill
If the fear of excruciating pain from the drill or other procedure is what’s keeping you from going to the dentist, there are some steps you can take to help make the idea less scary. First, do your research. Familiarize yourself with the procedure so that you know exactly what to expect every step of the way. Learn about the technology used; today’s advanced technology makes many procedures painless. Ask your dentist, too, as his technique may be different from what is normally done.
If you are still hesitant, keep your eyes closed and ask your dentist if you can put in your headphones and listen to music while he is working on your mouth. If you can’t see or hear what’s going on, it may help reduce any pain or discomfort you might otherwise experience.
Fear of Needles
The needle numbs your mouth for the procedure, but what numbs your mouth for the needle? If you’re afraid of that sharp needle piercing your soft gum tissue, talk to your dentist. Depending on the procedure, the dentist may be able to use another means of numbing, such as nitrous oxide. If not, he may be able to use a strong numbing gel to desensitize the area before the needle goes in. It may also help to close your eyes, so that you do not see the needle being put in your mouth.
Embarrassment
In some cases, people may be avoiding the dentist because they are embarrassed by the condition of their teeth. If you are embarrassed by your teeth, talk to your dentist. It is a dentist’s job to provide you with dental care – regardless of the state of your teeth. Chances are the dentist has seen much worse, and the only way to repair your smile is to see a dentist. Voice any insecurities you have to your dentist. He or she will be able to ease your mind about getting dental care.
Effect on Overall Health
Severe dental anxiety can have negative effects on your health. Letting fear keep you from seeing the dentist can result in poor dental health, which in turn can affect your overall health. If your teeth and gums become chronically infected, this can affect speech patterns and the ability to chew and digest properly, and even lead to heart disease. Because the effect of avoiding the dentist extends beyond dental health, it is important to overcome any dental fear and go in for regular cleanings.
Dental anxiety keeps many people from visiting the dentist, but that can have detrimental effects on oral health. If fear or nervousness is keeping you from seeing the dentist, talk to your dentist about your concerns. He or she should be able to provide you with what you need to make your experience comfortable.
90% of Americans think they have a healthy diet, according to a survey by Consumer Reports. However, many foods and habits that are widely considered to be healthy may actually be causing more harm than good. Are you promoting a healthy lifestyle, or are your habits hurting you more than you know? Keep reading to find out what foods and habits are surprisingly unhealthy.
Surprisingly Unhealthy Foods
- Dried fruit and nuts: Dried fruit and nuts do have some nutritional value as an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and healthy fats and protein. However, the fruit and nut mixtures often have a ton of added salt and sugar. They may even include other items in the mix, such as chocolate chips. All of these things combined turn an otherwise healthy snack into a health hazard. Look for mixes without added sugar or salt, to enjoy the snack without the risk. Or buy plain nuts and dried fruit and make the mix yourself!
- Granola: Granola is a great source of potassium, fiber and protein, but it can also be high in fat and calories. In addition, many of the items eaten with or added to granola are unhealthy, such as yogurt, chocolate or sugar. Try pairing granola with low-calorie cereals to add more nutritional value, and portion control is always key.
- Bran muffin: While bran itself is very heart healthy and friendly to the digestive system, adding it to a muffin somewhat negates the nutritional value. Muffins contain a lot of sugar and fat. In fact, health expert and author Joan Salge Blake even said that a bran muffin could potentially have more calories than a donut! The best option is to head straight for the bran and skip the muffin altogether; but, if you must have the muffin, there are some recipes available for healthier muffins.
- Veggie patties: Veggie burgers certainly have a lot of healthy nutrients in them; however, the pre-made, frozen patties usually contain a lot of added ingredients such as yeast extract, cornstarch and gums which have little nutritional value. Check the label for the ingredients and nutrition information before buying veggie patties to make sure they are a healthy choice.
- Reduced fat peanut butter: You would think anything with reduced fat would be a healthier option than the fatty, regular stuff, right? While oftentimes this is the case, the fat in peanut butter is actually healthy. Removing it therefore eliminates a lot of the nutritional value. Stick with regular peanut butter, but watch your portions since peanuts tend to be high in calories.
Surprisingly Unhealthy Habits
- Using hand sanitizer: While hand sanitizer can be helpful for hand washing on the go, it really isn’t any more effective than soap and water. In addition, some hand sanitizing gels contain the ingredient triclosan, which can actually help promote the growth of bacteria. Look for brands that contain at least 60% alcohol which help kill bacteria more effectively.
- Wearing flip flops: Flip flops help keep your feet cool during the summer, but that’s about the only favor the shoes do for your feet. Flip flops have no arch support or structural support for your feet, which can lead to strained muscles. Likewise, wearing no shoes at all can have a similar effect. For your summer footwear, opt for comfortable sandals that will provide plenty of support for your feet.
- Drinking bottled water: While drinking it bottled is better than not drinking water at all, only drinking bottled water is not the healthiest option. Bottled water contains no fluoride, as opposed to tap water, which does. A fluoride deficiency can lead to tooth decay, so it is important to try to get fluoride in your water. If you are concerned about what might be in tap water, you can get a purifier such as Brita or PUR. These purifiers eliminate any impurities in the water but keep the fluoride.
- Cleaning with disinfecting products: Cleaners that claim to be disinfectant or antibacterial may seem useful in cleaning your home, but inhaling the chemicals in these cleaners can have negative effects on your health. These products contain chemicals called quaternary ammonium compounds, which can lead to asthma if inhaled. In addition, some products also contain a cancer-causing chemical called 2-butoxyethanol. Disinfectant cleaners have not been proven to be any more effective than regular cleaners, so you may want to stick with those if you are concerned about the health risk.
- Overbrushing your teeth: Brushing your teeth is definitely a good thing, but brushing them too hard or too often can be damaging to the enamel, making teeth more prone to tooth decay. Dentists recommend brushing for two minutes, 2-3 times a day with a soft bristled brush to avoid potential damage. If needed, you can rinse away any food particles left over from eating with a glass of water in between brushings.
Eating well and avoiding harmful habits is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what could potentially have a negative influence on your health. To find out more about what you can do to be healthier, talk to your doctor.
Dental hygiene is very important to overall health. However, dental care is most effective when done properly. Many people do not realize that they are taking care of their teeth incorrectly. If you’re worried you might be one of these people, read on to discover some helpful tips on proper dental care.
The Proper Way to Brush
Brushing teeth is a daily task. However, many people are unaware that there is a right and wrong way to brush their teeth. In fact, according to a survey by Men’s Health News, 90% of people brush their teeth wrong. Here’s the proper way to brush your teeth, starting with choosing the right toothbrush.
Your Toothbrush
Certain toothbrushes are better for your oral health than others. Choose a toothbrush that is comfortable for you to use, because the more comfortable it is for you, the more likely you are to brush your teeth. Many sizes and handle varieties are available, but these things are a matter of preference. The bristles, however, should be soft. Hard bristles are abrasive and can damage enamel.
In addition, your toothbrush should be stored in an environment that allows it to completely dry in between uses. Toothbrush cases and caps are great for storing your toothbrush during travel, but should not be used immediately after use as they will lock in the moisture, increasing the chance of bacterial growth. Don’t let this fact tempt you to skimp on rinsing your brush after each use, though; leaving the toothbrush un-rinsed can cause bacteria to grow, as well. In addition, you should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, as it becomes worn out and is no longer as effective.
How to Brush
Brushing should be done a minimum of twice daily, at morning and at night. Too much brushing, however, can wear away enamel and irritate gums. To prevent this, professionals discourage brushing more than three times a day.
Brushing should take a total of about two minutes, spending about 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth. When brushing, the brush should be held at a 45 degree angle, using short strokes in a circular, up and down motion. Many people move their brush horizontally, but this can wear ridges in your enamel that cause teeth to become dull and rough. Don’t forget to get the inner surfaces of your teeth and your tongue, too!
The Proper Way to Floss
Flossing is often neglected, but is an essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Flossing gets in the tight spaces that your toothbrush can’t fit into. In addition, flossing has also been linked to the prevention of diabetes and other diseases. However, flossing is only effective when performed correctly; otherwise, it may cause more harm than good.
Choosing the Right Floss
There are many different types of floss available. You should use either nylon floss, which is multifilament, or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) floss with one filament. While the nylon floss is much cheaper, its many filaments make it easy for the floss to tear or shred while in use. PTFE floss is one strand and therefore can easily slide in and out of tight spaces; however, it can be very expensive.
Floss is available in either waxed or unwaxed. Both are effective, so the choice is up to you. It is better to use regular floss instead of harps or Waterpiks, however, as it is the most effective.
How to Floss
To floss, cut off about 18 inches of floss. Wrap the ends around both of your middle fingers until only about 1-2 inches remains. Place in between two teeth and begin flossing in an up and down motion. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth to get any bacteria along the gum line. When you are done, work the floss back down from in between the teeth and go to the next tooth. Be sure to always use a clean section of floss for each tooth, or else you will just be putting bacteria back in your mouth.
Flossing should be done once a day, either in the morning or at night. Some say that flossing should be done before brushing, because the bacteria and food particles removed with floss could be blocking the tooth’s exposure to fluoride if brushing is done first.
The Proper Way to Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is probably the most overlooked part of oral hygiene with only 31% of adults claiming to use mouthwash. However, while mouthwash is not a necessary part of oral hygiene, it is very beneficial in killing extra bacteria missed from brushing and flossing. It also helps to freshen breath and strengthen teeth.
Choosing Your Mouthwash
There are many types of mouthwash available: fluoride, antiseptic, cosmetic, and more. There is no one “right” mouthwash, so you should choose the one that best fits your dental needs. However, make sure that whichever mouthwash you choose is non-alcoholic. Alcohol dries out your mouth, which can promote the growth of bacteria because saliva has anti-bacterial properties. Mouthwash that contains alcohol could actually cause more harm than good, so be sure to stay away from alcohol based products.
How to Use Mouthwash
After you’ve brushed and flossed, measure out 20mL of mouthwash and gargle the liquid for 45-60 seconds. Be careful not to swallow any of the mouthwash. After you are finished gargling, spit the mouthwash out and rinse with water, unless stated otherwise in the directions on the bottle. It is best not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after use for maximum effectiveness.
If you use a mouthwash, you should use it one to two times a day. It can be used at any time of day, though some say it is most effective in the afternoon so the fluoride can integrate into the tooth structure.
While brushing your incorrectly is definitely better than skipping brushing all together, it is not as effective and could potentially damage your teeth. For the best results, use the proper methods listed for brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Talk to your dentist for more information on proper dental care.
