Category Archives: toothpaste

Toothpaste and Acne – Does It Work?

April 30, 2012

The answer you are looking for is – YES, toothpaste and acne can work As to how effective it is and whether it is right for you is a different matter. after reading this you will be in a position to decide whether toothpaste on acne is right for you. or, you will have followed the links for some helpful places to go for an alternative.

Is the combination of toothpaste and acne safe? YES it is safe – you are not going to die however, use it wisely and with caution at first. Above all, don’t expect miracles.

There are thousands upon thousands of websites out there in ‘Google Land’ that tell you that toothpaste is the way to go in the fight against acne. There are just as many telling you how people have burnt their skin or how toothpaste and acne is just an old wives tale.

Here you will find a balanced approach to what you need to know. The first thing you need to know is that using toothpaste on acne is not a cure and it is not a long term solution.

A word of caution. If you decide that toothpaste and acne is a partnership you want to try out, follow some basic tips:

  1. use a normal white toothpaste – NOT a gel variety
  2. choose a toothpaste with minimal additives (whitening chemicals and fluoride can cause burning or further irritation)
  3. DON’T rub the toothpaste into your skin – simply dab a small amount over the pimple to cover it and the surrounding area
  4. do not leave toothpaste on your face over night
  5. find the right toothpaste – Crest is known to burn, whereas Aquafresh and Colgate are highly recommended by toothpaste and acne advocates

Using toothpaste on acne should be a last resort. By all means use it as a quick fix but if you are looking for a long term solution to your acne problem, without daubs of toothpaste over your face, consult a specialist and try a recommended and proven treatment. There are better, more effective ways than toothpaste.

So why does toothpaste work on acne?

Many toothpastes contain the compounds menthol, or alcohol, which can dry your skin. this is where the zingy, fresh, minty feeling comes from as you brush your teeth. At first this sounds like a good idea, seeing as acne is caused by overproduction of oil within the pores – dry the skin, reduce to oils and reduce the pimple or zit, result

However, these active ingredients can dry your skin too much, which is no good. your skin could become damaged as a result, or just feel more uncomfortable than normal. You may feel a refreshing tingling sensation on your skin. Aah. a deep cleanse that feels great Wrong. There is a chance that your skin is actually drying out and leading to more irritation and discomfort for you and your face.

Toothpaste can act like a mask, sitting over the pimple drawing out the oils and impurities. Toothpaste often contains triclosan. Triclosan is an antibacterial ingredient which is frequently added to hygiene skin care products, such as deodorant, soaps, shower gels. Triclosan effectively kills bacteria and can be found in many acne treatment products but as a preservative rather than an active ingredient. it is the presence of triclosan that leads people to believe that toothpaste helps to cure acne.

Why use toothpaste when there are a whole host of acne treatments on the market?

Well, first of all everybody has toothpaste (or at least they should). it is available and relatively cheap. however, your doctor or health-care professional would not recommend it. So, if you want an effective, long term cure for your acne consult your doctor, look around for some over the shelf treatments. They do work but you need to find the right one for you. Acne treatments contain active ingredients that are proven to reduce acne.

The bottom line is this:

If you have a couple of problem zits and want a fast way to try and get rid of them, give toothpaste a go. it may work for you, it may not. If you are a long term sufferer of acne you should probably look elsewhere than in your bathroom for help. If you have tried over the counter treatments and they just don’t work for you try online. There are loads of places to try cost effective offers, articles, books.

And remember – You are not alone

0 Comments

Philips Sonicare Toothbrush For a Clean Sweep

March 17, 2012

Most people only brush once a day which is unfortunate. according to the American Dental (ADA) Association that’s usually not enough. The ADA recommends brushing twice daily, using a recommended mouthwash, cleaning in between the teeth with floss, and replacing worn toothbrushes every three to four months. Of course, if you use a Philips Sonicare toothbrush you will know when it’s time to change the brush head because the bristles change color when they wear out.

One of the most innovative new toothbrushes in the marketplace is the Sonic Care toothbrush. This toothbrush has a powerful cleaning action that cleans hard to reach places that other brushes cannot reach. When you pair good brushing with a quality antibacterial mouthwash, you have a great combination for fighting bacterial growth.People often don’t realize that the type of mouthwash used daily is as important as the type of toothbrush used. an antibacterial rinse can help combat gingivitis and gum disease. Studies have shown that fluoride rinse and fluoride toothpaste provide extra protection against tooth decay. one of the most noticeable benefits of good oral hygiene is the lack of plaque and bad breath in addition to few or no cavities.

A good Tongue Cleaning

You’ve heard of a tongue lashing, but have you heard of tongue cleaning? You can also use Sonicare toothbrush heads with the soft bristles and clean the tongue because that is also beneficial to good oral hygiene. When cleaning the tongue, bacteria that can cause bad breath are removed. for people experiencing bacteria problems, dental professionals sometimes recommend also using a tool called an oral irrigator. Oral irrigators can reach farther under the gum line than floss or toothbrushes. Its purpose is to remove plaque and bacteria and give a sense of cleanliness. The type of toothpaste recommended most by most dentists has fluoride in it. Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth that helps prevent tooth decay. Don’t forget flossing too. You should floss after every meal because flossing keeps food from becoming packed between teeth creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that leads to tooth decay. There are different types of floss available, and the dentist can help you choose between waxed floss and un-waxed floss.

Dental floss can remove plaque and food that is stuck in between the teeth. Without floss, this food could become lodged in between the teeth and cause bad breath in addition to tooth decay.Keep that Great SmileThere are several steps you can take to protect your great smile and maintain excellent oral hygiene. a great toothbrush such as the Philips Sonicare toothbrush with Sonicare toothbrush heads, dental floss, fluoride toothpaste, and a good mouthwash are the tools of good dental hygiene. Of course, regular visits to a dentist can prevent problems before they start. a dentist can take x-rays of the teeth and gums and find problems before the patient does. Dentist can also give deep cleanings to remove plaque that even the most high tech toothbrush can’t reach.

0 Comments

Why You Should Use Salicylate Free Toothpaste

March 1, 2012

People with a sensitivity to salicylate, a plant acid, can often gain relief from the uncomfortable side effects by changing the types of dental products that they use. The mouth absorbs chemicals very easily, so reducing harmful chemicals absorbed by the mouth can be greatly beneficial to eliminating your body’s allergic reaction to them.

The skin on the inside of your mouth consists of a mucous membrane called the buccal mucosa, and along with the area under your tongue, the bottom of the mouth and the membrane covering the soft palate, is one of the areas of the body that can quickly and effectively absorb all types of substances. Foods are quickly broken down here, and the chemicals released from the food are absorbed into your digestive system.

We rely on the chemicals contained in foods for our very survival, but there are some chemicals that are harmful to certain individuals. Salicylate is a type of acid found in plants, and it has many useful features, such as being a major component in aspirin. However, there are many people who suffer from uncomfortable side effects when they consume salicylate acid. These symptoms can include skin rashes and irritations, stomach pain, headaches and breathing problems.

There are several ways to eliminate salicylate absorption by your body. one is to drop it from your diet, but also cease to use products that are absorbed by your skin that contain the acid. Salicylates are commonly found in dental products, so choosing dental care products free of this substance can provide the relief you need.

For those who want the aesthetic benefits that come from dental whitening products, salicylate free toothpaste makes a great choice that can also help alleviate the unpleasant side effects from this chemical. These fantastic tasting toothpastes will not scratch the surface of your teeth, yet they effectively remove plaque without adding in harmful salicylates or sodium lauryl sulfates.

Other dental products you will need to maintain good oral hygiene include dental floss and alcohol free mouthwash. Floss keeps those hard to reach inner surfaces of your teeth nice and clean. Healthy ingredients like xylitol and baking soda work together to give you an oral rinse that will help to keep your breath fresh.

If you are salicylate sensitive, it behooves you to look for dental products such as salicylate free toothpaste and alcohol free mouthwash, which will provide you with all the oral cleaning power you want without all the harsh side effects that come from using ordinary dental products.

0 Comments

Sensitive Teeth Solutions

February 27, 2012

Are sensitive teeth ruining your ice cream social?

Sensitive teeth is one of the number one problems we see in our office. they can make people stop cleaning the teeth in certain areas and avoid cold drinks and ice cream. some clientele tell my wonderful, sweet hygienist, Lenia to avoid cleaning that tooth or section of teeth. This makes them both pretty edgy. She needs to do her job and the teeth need the plaque film off of them.

So, what is causing it? Teeth have 3 layers – enamel, dentin and the nerve. Even in healthy mouths, gum recession can happen. there is no enamel underneath the gum. The root surface is exposed. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, brushing too hard, or generally how the tooth is positioned in the bone. Another reason sensitivity may occur is due to craze lines in the teeth. Small cracks in the enamel are like cracks in eggs. The cold leaks through the cracks.

When dentin or root surfaces are exposed, there are tiny pores that act like waterslides and shoot the coldness directly to the nerve. What to do? CLOG the Pore. how? why?

Moast of us have been down the wall of toothpaste aisle looking for something to help with sensitivty. What is most purchased is Sensodyne toothpaste. something to know about toothpastes is that they are ALL abrasive. Sensodyne works by applying a painkiller- Potassium Nitrate on the root surface. It tells you on the box it is not made for long term use. A six month supply may cost as much as $48 and it is not healing the tooth.

We have varieties of treatments in our office. If it is a root surface that is exposed, we can place a material called a Glass Ionomer at the gum line. This material is called Vanish XT made by the 3M corporation.

We clean the tooth, mix it, place it and shine our light on it. This is not a filling.

Glass ionomers release fluoride into the mouth every time water is drank or you brush with a fluoridated toothpaste. When is a filling necessary? When the tooth is notched from brushing too hard. You can saw your tooth into the nerve creating an abscess. These will need repair. It is best to see a dentist regularly to check which kind of repair is best in your situation.

Another help with clogging the pores of your teeth are fluoride. Fluoride varnishes are the only treatment recommended for children under 6. These are extremely effective. You can eat and drink immediately after placement. Traditional fluoride treatments, in order to be effective last 4 minutes with a waiting period of 30 minutes. This usually entailed those big foam trays, a suction device and a lot of gagging and possibility of being a little sick afterwards becauase you may swallow some of the fluoride. The new varnish will help the sensitivity on the root surfaces and surface cracks.

A non-fluoridated solution is made with a Calcium/Phosphate with or without fluoride. MI paste (among other products) is a Calcium Phosphate made with milk protein, casein. This works by helping strengthen the teeth. It is not a toothpaste and it is not abrasive. Simple application with a pea sized area placed with your finger twice a day will help.

Prescription based fluoride with a sensitivity relief painkiller like Fluoridex generally helps in these areas as well. Patients who Lenia has placed on this toothpaste really have made their hygiene visit easier on themselves. Fluoridex (made by Discus Dental) also has the Potassium Nitrate in it like sensodyne. It appears to be more effective because of the high level of fluoride in the tube. It is low abrasion and it actually comes in a whitening formula, too.

A combination of treatments may be recommended depending upon what you have tried in the past.
Let’s help you rebuild and strengthen your teeth

0 Comments

Find Out How To Get Rid Of Canker Sores

December 17, 2011

Canker sores can be really painful and irritating. they normally form after you get a small blister in your mouth such as from biting your cheek while chewing on your food.

What are some ways to get rid of canker sores?

One thing you can try is to change your toothpaste or mouthwash. There is an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate that can be harsh on the protective layer of mucous in your mouth. Choosing a toothpaste or mouthwash without sodium lauryl sulfate may help your canker sore heal faster.

Another method is to use protective pastes that you can purchase from your local pharmacy. You apply these pastes over the canker sore and it will form a protective seal over the canker sore and prevent the pain. The active ingredient is Benzocaine which is also used in sun burn and first aid creams.

Apple cider is another suggested remedy. take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in your mouth and tilt your head so that the liquid rests on the canker sore. Keep it there for as long as you can and the spit it out. You can repeat if necessary but try not to take any food for at least 30 minutes.

You can also try hydrogen peroxide by swishing it around in your mouth for a minute. do not swallow it. another way to use hydrogen peroxide is to mix it with an equal amount of water and wet the solution on a cotton swab. then gently dab the canker sore and you should find relief shortly.

Another suggested method to get rid of canker sores is by placing a wet tea bag on the sore. Black tea contains a substance called tannin that soothes the pain.

Although canker sores can last anywhere from a few days up to two weeks, try any one of these suggestions and you should get relief from the pain and heal faster. many people prefer the natural remedies suggested above rather than over the counter medicine.

0 Comments

Is High Peroxide Whitening Safe?

November 10, 2011

Do you not like the color of your teeth every time you look at the mirror? well, why don’t you consider teeth whitening? Whitening is a process that can give a whiter appearance to your teeth by two ways. one is bleaching and the other is the process of removing the surface stains of the teeth by using non – bleaching whitening products which act physically or chemically on the surface of the teeth.

Bleaching, on the other hand, whitens teeth using whitening products. you can apply Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening which is a very effective method which can make your teeth whiter than its original color.

You only have to look inside your house to lay your hands on the ingredients of making yourself a good teeth whitener which are:

oBottle of hydrogen peroxide
oBaking soda
oWater
oCup
oMint flavored toothpaste
oToothbrush

You should first mix the formula with baking soda to form a thick paste. Then add some mint flavored toothpaste to the plain mixture to give it some taste and to make it smell good (It goes without saying that this does not mean that you should consume this paste while using it). Brush this paste onto your teeth taking one tooth at a time. after brushing, use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth. you may use hydrogen peroxide itself as the mouthwash as the chemical strengthens the teeth by reinforcing the teeth enamel. Follow this process for once or twice a week for a couple of weeks. Then just a quick glance at the mirror and you can see the difference However, if you have sensitive gums, gingivitis, cavities or canker sores in your mouth, you should not overdo the process. To sustain the results of this easy method to whiten your teeth you should maintain this teeth whitening activity.

Different teeth whitening products have varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in them. the normal concentration is 3% and it may go up to about 10%. usually, the more the peroxide, the more is the whitening power.

You should follow the use instructions of the various whitening products carefully to avoid any undesirable effects. this is because, this formula is being a highly reactive chemical may cause gum and mouth irritation. Another side effect is an increase in your tooth sensitivity to temperature changes. However, these effects are temporary. also, tissue irritation might be caused by a tray that does not fit properly rather than hydrogen peroxide. by and large, the amount of peroxide in most of the teeth whitening products available in the market is safe for your teeth.

Recently there was a media hype surrounding a possible link between oral cancer and teeth whiteners in a report by the ADA (American Dental Association). But in the same report, hydrogen peroxide was given a clean chit by a statement that hydrogen peroxide, which assists the whitening process, does not contain any carcinogen. Clinical data which was accumulated in this regard also testify to the safety of hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitener.

Thus with this safe home recipe, you have an effective trick up your sleeve to enable you achieve that perfect smile.

0 Comments

Three Ways to Lose Weight in a Month

November 7, 2011

I’ve lost 23 pounds and counting over the course of the last 5 months. I’m really proud of myself, as it’s the most weight I’ve ever lost and the most committed I’ve ever stayed to an individual diet. the thing that makes it all different this time around is the fact that I’m really enjoying the changes that I’m feeling, and I genuinely believe that I’ll be able to keep this up for a long time. Let me share a few tips with you that have helped me achieve my success.

First of all, I’ve cut all forms of artificial sugar out of my diet. I’m not even having cane sugar either, as I’m only getting sugars that naturally come from things like fruits and vegetables. the biggest thing for me to avoid is high fructose corn syrup, as many believe that this is a leading cause of weight gain and diabetes.

I’ve also been exercising very regularly. it took my body a little while to get used to it, but I’m now running 5 days per week and I’m trying to run faster and longer every week. This makes me feel great, and it obviously burns calories.

Thirdly, I’ve cut out all diet sodas from my diet. the more research I come across, the more I believe that these might still be a cause of weight gain, despite the fact that they have no calories. Chemicals should always be avoided whenever possible, so I now simply stick to glasses of water.

0 Comments

Are Claims about Nutritional Products Always Legitimate?

October 12, 2011

Nutritional products generally market themselves based on what they contain and, even more so, on the amounts of the various substances they contain. And its probably a safe bet to assume that, for the most part, the average citizen simply accepts these claims at face value. After all, why would a company that sells nutrition products make a false claim? Somewhat false we naturally tend to assume, of course. but blatantly false claims from well known and established companies? This is a hypothetical that we tend to rule out as we walk down the aisle of a heath food store or wander about in the vitamin section of a large retailer.

Unfortunately, as one case so clearly demonstrates, nutritional claims from food and drink companies may not always be legitimate.

In a recent example that puts our trust in such things to a test, high school students Anna Devathasan and Jenny Suo, age 17, did an experiment three years ago with their favorite soft drink, Ribena, and found that although Ribena’s claim to fame was having ‘four times the vitamin C of oranges’, there was no measurable amount of vitamin C to be found.

Ribena is the fourth biggest drinks brand in the UK and is sold in over 20 countries. A product of global pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline, Ribena was created in the 1930′s. the makers claim on their website that in the 1940′s the product was ‘rationed during WW2 as a vitamin C supplement for children because the supply of oranges to Britain dried up’.

In 2001, Ribena and Ribena Toothkind launched an ad campaign with the phrase, ‘Rich in Vitamin C, Rich in Memories’, and went live on both TV and in Press communications.

In 2004, Devathasan and Suo executed their school experiment and contacted GlaxoSmithKline, as well as the Commerce Commission, to report their findings. Although they received no response from the British-based pharmaceuticals and healthcare company, prosecutors brought charges against GlaxoSmithKline this month in an Auckland court.

Headquartered in the UK and with operations based in the US, GlaxoSmithKline is one of the industry leaders, with an estimated seven percent of the world’s pharmaceutical market. they market products such as the smoking replacement Nicorette, Aquafresh toothpaste, paracetamol-based pain reliever Panadol, and state on their website that Ribena is a ‘nutritional healthcare drink’.

The company has admitted that they misled consumers about the content of vitamin c, a popular antioxidant substance, in Ribena. the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has requested that GSK change their package labeling to remove all references to vitamin C and to inform customers, via notices in retail outlets, of their misleading information.

0 Comments

Chemical Free Home – Toothpaste As a Household Cleaner

September 17, 2011

Toothpaste is a versatile cleaning product beyond its application as a tooth cleaner. the mildly abrasive cleaning action makes toothpaste suitable for many household cleaning jobs.

Toothpastes are manufactured from various ingredients designed to gently remove stains and blemishes from the delicate enamel coating on teeth. this makes toothpaste ideal for cleaning things around the home. there are also some applications outside where toothpaste can be used to clean and shine.

In addition to toothpaste itself being a good cleaning product, an old toothbrush makes the perfect application tool. Don’t get your toothbrushes mixed up though.

  • Delicate China – Stains appear on delicate china over periods of use. Tea and coffee have tannins which leave unsightly brown stains in the cracks and decorative embellishments that attract stains over a period of time. Using a toothbrush, toothpaste can be applied to gently remove these stains from these cracks and decorative swirls on tea cups and similar items.
  • Enamel Stove Tops – Stains build up around the cooking area of stove tops and oven doors. this surface scratches easily so it is best to use a delicate cleaner like toothpaste. Again, a toothbrush makes an ideal application tool.
  • Mag wheel cleaner – I discovered this by accident one day when I grabbed what I thought was the Mag wheel cleaner from the bench and put in the car detailing box in the boot of my car. When I went to clean the wheels I was half way through the first wheel when I realised the smell of the cleaner was more like toothpaste. I rinsed off the portion of the wheel I had already done only to find the wheels sparkling more than they ever have. I was hooked on this new cleaner and have used it ever since.
  • Jewellery – An excellent cleaner for delicate and intricate jewellery. Toothpaste can be mixed with a little water or used in its thick state depending on the type of jewellery being cleaned. A toothbrush is again an ideal application tool.
  • Taps and Tap ware – Chrome or enamel taps can be cleaned with toothpaste. A toothbrush or a hand and nail cleaning brush can be used to scrub the toothpaste onto the taps and simply rinse off with water. If any toothpaste residue dries on the taps it can easily be wiped away with a cloth.

What else can you think of that could be cleaned with toothpaste? Try some different items around your home and see how it works. I would not recommend using on Glass (windows or mirrors), Timber, Fabric or similar items. always test a small inconspicuous area before hitting the main area.

0 Comments

Can anyone find me an unflavored xylitol & baking soda toothpaste?

September 15, 2011

I dislike mint, cinnamon, fennel, etc. I would just like a plain toothpaste with xylitol and maybe baking soda as well, fluoride-free (sometimes I use fluoride toothpaste, not interested in debating its merits in this question, but I like to have options).

Tom's Of Maine seems to once have had something like what I want: am-products.stores.yahoo.net/toho…

But it seems (also from the Tom's Of Maine website) that it is no longer offered.

I'm having trouble finding something, does anyone know of a product offhand?

Thanks!

You can look up here :

dentist.net/fluoride-free-too…

0 Comments
« Older posts