What is the Best Mouthwash For Me? Decoding The Label Part III

In the effort to help you navigate the dental aisle more effectively today’s post is all about mouthwash.Fotolia_11193129_XS-300x225 So, what is the best mouthwash  for you? There are a lot of products to choose from that is for sure. Between rinses that whiten, freshen your breath, reduce plaque and so on, the choices are endless. First and foremost you should know what you are looking for in a mouthwash and what some of the key ingredients are. Here is a little “how-to” regarding picking out the best mouthwash for you. Generally,  most of the population can make great use out of a daily fluoride rinse as well as a general mouthwash to aid in reduction of harmful bacteria. We also suggest a regimen that includes a rinse to reduce acidity in the oral environment

  • Anti-septic and anti-plaque: these products have ingredients that kill bacteria that can cause gingivitis, plaque and bad breath. Some of the ingredients used to do this are: Cetylpyridinium Chloride or (CPC), Domiphen Bromide, or denatured alcohol.  And, most have about 20-25% effectiveness in reducing the plaque the causes gingivitis.
  • Whitening: This usually means that there is some percentage of hydrogen peroxide included in the rinse. Most over the counter products will have a percentage that is under 10% hydrogen peroxide.
  • Fluoride: This is a product that helps to strengthen enamel helping to reduce cavities
  • Sodium Saccharin, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Sodium Cyclamate: These ingredients flavor the toothpaste.
  • Propylene Glycol, Glycerol, and Polyethylene Glycol: These ingredients help keep the rinse moist and have a good mouth feel
  • Sodium Benzoate and Methyl Paraben: These ingredients aid in stopping the rinse from decaying or growing bacteria.
Discuss with your dentist which products are best for you. Depending on your oral environment you may have a different regimen than another person. Also, age and health may change which type of rinse is the best mouthwash for you.]]>

/0 Comments/by

The Best Ways to Be Sugar-Free

The holidays are filled with ooey-gooey sticky sweet treat, although its a herald of the season Fotolia_15012055_XS-200x300it can wreak havoc on your dental condition as well as your waist-line. Here are a few tips we picked up along the way of how to stay sugar-free or at least minimize the amount of sugar you consume this holiday season.

  • When baking try replacing sugar with Stevia or Xylitol, these natural sugar-free substitute is a great sweetener to try using with your baked goods.
  • Oatmeal is a great healthy breakfast option. However, some instant varieties are laden with sugar. To create a low-sugar or sugar-free breakfast try buying plain oatmeal and adding fruit and nuts to it before heating. Or for something different try adding a little of your favorite flavor of yogurt.
  • If you’re craving ice cream or frozen yogurt a great substitute is soft serve frozen banana ice cream. By freezing ripe bananas and pureeing them in your food processor you can create a sugar-free frozen soft-serve treat.  All with just one ingredient too!
  • If you are a fan of dried fruit check out the back of the label before you buy, some dried fruit products are loaded with sugar. If you simply can not live with out, try using a microwave chip maker. These appliances fit right in your microwave and you can create all sorts of dried fruit treats without the additional sugar.
In general remember natural sugars are a great way to get your sweet fix, try sticking to fresh fruit when you crave something sweet and always remember to brush and floss afterwards!]]>

/0 Comments/by

Treat Yourself This Holiday Season to Great Dental Gifts

The holidays are upon us, so if you haven’t already you better get crackin’ on that shopping list. To help you along your way here are some great dental gifts and ideas for holiday stocking stuffers. And, maybe a little treat or two for you for being such a great shopper.

1. Deck the halls, then deck out your smile with an at home whitening kit. Some great over the counter products to try as well are:

  • Crest White 3D White
  • Listerine Vibrant White Pre-brush Rinse
  • Colgate Optic White

2. For Brushing on the run:

The Rinser Toothbrush

3. For the child who just can’t wait for the tooth fairy to come:

twooth-300x300Twooth® Time Children’s Dental Care Kit

4. For Man’s Best Friend:

Q-ring-300x263The Q-Ring Dog Toothbrush

5. Who said brushing your teeth can’t be luxurious?:

vik_gold2_1-300x30018k Gold Toothbrush Holder

Happy Holiday’s Everyone!

]]>

/0 Comments/by