Brushing your teeth is something you probably do not think about much. But, the history of toothpaste is fascinating. Who thought of it first, for example? What are the ingredients? Read on for more interesting information about toothpaste. How Old It IsLike a surprising number of things people think are new, toothpaste has been around for a long time. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used tooth powder to clean their teeth. These powders were made of pulverized bones, the burnt hooves of oxen, eggshells, and oyster shells. A type of toothpaste whose ingredients were unknown was created in the 9th century by an Iraqi named Zirab. In the late 18th century, a toothpaste called Sosekiko was used in Japan. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide toothpastes, which are still used today, came into being in 1900. Even before this, in 1895, fluoride started to be added to toothpastes to give extra protection to the teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. However, the use of toothpaste didn’t outstrip the use of tooth powders until the Great War in 1914. How Strict the Standards AreAccording to Murfreesboro Family Dentistry, the American Dental Association has very strict standards for what they qualify as acceptable for toothpaste, and any medical claims are fully supported by legitimate scientific and medical studies. A toothpaste that is certified by the ADA has to have fluoride, be free of substances such as sugar that can lead to tooth decay, have ingredients that have been known to support oral health, and be scientifically shown to be safe and effective. Staff members at any dental clinic will be able to answer questions about which toothpaste is best for you and your smile. Why Fluoride Is Used in ToothpasteFluoride is a compound made from fluorine and another element. In toothpaste, that element is often tin or sodium. Ironically, fluorine is one of the nastiest elements on the periodic table. Pure fluorine is rarely found in nature, and if it is found, it is difficult to handle safely. This is because fluorine is an "unhappy" atom, which means it will bond to almost anything. It will even eat through glass! But, when it is joined with another element, it becomes "happy" and is extremely stable. Fluoride is used in toothpastes because it promotes the growth of enamel in the teeth. The loss of tooth enamel, or demineralization, can cause tooth decay. Fluoride’s ability to support enamel is also why it is put in drinking water. People have been finding ways to keep their teeth attractive and healthy for thousands of years whether through powders or paste. The next time you brush your teeth, pause a moment to remember and be grateful for the history that has given you your pearly smile. Read More Here: What's the Deal with Oral Health?
A typical course of action for people who are feeling a little under the weather is to visit a doctor who will prescribe one or more medications for them. However, more people are turning to home remedies when they need relief from minor illnesses. Some physicians are even willing to prescribe natural products, herbs, and certain types of food for patients who suffer from chronic maladies. When fending off minor illnesses, there are a number of home remedies you might wish to try before resorting to pharmaceuticals.
Kiwi Fruit Eating kiwi for dinner may be the remedy you need if you find it difficult to sleep at night. Studies have shown that eating a kiwi or two an hour before turning in for bed at night can result in sleep that is both deeper and longer in duration. One reason kiwi is likely to aid with sleep is its high serotonin content. A lack of serotonin has been correlated with insomnia. In addition, kiwi is rich in folate, which is also needed for healthy sleep patterns. Cloves Cloves possess a compound known as eugenol that has both antibacterial and anesthetic properties. These qualities make clove an excellent selection to numb the pain of a toothache and reduce the swelling and puffiness from infection. Cloves are rich in antioxidants, and their antimicrobial properties help to clean the affected area around the tooth. Cloves are not the only food that can be used to treat a toothache. There is an array of other natural antibiotics for tooth infections that you can try before resorting to seeing a dentist, especially if you are trying to save money. Apples The best way to avoid acid reflux is to avoid items like fried food, high-fat beef, and sodas. One food you should add to your diet if you are prone to acid reflux is apples. Eating an apple or two a day will provide you with enough pectin to benefit from the acid-absorbing properties of the compound. Apples also contain tartaric and malic acids, which will fight against juices from the stomach that flow in an upward direction. Sweeter apples like organic red ones are the best choice to lessen the symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). They're considered an alkaline food option. Both patients and traditional medical practitioners have become more aware of the positive benefits of using organic food for medicine. The three foods mentioned above have proven their usefulness at combating specific illnesses. You might find them a great substitute for pharmaceutical medications. Looking for ways to live a healthier lifestyle? We recommend this article next!
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Before the use of the internet, people had to find their own remedies for common problems. Therefore, if something appeared to work, those secrets were passed down through the ages. Today, many of those “solutions” have been debunked and proven ineffective. Some work effectively, but the majority don’t. Before you jump into crafting up a ridiculous DIY home remedy, check out these three that should be avoided.
Wound Treatments Whenever you find yourself with a wound, it’s no doubt that you’re also looking for the quickest route to recovery. However, the most effective treatment is not something that you can whip up in your kitchen. For example, an old wives’ tale is to put a raw egg over a burn. Don’t do it! Raw eggs are filled with bacteria that will just seep right into your skin. You may have also heard that licking a wound can help it heal. People have said for ages that a dog licking your wound helps it heal, so why would your own saliva be any different? Again, just don’t do it. Your mouth is filled with bacteria. While healthy skin won’t have any issues, an open wound is a sensitive area. Avoid causing infection by overloading your raw flesh with potentially harmful bacteria. Tooth Whitening With so much emphasis on beauty in this world, many people turn to whitening their teeth. If you’re looking for a cheap approach, you may have heard to try brushing with baking soda or rinsing with hydrogen peroxide. Sure, these methods may seem like they work in the short-term. In order to even make a dent in your quest, you’ll have to use peroxide for at least two weeks. Alternatively, charcoal has gained traction to lighten up your teeth. Dentists actually warn that charcoal and other abrasives are highly dangerous to teeth. In addition to potentially destroying your tooth enamel, charcoal can settle into your gums and cause irritation, and it doesn't help cavities. Leave the teeth whitening to the professionals and see your dentist. You’ll be able to have your teeth cleaned while still ensuring the safety of your fragile smile. Cold Remedies When you’ve got a cold, you want it to go away as quickly as possible. Your great-grandmother may have suggested rubbing mustard on your chest or holding your head over a bowl of hot water. Well, typically, these remedies don’t work. In many cases, over-the-counter medications can also make things worse. There is no quick relief from a cold, unfortunately. Like any virus, it just has to run its course. Instead of wasting time and money on ridiculous remedies, make sure you’re sipping plenty of fluids and resting your body. In most situations, home remedies simply don’t work. It’s always best to deal with your problems with a trained professional, such as a dentist for your teeth. Take care of yourself, and don’t make your issues worse! Here’s another article you might like: 5 ways to care for and comfort your sick child
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Your teeth may be small, but good oral health can be a big part of your overall hygiene routine. Teeth are resilient, but your mouth needs proper care and attention if your teeth are going to do their jobs effectively. Understanding what good oral health is and the risks associated with ignoring it can help you develop a good routine.
What is Good Oral Health? Dentists often speak to clients about good oral health, but they aren’t always clear about what that means. In most cases, practicing good oral hygiene means that once you are finished with your daily routine for your teeth, your mouth should look and feel good. It should also smell good or neutral. According to the American Dental Association, some of the best practices for good oral health might differ from one person to the next depending on specific needs. You may need a certain kind of toothpaste or to use flossing techniques beneficial for your teeth and gums. However, there are basic hygiene actions that everyone should practice whenever possible. Related Health Issues Taking care of your teeth can help you avoid other health problems that are related to poor oral hygiene. Some conditions can affect your gums. According to Fort Bend Periodontics & Implantology, gum disease is often referred to as a silent disease because many of the early signs are not visible to the naked eye. Some developed signs of gum disease could be red, swollen, or tender gums; receding gums; and persistent bad breath. These things have the potential to affect you both physically and emotionally. Problems stemming from gum disease or issues such as broken teeth might impact your social life or your ability to find new employment. Pain associated with problematic teeth could impact your mood or concentration levels. Mental Health and Oral Health Some researchers have studied possible links between oral hygiene and overall mental health. People with bad breath, missing teeth, gaps, or poor oral health may have negative mental and emotional feelings from these problems. According to Delta Dental of Washington, some studies show that there can be links to poor oral health and depression. It has become prevalent enough that dentists may ask about health history to determine what kind of oral care a client might need in order to be healthy mentally. Having good oral care and practicing good habits may put you in a better frame of mind. Good oral health doesn't have to be complex or time-consuming. Knowing how to take care of your teeth and what signs to watch out for to avoid gum disease and other issues can help you keep your teeth looking good and performing great.
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