Acidity contributes to the development of dental cavities. The source of this acidity is often attributed to sugar fermentation by endogenous bacteria in the mouth, or to acidic foods and drinks, which lower salivary pH. Paradoxically, oral health mouthwashes may also cause dental cavities, largely due to the inclusion of ethanol (EtOH/”alcohol”) as an antiseptic agent, which can be oxidized to acetic acid. However, the potential deleterious effect of these mouthwashes has not been adequately assessed, nor have the chemical changes in pH and total ethanol been
evaluated over time. Here we present data demonstrating changes to pH, total acid, and total ethanol in several popular mouthwashes over time. These changes increase acidity and thus demonstrate an increased risk of dental cavities.  Finally, we evaluate the chemical mechanism of these changes, and propose preventable solutions.

Full article is available here:  Determination of pH, total acid, and total ethanol in oral health products: oxidation of ethanol and recommendations to mitigate its association with dental caries 
Compliments of:  Chunhye Kim Lee and Brian C. Schmitz

Test your own mouthwash using a Cole-Parmer PH/Ion Meter .

I’m kind of on a roll here with natural mouth care, so why stop now? Personally, I prefer not to use alcohol-based mouth washes that permeate the market and either make my own, or use ‘more natural’ mouthwashes such as those made by Tom’s of Maine. Happily however, recipes abound for making your own mouthwashes. You can use witch hazel in mouth wash blends too, but try to obtain the natural witch hazel distillate rather than commercial witch hazel made with ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

In the recipe below, peppermint and anise seed freshen breath.  Myrrh tincture/extract helps strengthen the gums, and is also antiseptic and also mildly preservative.  The tincture/extract may be made with grain alcohol (but a very small amount in the recipe) or vinegar.

Recipe #1:

1 cup boiling water
2 tsp dried peppermint
1 tsp anise seed
1/2 tsp myrrh tincture

Pour the boiling water over the peppermint and anise seed. Cover and steep until cool. Strain and add the myrrh. Store the mouthwash in a bottle and shake before using. This will keep for a week or so if stored in the refrigerator.

Witch Hazel

Recipe #2:

  This recipe avoids even an alcohol extract in favor of sage-infused vinegar. To infuse, simply fill a small jar with sage, fill with warmed apple cider vinegar, and allow to steep for 2-6 weeks. Alternatively, you could heat-infuse the herb in a non-metal (non-reactive pot) and allow to infuse (so that vapors are coming off of the vinegar), covered, for 30 min-1 hour.  Again, try to btain the natural witch hazel distillate rather than commercial witch hazel made with ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

1 cup witch hazel distillate
1/2 tsp sage-infused vinegar
1 tsp peppermint
1 tsp spearmint

Recipe #3:

1 cup water
1 tsp vegetable glycerin
1 tsp aloe vera juice (ingestible!)
6 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix the ingredients together and store in a covered container, using within a few days. Peppermint essential oil helps fight odor-causing bacteria, and aloe soothes gums

REF: Laurel Vukovic

Monday, November 9, 2009
Christmas Tini

I’ve decided that minty drinks really aren’t my thing.  Yes, you’d think I would have learned this after the Nyquil disaster of last week with the Broadway Martini, but I’m a slow learner.  Just ask Sue how I am with regard to acquiring boyfriends I shouldn’t be with and she’ll confirm the slow learner aspect.  And Monday evening proved to be a tough one. 

The day itself was okay, not the best.  I should have gone to yoga in the morning as I had planned but I was still nursing a sinus headache from the day before and figured Bikram Yoga in a 105-degree room wasn’t the best idea for that.  But I did get some work done on a book that an old boss of mine wants me to format for him, did laundry, sent out my usual “any news yet?” query regarding my security clearance for a job I applied for two months ago, and so on.  So the evening brings us to my 10-year-old son’s soccer practice.  His team is undefeated thus far and they’re now in playoffs.  I’m not sure how they remain undefeated but I’m glad he was able to be on a good team this time around and I think he is enjoying it.  It’s funny, his AYSO soccer team parents are such a contrast from the makeup of, say, the typical parents at his school, who are a lot more like the parents of the “Cardigan Club”, detailed in this delightful blog post I found recently:

http://aiminglow.com/2009/11/kicked-out-of-the-cardigan-club/

The parents of the kids at my sons’ elementary school seem to be all happily married and a majority seem to consist of the stay-at-home Mom who, of course, is fully active in the PTA, volunteers in his/her child’s classroom and for all fundraising events, works out regularly, scrapbooks, chauffeurs little Junior or Missy to various sports and music practices, and only cooks organic or vegan foods.  These are also the same Moms that hang illegal U-turns in a Range Rover in front of the school during morning drop-off, while holding their cellphones to their ears, naturally.  Of course, that is only my perception.  I suspect that the parents who feel like total failures on this spectrum, such as myself, simply don’t bother to come to school events so they don’t have to be surrounded by this crowd.  Or maybe I’m the only one.  It’s hard to say.  I’ve never been one to fake a smile and socialize with people I really don’t have much in common with, and it could well be the Moms I have the most in common with at the school are the ones I never meet.

Now the soccer parents are a different story.  At a certain point, you pretty much meet all of them, because even if they just drop off their kids at practice and pick them up later, they do usually come to the games on Saturdays.  I think one kid on the team is being raised by his grandparents.  At least three others are there with a parent and a step-parent and a younger sibling who is a product of the second marriage.  A couple more just come with one (divorced) parent, usually Mom, and I think another one is usually there with his uncle.  All from different walks of life and different ethnic backgrounds.  Only one of the kids on the team goes to Sean’s school, the rest are from different schools in the area.  One of the kids on the team has come to my house for a playdate with Sean after a couple of the games on Saturdays and seems to think my house (4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1800 square feet, 2 stories) is a palace.  When he found out I was unemployed he suggested that I could clean houses like his Mom does, and also that he heard Burger King was hiring.  You have to smile at the innocence and naivete of a a child who can’t quite understand that not all jobs are created equal, and if I’m seriously thinking about going from the $43 an hour job I had in the spring to minimum wage, well, there’s a lot of places I’d rather work than Burger King.  In ‘N Out, for instance.  But I don’t think either of those would even come close to paying a $2500/month mortgage. 

Anyway, for whatever reason, this just ended up being a sh*tty day all around.  I think what really triggered me, though, was talking about Thanksgiving plans with the kids during the breaks in my son’s soccer practice.  This year, their Dad gets the kids for Thanksgiving day/dinner - one of those holidays we trade off every year.  He also gets Christmas Eve this year and I get them back on Christmas morning.  I finally started thinking about all this and realized that, figuring my brother would have turkey day with his girlfriend and her kids, my boyfriend would spend the day with his (grown) kids, his brothers, his mom, and most likely his wife (yes, he’s still married, but separated), and with my kids over at their Dad’s house, that leaves yours truly sitting at home with a martini, a turkey sandwich, and four cats on Thanksgiving Day.  Not exactly a cheery thought.  Oh yeah, and probably still unemployed and worried about money, paying the mortgage, and how I am going to be able to get my kids anything for Christmas.

I pretty much always had crap Christmasses as a kid, usually because my mom would find some way to pick a fight and ruin it all.  But I still hold onto this naive notion that Christmas is supposed to me more than that, and that somehow everyone is supposed to be happy and harmonious, loving and forgiving, at least at that time of year.  Like the families I always saw in the Sears Wish Book where Mom and daughters had the matching velvet dresses and the guys all wore plaid shirts, and Dad got one of those red rolling multi-drawer toolboxes for a gift and was ecstastic, while Mom was totally stoked with her new iron or electric mixer and the kids got trucks and dolls and Lincoln Logs. 

By the time we got home and I got the kids fed, I figured maybe, just maybe, a sprightly Christmas Tini was the just the ticket to lift me out of the doldrums. I even found a random candy cane in one of my junk drawers to use for a garnish.  Granted, I suspect it was probably well over a year old but hey, they’re wrapped in plastic.  How does one tell if a candy cane has gone bad?  I kept trying to hum the “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” song in my head.  Originally performed by Perry Como, re-done by Johnny Mathis, and became a big hit after it was included in the soundrack for Home Alone 2.  The weather is finally cooling down in San Diego, in a few more weeks I can start using my fireplace more often at night, and by jove, it will feel like Christmas. 

So I mixed up my Christmas Tini – 6 parts vodka, 1 part dry vermouth, 1 teaspoon peppermint schnapps – same recipe as Sue’s earlier one but with vodka instead of vermouth.  Can’t go wrong with that, right?  WRONG.  This just didn’t work for me.  No, it didn’t taste like Nyquil (nor look like it, the drink is clear save for the festive candy cane garnish), but I couldn’t help be reminded of mouthwash.  Maybe mint drinks and I are just not cut out for each other.  I like mint in my gum, my toothpaste, on my breath and in my mouthwash, and by and large, that’s about it.  While I’m sure it’s a fine drink for others, I give it only a three star rating.  Did it lift my spirits?  No.  Drown them in alcohol?  No.  I could only legitimately say that if I’d had more than one, and I stopped at one, had myself a good cry for the evening after the kids were in bed, and went to sleep.  Tomorrow is always another day … and a another cocktail!

Cheers,
Cathy

Buy hard with a vengeance! щ(ﾟДﾟщ)

Anti-cavity mouthwash
クリアクリーンデンタルリンス仕上げすすぎ　(Kuria Kuriin Dentaru Rinsu Shiage Susugi/ Clear Clean Dental Rinse Finishing Rinse)

Finishing Rinse

The yellow attachment on the package claims to reduce the number cavities in elementary- and junior-high schoolers. Yeah, I know we’re all adults here, but I’m pretty sure most of us don’t like getting cavities filled at home or abroad. I personally find Listerine pretty foul and like to use fluoride mouthwashes, but in the land of no fluoride, I’ll settle for a benzethonium chloride (塩化ベンゼトニウムor BTC) mouthwash like this one. Benezethonium chloride is a disinfectant that kills microbes, and in mouthwash, it reduces plaque; helps prevent gingivitis; and fights halitosis. The Finishing Rinse mouthwash does NOT contain alcohol (ノンアルコール non arukohru) like Listerine does. The liquid is clear; the mint flavor is pretty mild.

To use: After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with a 1/3 of a capful for 30 seconds and spit (do not swallow—BTC is not meant to be ingested). You don’t have to rinse your mouth out with water afterward.*

Tahini
練りごま　nerigoma

I could not find tahini for the longest time because I had no idea what it was called in Japanese or where it was in the store. It’s called 練りゴマ (nerigoma), which roughly translates to sesame paste. It’s used in hummus, some Japanese dishes, and some Japanese fusion pasta dishes. It’s located with the other sesame products in your grocery store.

Laurel and Bay leaves
ローレル　rorehru
I also really to cook with bay, but I haven’t been able to find actual bay leaves up in the Noto. As it turns out, laurel leaves are what the Japanese tend to use—they’re even featured on the 10 yen coin! Laurel is also referred to as sweet bay. Now, with bay leaves, you usually use the whole leaf when cooking and then remove it before eating. However, laurel is slightly different chemically, and the crushed laurel you will find at the grocery store is perfectly safe to leave in your meal. However, crushed laurel is much more potent than bay leaves due to its increased surface area, so season carefully. It’s not quite the same, but laurel may be easier to find and cheaper.

Laurel spice is ローレル (rohreru) in Japanese, or 月桂樹 (gekkeiju; bay laurel).
Bay leaf is ベイリーフ(beiriifu) or　ローリエの葉 (rohrie no ha).

-Leah

Notes
*I realize most of you know how to use mouthwash. However, if you’re like me and are convinced that you might accidentally kill yourself if you don’t read the label on things like Japanese cleaning products and health-care products, I translated this just for you.

BRAND NAME: ULTRA PAINFUL STING WASH

****LEAVE COMMENT****

Ok so first off let me start by saying I’m still in hospital and probably will be for sometime to come, however Today I’m official off the maxillofacial service…

What does this mean?

Well My wisdom teeth surgery is healing nicely and that there is no need for me to be under there service in the hospital..so basically if there wasn’t CF factor I would be sent home tomorrow morning…

So I still have to continue with my Oral mouthwashes that sting like hell, and I’m still not allowed to eat anything that will get stuck in my teeth because that could facilitate infection along with nothing RAW although I’m not one who likes a still galloping and mooing T-Bone..

Something on the funny side and a little X rated so readers beware..One of the registrars who came to discharge me from their service started to list the things I can and can’t do and for how long..I warn you, you won’t believe me but anyhow He said this to me.

DOC: So are you married Arron?

ME: Hahahaha nah I’m not

DOC: Do you have a Girlfriend?

ME: Uhmm no not at the moment, not for a while, been going through an ultra dry patch something close to the Gobi desert (In a joking tone)

DOC: Well are you sexually active?

ME: Lol what?

DOC: Ok so while your teeth are healing your mouth is going to be very susceptible to infections especially from things alien to the mouth.

ME: Alien…….ok (thinks whats my doctor smoking)

DOC: I guess what I’m saying is don’t kiss and refrain from sexual interactions of the Oral kind until you can chew your food with no pain (He is dead serious no grin to ease the akward moment, but I guess being able to chew with no pain means your mouth is healed)

ME: oh…k….so yeah that shouldn’t be a problem..uhmmmm.

DOC: Ok Arron everything seems good, might pop my head in through the week if your here.

ME’ Rightio cya mate.

So yeah I guess it makes sense not go around having oral sex with strange women straight after wisdom teeth surgery, but I thought to myself who does this doctor think I am some kind of sex freak that is so addicted to sex I’m forced to escape the ward and struggle into town with my gown flapping half done up in the breeze for a beer hoping to impress the ladies with the size of my IV Pole…All in order to go nom nom nom nom…pretty funny, well least I thought so…

****LEAVE COMMENT****

PuffinMuffin

On to my Face, its still swollen but no where near the extent as 2 days ago its almost back to normal in that department…The pain has taken on a new wrap with the pain changing from a sharp constant shooting pain to now a dull ache. However still quite painful. I’m currently taking codeine phosphate to ease the pain..It works but not like Panadole..My Skin is looking really battered now the swelling has gone down…When my face was swollen It was like you could see no imperfections, not even little scars because my face was so red and puffy…Now when I look in the mirror I can see bruises starting to form showing what looks like the out line of some kind of facebrace to keep your mouth open during surgery, Tiny little blood blisters where the bruising is more towards the surface rather than deep, A ton of yellow brusing but it can’t be seen in all light, and quite a few pimples & Zits from not being able to properly bath my face for 4 days…So I need some sun and vitamin E cream.

I will just quickly update you on the lungs..

They are still very blocked up with mucus although now my tooth/mouth pain is starting to come under control I am starting to find it a tad easier to clear the mucus…My O2 sats are still not back to where they were 96%, currently my O2 is  sitting at around 93% on room air. As for treatment I’m doing Tobramycin and Ceftazadime via IV and Ciprofloxacin orally..Along with all my over daily meds.

As for how long I will be in here? It’’s hard to say considering we are now dealing with a chest infection.  In all Probability two weeks maybe if I’m lucky and responding well 1 week than home on the meds for the final week…so It’s a play by ear situation at the moment….

As for now I’m going to get some sleep.

****LEAVE COMMENT****

PeGsOn

Pegson1986@hotmail.com / twitter.com/pegson

All, lovely Mouthwash! The band have already begun writing their third album with rumours it may emerge some time early next year. Further sources suggest that the band maybe moving into a less ‘polished’ sound. Looking forward to that. Till then, an oldie.

Though most of the people have all the necessary tooth tools like toothbrush, mouthwash and floss to keep their teeth healthy, many only make use of the toothbrush on a regular basis. If the same is applicable to you, it is time to start using your mouthwash and floss – says Dr. LaFrom, one of the leading dentists in Cupertino. 

Stressing the need for flossing, Dr. LaFrom says that since your toothbrush can’t remove particles stuck in between your teeth, you need to use flossing for the job. However, he cautions, that you need to be aware of the proper flossing techniques and ensure that you are doing it the right way. He also supports the use of mouthwash, which he believes can give a clean feel to your mouth. 

Choosing the proper mouthwash is an important thing. You will mainly get two types of categories, namely cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Though cosmetic mouthwashes can hide bad breath and even get rid of some mouth bacteria, their overall influence on your dental health is limited. On the other hand, therapeutic mouthwashes can help fight cavities and periodontal diseases, along with building tooth enamel. So, you should consult your dentist to know which type of mouthwash will suit you best. 

You can pay a visit to www.dentist-cupertino.com to know more about various tooth tools and the correct procedures of using them on your teeth. 

By William I. Lengeman III

Even if you’ve never been afflicted with halitosis (bad breath), you’ve probably had the misfortune of encountering someone who suffers from it. There’s no way to be sure how many people are plagued by this malodorous affliction, but the host of breath-freshening products on the market provide a good indicator of the scope of the problem. Not to mention the fact that there’s The International Society for Breath Odor Research (ISBOR), a group that’s banded together to fight this malady.

Though there are assorted and sundry causes of bad breath, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine discovered that an organism called solobacterium moorei is present in most cases of chronic bad breath. They recommended brushing twice a day with antibacterial toothpaste. For even better results bad breath sufferers might want to consider using a toothbrush with a tongue scraper.

Fortunately for lovers of camellia sinensis, we may all have a head start when it comes to breath freshening. Researchers from the Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences at the University of British Columbia found that green tea “was very effective in reducing oral malodor temporarily because of its disinfectant and deodorant activities, whereas other foods were not effective.”

Research conducted prior to this study had also discovered that tea might help ward off bad breath. A 2003 study, conducted at Pace University in New York City, discovered that green tea could fight bacteria by inhibiting their growth, thereby improving the effectiveness of toothpaste and mouthwash in combating the problem.

Another study, headed by Christine D. Wu, PhD, professor of periodontics at the University of Illinois, Chicago, found that black tea extracts could aid in inhibiting the growth of bacteria associated with bad breath by up to 30 percent. Catechins and theaflavins in tea are thought to be responsible for this effect.

William’s tea blog, Tea Guy Speaks, is one of the best going today!

After looking around for awhile, I found this stuff and I’m going to tell you about it.

NICORINSE is a trusted and proven advanced formula developed by a dentist and a biochemist to help remove harmful smoke related residues and discoloration from the teeth and soft tissues of your mouth.

Optimum health of mouth, throat, and stomach by helping to remove residues that otherwise could be swallowed and could be harmful.
> Stale second hand tobacco odour removal
> Have people admire the look and health of your teeth by removing tobacco stains and odour, not just by masking it, but removing it at the source.
> A uniquely clean and fresh flavor to improve breath odour and teeth whitening
> Whether you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, NICORINSE will help protect your health through residue reduction and assist in lifting away embarrassing stains, leaving your mouth feeling clean and your teeth whiter than they’ve been in years!

Finally, an effective and easy to use product for smokers! Whatever type of tobacco you use, NICORINSE is the rinse for you. It’s all good!

Of course it’s always best to reduce or quit the use of tobacco, but if you are going to smoke use Nicorinse each and every time both before and after you use tobacco.

Our oral healthcare products are
formulated in such a way that they are 100% safe for your health and contain no harmful or alcoholic ingredients.

Nesbitt Heath Care Ltd and NICORINSE were established to provide top-notch oral health care for all users of tobacco and for non smokers who just want a great tasting rinse. NICORINSE was created as an advanced special formula & developed by a dentist along with a biochemist, specifically to aid in removing discoloration and harmful smoke related products from teeth and the soft tissues of the mouth. Whether the user smokes cigarettes or chews tobacco, NICORINSE has been designed to lift away embarrassing stains leaving the user’s mouth feeling clean and teeth whiter than they’ve been in years. It’s the rinse for you!

Nesbitt Health Care Ltd and NICORINSE are always looking for new ways to improve their products and formulas for optimum health benefits.

Dr. John Nesbitt graduated from Dental School in 1977 and is still in private practice. The concept of Nesbitt Health Care & NICORINSE came to Dr Nesbitt in the late 1990’s largely due to his concerns about patient care and a healthy mouth. Obviously tobacco use will not disappear but if we can think of ways to minimize the chances of ill effects, then by all means we should. After much research and hard work Dr. Nesbitt and Co. have come to the point where they firmly believe they can market a product that can only be a good thing for those who choose to use tobacco of any type.

Safe: Our oral healthcare products are formulated in such a way that they are 100% safe for your health and contain no harmful or alcoholic ingredients.

Delicious: Our products include 4 delicious and easy to use flavors – all with the best-selling NICORINSE formula.

Healthy: Our products were created by a practicing dentist and a biochemist expert in the area of tobacco use with the sole intention of optimizing the health of people’s mouths.

High Quality: Our objective is to have you absolutely satisfied. That is why we will only give you the best and highest quality product on the market today, and we believe no one can top us!

Accessible: Our products are easy to obtain and can be ordered via our website or direct phone order line.

Here at Nesbitt Health Care & NICORINSE we always have your best interest at heart and strive for perfection and optimal healthcare.

(Current Publix BOGOs, 9/23-9/29, HERE)

My children LOVE their mouthwash and this week they will be seeing LOTS of it.

(4) Listerine Advanced Antiseptic Mouthwash or Total Care, Agent Cool Blue or Smart Rinse, 500 ml bot, 3.69
$1/1 printable
B1G1 8/2SS
$1/1 6/14SS

Tide Stain Release, 10ct. or 20fl. oz, reg. price $3.99
$0.75/1, 8/2P&G
$1/1 (Smartsource Dispenser)
$1.50/1 (Homemailer)
$2/1 “Put Clean In Your Cart” booklet

***You can always alternate some of these items with an item that cost less or simply that works best for your family needs.

Scenario (Coupons Used):
(1)$5/$20 Rite Aid
(2) $1/1 Listerine Agent Cool Blue
(2) B1G1 Listerine Agent Cool Blue
(2) $1/1 Dole Sugar Free
(1) $1.50/1 or $1/1 Tide Stain Release
(1) $2/1 Tide Stain Release, Publix Store coupon

Subtotal: $21.04
Total (Pre-Tax) OOP: $1.16-$1.66 (depending on manuf. Tide Stain Release Q used)

I’ve always had good teeth.  So much so that when I was about 16, my dentist told me that I’d never have to worry about flossing.  Well, those words were like a license to kill!   Since then, I’ve rarely flossed.  Oh yeah, in my recent years there were the fleeting attempts of developing a new habit after visiting the hygienist who would scold me about not flossing, even while admitting that I had great teeth.  Of course, I’d brush twice a day, but flossing for me never caught on.  I’d hear my old dentist say “you’ll never need to floss” and I’d lull myself back into complacency.  Over the years, what I’ve come to learn is that flossing is not about your teeth, but rather it’s about your gums.  No matter how good your teeth are, if your gums are unhealthy say good-by to those great teeth.

Here’s why.  There are over 600 types of bacteria in your mouth.  If left alone, they form a film on your teeth called plaque.  The bacteria produce acids and other toxins that eat away the enamel on your teeth causing cavities and irritate the gums causing gingivitis.  Over time, the bacteria that is irritating your gums migrates further and degrades the bone that hold your teeth in place (periodontis).   Even worse, the same bacteria has also been linked to heart disease, heart attack and stroke.   So not only can you lose your teeth by poor oral hygiene, but you can also lose your life!

Earlier this month I once again found myself in the hygenist’s chair for my 6 month cleaning having the same conversation about flossing and why I don’t.   I got to thinking about short cuts around the flossing issue while still preserving my gums, teeth and life.  Eureka!  The solution was mouthwash!  After all, if all I need to do was kill the bacteria, there’s nothing better than some Listerine to flow into all those hard to reach places even places that floss can’t get!  I was saved!

Well not so fast.  Here’s what my hygienist explained to me.   It’s not only about killing the bacteria.  It’s more about removing the rough surfaces that the bacteria like to hide in.  You see, the bacteria create the film that creates the plaque that the bacteria like to hide in.  It’s kind of like a coral reef, where  the organisms create some calcium that starts the reef that attracts more organisms that lays down more calcium and so the coral reef grows.  That’s kind of like what plaque is:  a coral reef growing on your teeth and gums.  Mouthwash might wipe out some of the fish and plants growing on the coral, but it doesn’t remove the coral.  So by morning you have a fresh colony of plants and new schools of fish swimming across the plaque reef in your mouth.  When it comes to your mouth, you’ve got to knock down the coral so there are fewer places for the bacteria to hide and grow – then you can kill them with mouthwash!  That’s what brushing and flossing does.

Brushing gets the plaque that has built up on the surface of your teeth.  But these bacteria are tiny and live in between your teeth and also below your gum line.  That’s where the floss come in.  It really doesn’t take a whole lot of effort either.  In fact too much effort with a toothbrush or floss can be as bad as too little.   The goal with flossing is to simply break the bond between your teeth and gums that was created by the plaque.  This brings in oxygen and allows the mouthwash to penetrate and kill the bacteria.  With a little practice, this can be done very quickly.

So from that conversation at the dentist’s office, I decided to try a little experiment.  I’ve changed my daily oral hygiene process to incorporate not only my usual brushing, but also some new brushing techniques, some mouth wash and yes, some floss.  Here’s my method.

Morning:

1.  Floss between all teeth starting below the gum line and up toward the top of the teeth.

2. Dry brush the surface of my teeth with firm but gentle pressure using a soft bristle toothbrush.   This removes the plaque on the surface of the teeth.  I check for its effectiveness by running my finger over my teeth and listen for a squeak.  If the squeak is weak, I’ll brush that area a little longer.

3. A gentle application of toothpaste (only about the size of a small pea) on the toothbrush.   The goal here is not vigorous brushing, but rather applying the toothpaste onto the tooth as kind of a polish to protect the surface of the teeth.

4.  Apply a little bit of mouthwash to the toothbrush and gently brush along the gum line.  I’ll also include the surface of my tongue because most of the bacteria that causes bad breath lives on the tongue.

5.  Finally a quick rinse with the remaining mouthwash and I’m finished for the morning.

Evening:

1.  Brush with a pea sized amount of toothpaste as normal.

Actually, the morning routine doesn’t take as long as you might think.  It lasts only about 2-3 minutes which is just the right amount of time for good oral hygiene, according to dentists.  So far, I’ve noticed that my mouth feels fresher longer into the day, even when I eat breakfast after I’ve done the ritual.  I think that’s a good sign.  But the final test will be in six months when I go back to the dentist for my next cleaning and see if there has been noticeably less plaque buildup for the hygienist to scrape off and if she notices that my great teeth also have equally great gums!  I’ll let you know in March.

Sources:

WebMD

WikiAnswers

Dentist.net

Wikipedia

About.com Video:  How to Floss Properly

Let me start this post with two confessions.  I grew up within a 2 hour drive of Cleveland, Ohio and  I never really did like Cleveland very much.  I also grew up (as a drinker) not liking most Belgian beers.  I haven’t yet changed my mind about Cleveland, but some recent developments have shifted my mindset when it comes to the many Belgian beer styles.

The Cleveland thing shouldn’t really shock any of you that have ever lived that near to Cleveland.  When I was a kid it was good times to  go with the family to a ball game to watch the A’s or Yankees beat the Indians.  Jacob’s Field is now a nice place to catch a game.  Once it opened in the late 90s the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was worth a tour, but since about 1998, I have given that town a few too many shots and it kept on letting me down. Maybe it was just circumstance or maybe Cleveland doesn’t like me either.  Someday, when I have a good reason, I’ll give it a try again, but for now I try to avoid it.  I have found one very redeeming quality to the town though.  That thing comes in bottles and they call it beer.

Its short comings, and my personal bad experiences with that town that gave us the Browns (twice), do not extend to the products that roll out the door of the Great Lakes Brewing Co.  I first encountered their beer by a special at my local beer store on Burning River, an American Pale Ale that is  highlighted by cascade hops.   It amazed my new Aussie roommate that Americans could make beer with that much flavor.  That was back in 200o and since then I’ve tried about every Great Lakes brew that I could find.  I wouldn’t steer you away from any of their beers, but some of my perpetual favorites are the Eliot Ness Amber Lager and the Blackout Stout (a Russian Imperial Stout).  They have a handy beer finder to help your search.

On my trip north this summer I learned that they had brewed a saison from goodies from their local farm, so I couldn’t resist to pick some up.  Saisons are a Belgian style that traditionally is brewed during the winter months for summer consumption.  Keeping with that, the Great Lakes version was apparently available from April to July.  If you can find some around, enjoy them sooner rather than later.  I have quite enjoyed the first two and I’m quite pleased to know that I have a couple more waiting for me.  I found this to quite a pleasant Cleveland beer especially when comparing the price with similar Belgians.  On my next trip to Cleveland, I will make it a point to stop by the Great Lakes Brew Pub and hopefully it’ll make for a joyous venture.

Brewery: Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Beer: Grassroots AleStyle: Belgian Style Saison Ale
ABV: 6.2
Score: 4 of 5
Cost: $ by the case – $$ by the sixer

In the last few days before this review, I had been drinking through a few rather sharp IPAs and some smooth but non-descript stouts, so when I cracked open this Grassroots Ale, it sent my tongue into a bit of a tizzy. Brewed with chamomile, coriander, lemon balm and lemon basil (along with the typical beer ingredients) this beer made me say to myself that it has “a kick of something else”.  I know that it isn’t one of my most eloquent statements, but it definitely blew the thought of hops out of my mind. This is an herbal beast that climbs up and over every part of your mouth like a great cup of tea, only cold and a bit fizzy.

I recommend serving this beer in a glass that will maximize the aroma. I personally went at it in an over-sized Bordeaux wine glass as anything else fitting was waiting for me to do the wash.  It pours a bright golden with a fluffy few fingers of head that left light lacing.

This ale is fragrant in a way that can only come from the earth.  Burying my nose in the glass is reminiscent of burying my face in a bunch of fresh trimmed herbs from my sister’s herb garden that she kept when we were kids. Chamomile leads the parade, the lemon jumps out behind and the coriander slides in underneath. There is a smooth trace of honey and a slight smoky finish to the nose.

As much as this is fragrant, it is tasty.  there is a sharpness from the lemon balm and that dances with the basil and grains. This mild ale is very light on the mouth compared to the first hit on the nose.  That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a great taste, but that you taste it best with your nose as it comes to your mouth.

This ale leaves a tingle on the tongue with rather vigorous carbonation, but if seems to coat every part of my mouth with the twang of lemon basil. The acidity is hidden between the various herbs, but the bite is there in the aftertaste. It sounds horrible to say, but I can’t think of a better way to describe it.  This beer leaves my mouth feeling like I’ve just gargled the best tasting mouthwash that I’ve ever had.  That is a compliment, it really is.  If you can still find this gem, give it a shot.  If not, put it on your list for next year.

should we brush our teeth before getting into the swimming pool? how about disinfecting them with mouthwash which is quicker and easier to do? most people think it’s unnecessary but then why is it that in almost all countries in the world (except australia that I know from personal experience) must people take shower before entering the pool?

http://thinkaloo.com

Kate Nash rather adeptly explains the inner-workings of human (more specifically, female) emotion.

This is my face
Covered in freckles
With the occasional spot
And some veins

This is my body
Covered in skin
And not all of it
You can see

And, this, is my mind
It goes over and over
The same old lines

And, this, is my brain
It’s torturous analytical thoughts
Make me go insane

And I use mouthwash
Sometimes I floss
I got a family
And I drink cups of tea

I’ve got nostalgic pavements
I’ve got familiar faces
I’ve got a mixed-up memory
And I’ve got favourite places

And I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night
And I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night
And I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night
And I hope everything’s gonna be alright
And I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night
And I hope everything’s gonna be alright

This is my face
I’ve got a thousand opinions
And not the time to explain

And this is my body
And no matter how you try and disable it
Yes I’ll still be here

And, this, is my mind
And although you try to infringe
You cannot confine

And, this, is my brain
And even if you try and hold me back
There’s nothing that you can gain

‘Cause I use mouthwash
Sometimes I floss
I’ve got a family
And I drink cups of tea

I’ve got nostalgic pavements
I’ve got familiar faces
I’ve got a mixed-up memory
And I’ve got favourite places

I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night
And I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night
And I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night
And I hope everything’s gonna be alright
And I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night
And I hope everything’s gonna be alright
Oh oh oh oh oh oh:

Speaking of tea…

Many of us use shower gel every day, maybe once, twice, or even three times.

So every time you take a shower, why not do something extra to help the environment? Not to mention your skin!

No more washing yourself in nasty chemicals which then go down the drain into the sea. Maybe they’re removed, maybe not. Think about it. It happens every day, by each member of your family, and each household. And there’s a lot of them. Hmmm..

So here’s your chance to start making a difference. How about using eco-friendly shower gel?

Try out these products:

• Lavender and Geranium Shower Gel from Faith in Nature
• Organic Aloe Vera & Ylang Ylang Shower Gel from Faith in Nature
• Akamuti Liquid African Black Soap
• Organic Blue Shower Gel

When you try them, please post a comment and let me have your feedback on it. Thank you.

If you are interested in using eco-friendly shower gel, you may also be interested in:

• eco-friendly hair shampoo
• eco-friendly hair conditioner
• eco-friendly mouthwash

You can look good, feel good and be green!

Find the above products, and many others which are kind to the environment at ethicalsuperstore.com.

Free Sample of Nutland Crunch Snack – http://www.nutlandfoods.com/freesample.php

Brilliant Brunette® Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo (.28 oz.) and Brilliant Brunette® Liquid Shine Illuminating Conditioner (.28 oz.) – http://www.johnfrieda.com/event.asp?action=entry&EventCode=jf_djSample

Free Samples of Somersaults Snacks – http://www.somersaultsnackco.com/?event=utility.request-sample

Free Scope Samples – http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid74876.aspx

Wewwo! I’ve been busy watching Wacky Racers / Johnny Quest on Boomerang. Who ever knew Dr. Quest was such a downer? Who sits in their hotel room saying that the Orient is captivating and yet… sinister?

Anywharf, I gotcho’ BEES! Though, it’s pretty late. I’m going to bed immediately afterwards…

B021

Woah… It’s like I can see flavors… :O

–

Marc (now in Grape!)

In the merry month of August, there will be two punk rock extravaganza’s in support for No Sweat, “ an activist, campaigning organisation, fighting sweatshop bosses, in solidarity with workers, worldwide.” It’s a worthwile cause so visit the website if you desire to do so.

The first punk rock extravaganza will be at The Garage, Highbury, London on 15th August. Go to this gig! It features four of London’s finest bands including one thats broken up (The Filaments), one thats got a mixture of so many people from the Punk underground it’s impossible to ever get them in one place at one time (Suicide Bid), one that split up and then got back together (Mouthwash), and er, the Grit.

The weekend after we have this baby. I can’t find a flyer so you’ll have to have the ugly text version!

No Sweat Festival ‘09!!

Saturday 22 August

The Cross Kings, Kings Cross, London, N1 0AX

No Sweat teams up with Out of Step promotions to bring you over 20 bands playing across 2 floors all day into the wee hours, while veggie grub is served in the garden with Al fresco open mic sessions all afternoon. All for the DIY price of £5!!!

No Sweat stage:
The Skints www.myspace.com/theskintsuk
Tofu Love Frogs www.myspace.com/tofulovefrogs
Duncan (Snuff) www.myspace.com/snuffbanduk
The Arteries www.myspace.com/thearteries
Jakal www.myspace.com/jakal
ICH www.myspace.com/ichcolchesterpunx
241ers www.myspace.com/the241ers
Chillertons www.myspace.com/baileygregandjack
Near the Knuckle www.myspace.com/neartheknuckle
Black Radio www.myspace.com/blackradio
Captain Black No Stars www.myspace.com/captainblacknostars

Out of Step stage:
Resolution 242 www.myspace.com/resolution242
Clayton Blizzard www.myspace.com/claytonblizzard
Al Baker www.myspace.com/alandhisguitar
Apologies I have None www.myspace.com/apologiesihavenone
The Ruby Kid www.myspace.com/therubykid
Livers & Lungs www.myspace.com/liversandlungsband
PJ & Gaby www.myspace.com/pjandgaby
Perkie www.myspace.com/perkiekicksthings
The Leano www.myspace.com/leanoland
Mega Games 2 www.myspace.com/themegagamestwo
The Casual Terrorist www.myspace.com/thecasualterrorist
Captain of the Rant www.myspace.com/captainoftherantpoetry

+ Very Special Guests tbc

£5 on the door 2pm – Late