Essential Oxygen

5 Tips to Make Healthy and Eco-conscious Lifestyle Choices

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Guest Post

Personal health is important, but so is the health of Mother Earth. What’s more, caring for your own long-term well-being while at the same time helping the preservation of the natural world around you are two complementary things – because helping the environment will greatly enhance your own quality of life. The best thing about going eco-friendly is that it’s not a cumbersome task, as there are many small lifestyle changes you can make that will have a grand impact.

Whether you choose to donate to a worthy cause, start recycling, eat healthier foods, or introduce organics into your home, there are many ways you can become healthier, happier, and aid the preservation of the natural world around you. Here are five tips to make healthy, eco-conscious lifestyle choices.

Consider swapping before buying

Before you spring for a new piece of furniture or a new décor element to spruce up your interior, consider whether or not you could get the same thing (or something even more beautiful and functional) for free, or half the price. Nowadays, there are many social media groups, stores, and online and offline communities where people can trade stuff, and sell their belongings for a very small price – these are the places where you might find your new vanity, or a new set of cookware that’s barely been used.

The pre-owned culture is booming across the globe, because there is no need to buy something with an inflated price tag just because it’s new. But it’s not just about the price, it’s also about saving the environment. By buying or trading pre-owned, you will help cut CO2 emissions and lower the impact of production, transportation, and worker exploitation. 

Change your waste disposal habits

It’s easy to simply throw everything into the same garbage can, but is it the right thing to do? Certainly not, and not just because mixing waste is harmful to the environment, but because it can be harmful to your own quality of life, and your future. You see, every decision we make about waste in our homes can have an impact on the natural world around us, and by harming our environment, we are effectively harming our future – the future your children are to live in one day.

Separating your trash to boost the local and global recycling initiative is one of the best things you can do for the environment, and one of the most rewarding things you can do for your home and your family. Recycling is rewarding in so many ways, while repurposing and reusing will allow you to save money in the long-term, become happier because you’re making a difference, and instill positive habits into the hearts and minds of your family members.

Choose organic and eco-friendly materials

Another positive change you can make is to decorate your home with organic, sustainable materials. If you’re decorating the nursery and choosing linens for the room and your baby, choose brands the likes of Bubba Blue that use bamboo and other organic materials that are friendly towards the environment, and most importantly, friendly towards your baby’s skin and health. Use the same mindset to decorate every room in your home, and choose organic materials for your linens, beddings, blankets and throws, and even your clothes.

For example, you can buy bamboo underwear and socks that are not only healthy for your skin, but are made through sustainable production methods to ensure as little negative impact on the natural world as possible. You can extend this habit to furniture and décor as well, and choose furniture made by the skillful hands of local artisans instead of the big brands.

Mind your nutrition

Your eating habits can have a profound impact on your health, but they can also have an impact on the natural world around you. By making a few minor changes, such as eating less meat, buying foods from local vendors, makers, and growers, and limiting your dairy consumption, you can minimize the harmful effects of climate change and global warming. In turn, these new healthy habits will elevate your long-term health, and the health of your family.

Keep your home spotless with natural cleaners

And finally, there is no need to buy name brand cleaners to keep your home spotless. With a few everyday ingredients, you can make your own, non-toxic cleaners and use them throughout your home without fear of toxins and chemicals seeping into the fabrics or lowering the quality of the air in the household. 

You can also seek out eco-conscious brands such as Essential Oxygen that sell Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide – a multipurpose cleaner that you simply need to have in your household. Use this product as a general household cleaner, a healthy veggie wash, as a plant fertilizer, a laundry brightener, or even as a healthy oral rinse! And all that without harming the environment.

Wrapping up

Leading a more eco-conscious lifestyle is fun, healthy, and rewarding. By adopting these essential eco-friendly habits, you will create a healthier living environment while at the same time safeguarding the well-being of Mother Earth.

The Ugly Truth: Everyday Habits That Negatively Affect Your Health

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Guest Post


We all know the infamous saying: “it’s the little things that go a long way.” The expression holds true for all things, especially habits. Developing a habit — good or bad — can have a major impact on your health and personal well-being. Without recognizing the acts that make up your daily routine and the consequences associated with them, we fail to realize which of these habits should be kept and which should be broken. So, let’s take a closer look:

Here are the top five everyday habits that are negatively affecting your health:

1.     Smoking

Whether you’re smoking a cigarette or inhaling a vape pen, there is no safe level of tobacco or nicotine use. From tooth decay to lung cancer, smoking affects nearly every organ of the body, regardless of how often you do it. Since smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, it’s your job to take control of this habit. Despite the pleasure that can come from short to moderate use, removing the act from your daily routine can help to protect you from developing other medical conditions such as erectile dysfunction or coronary heart disease. 

2.    Using a Hand Dryer

Although hand dryers are environmentally friendly compared to paper towels, the tendency to use them can be hazardous to your health, according to research. One study shows that hot-air hand dryers found in public restrooms are not only blowing hot air onto your hands, but they’re also spewing fecal germs. The bacterial horror comes from the poop and bacteria that launches into the air after a person flushes the toilet. The germs then get sucked up into these hand dryers and blasted right back onto your freshly washed hands. Gross!

3.     Suppressing Your Sneezes

You may think you’re being polite by holding in your sneezes, but in reality, you’re endangering your health. The purpose of sneezing is for your nose to safeguard you from inhaling things like pollen, dust, and other harmful bacteria. Since our sneezes typically move at a speed of up to 100 miles per hour, holding it in can create tremendous pressure within your body. As a result, this could lead to other health issues like ongoing nosebleeds, fractures of your nasal cartilage, or ruptured eardrums. So next time you feel that sneeze coming on, it’s best to just go ahead and let out an ah-choo!

4.     Biting Your Nails

Onychophagia, also known as nail-biting, is a habit typically associated with anxiety because it helps to relieve stress, tension, and boredom. However, the act of chewing your nails is linked to serious health problems. The reason? The disgusting and problematic germs crawling under your fingernails! When dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus aureus is transported from under your nails to your mouth, you’re putting your body at risk of skin infections, pneumonia, and more. Additionally, your oral health is also compromised. Nail-biting can cause tooth loss, tooth fractures, and in worse cases, displaced jaws.

5.     Staring at Screens

In the past decade, an average individual’s screen time has amplified exponentially. With most Americans spending at least seven hours staring at one of their digital screens, it’s no surprise the number of health concerns that have transpired over the years. Issues related to vision, lack of sleep, and chronic neck and back pain are just a few problems that affect people every day as a result of the time they spend on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. For best practice, try to refocus your vision every so often at something other than your screen and get off your device at least an hour before you plan on going to bed. 

In short, having good health does not just come from a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. It’s the little things we do each and every day that have the biggest influence on our lives. To add years to your life and life to your years the answer is simple — be mindful of your habits and daily routine. 

Why Mindfulness Matters

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Guest Blog By: John Parrott

Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword over the last few years.

But just what does being mindful mean and how does it work?

In this guide, you’ll learn why being mindful matters and how to practice it.

So What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being consciously aware in the present moment, without judging your experience.

You see, we’re often worried about what could happen tomorrow – or ruminating on problems from the past.

By being ‘mindful’, we can enjoy every moment in the here and now.


By achieving this state of awareness, we can enjoy a sense of peace within – rather than being distracted by our anxiety.

What Are The Benefits Of Mindfulness?

So let’s look at some of the benefits of mindfulness:

  • It can help improve our self-awareness
  • It’s a skill that almost anyone can develop
  • Mindfulness can create an inner sense of peace and calm
  • Being mindful helps us reconnect with others – who we might usually take for granted
  • Increased confidence and levels of self-esteem
  • Enhanced levels of energy and productivity
  • More compassion for the people around us and for ourselves

Note: Looking for the scientific evidence? Then check out these research based studies on mindfulness.

How Can I Practice Mindfulness?

If you’re looking for some easy exercises, check out these five mindfulness trainings.

But before you begin, I’d recommend starting off slow.

Mindfulness requires patience and practice – it’s not something we can master overnight.

So take your time and enjoy the experience.

Useful Resources For Practicing Meditation

Author Bio: John Parrott
John runs Relax Like A Boss, a blog that teaches people how to reduce stress and relax in a busy world. His passion is helping and inspiring others to beat stress and live a healthier, happier lifestyle. His Twitter is here.

The Connection Between Painful Teeth and Jogging

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And How To Fix It!

Guest Blog By: Ian Lewis

Most people start jogging or running if they want to start leading a healthier lifestyle or lose some weight. It’s no surprise that they choose this activity because running brings many health benefits, including cardiovascular benefits. However, for some people, this activity can cause many kinds of pain, including in your teeth. This pain is often neglected or rarely talked about, and even though unusual, it can happen. If you’ve experienced this kind of pain, here are some of the causes of it and how you can get rid of it. 

Cavity or Infection

It is highly probable that tooth pain that occurs when running is caused by a cavity. The cavity is caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, and when not removed properly by brushing and regular checkups the cavity develops and causes pain. At first, it is easy to miss a cavity, but tooth sensitivity is one of the early signs and even running and high temperatures can cause discomfort. What is more, if you notice that your tooth reacts to foods with extreme temperatures, such as hot coffee or ice cream, it means that it can access the nerves of the tooth and causes pain. 

What is more, if the tooth gets inflamed, the increased blood flow from running can cause pain. Or even just breathing in through your mouth. Luckily, a quick visit to your dentist can help you reduce pain. They will address the cavity and get rid of the inflammation, so don’t forget to make a visit as soon as you notice any sensitivity. 

Not So Good Vibrations

As you strike the ground with your feet, the vibrating impact can reach your cavity and cause some discomfort. This can mean that something with your teeth is not right. You may either have some food trapped between, causing discomfort or your tooth is cracked or is seriously decaying. The best advice here is to visit your dentist or to invest in better running equipment. It may be that your shoes are too tough and that you grind your teeth against each other with each step. So, make sure to get better running shoes and see if that makes any difference. What is more, you can even lessen the impact by investing in running shoes from Rockay. They are made for runners and they are made of eco-friendly materials, so you don’t have to worry about that factor either. 

Sinus Infection

Believe it or not, your tooth pain might be caused by a sinus infection. Sinus infection is caused by mucus buildup and if they are inflamed sinuses can cause some serious referred pain. Referred pain is pain you feel in some other body part from its origin. Thus, inflamed sinuses can cause pain in your teeth or jaw. So, while you’re running and bouncing up and down, you’re shifting everything and sending vibrations to your jaw, causing the pain to increase. A similar phenomenon can be caused by an ear infection too. 

Grinding Your Teeth

Most of us don’t even notice or realize we grind our teeth. This is because grinding usually happens at night while we sleep, or we simply do it subconsciously. This subconscious occurrence of teeth grinding happens while exercising with most of the people. As we are pushing ourselves to run uphill or increase our speed, we usually clench our jaws and grind our teeth, which can become even more dangerous since there is a heavy impact of running. So, this might also be causing your teeth to hurt. 

How to relieve pain

If you notice any pain in your teeth while running, it is best that you visit your dentist and see what’s the damage and what is causing that pain and treat it immediately. However, there are other ways to relieve pain both short-term and long-term fixes. 

For short-term fixes, you can make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly and use interdental brushes as well. Also, you can rinse your oral cavity with 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide or Organic Brushing Rinse and make sure there is no bacteria. What is more, if you notice you’re clenching your jaws and teeth, you can massage the muscles in your face to relieve tension. 

For more long-term solutions, you can make sure you’re making regular visits to your dentist and that you keep good track of your oral hygiene and thus prevent any damage and pain. Also, don’t forget to floss, rinse and have your dentist clean your teeth at least twice a year.

As you can see, running can cause discomfort and pain in your teeth, but this is due to some other problems in your oral cavity. So, don’t forget to clean, floss, rinse and visit your dentist in order to prevent the pain. However, if you already feel pain, don’t just give up on running because your teeth hurt. Rather, do some digging and find out what’s causing that pain in reality.  

Bio: Ian Lewis is a father, writer, and a fitness nut. He’s passionate about many forms of strength training and spent years lifting all kinds of heavy objects.His favorite quote: There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind. You can find him on Twitter.

7 Vitamins and Minerals for A Healthy Mouth

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Guest Post

Most people think that to have a healthy mouth, you need to brush and floss your teeth daily. While this is true, there are other things that you can use to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Vitamins and minerals, in the form of food, have been used for centuries to help maintain a healthy mouth.

Calcium

Calcium is fantastic for healthy mouths since teeth are basically bones and bones thrive on calcium. Calcium helps build strong bones, and your mouth is no exception. Calcium helps to harden your teeth’s enamel and strengthen your jawbone. 

Foods rich in calcium include:

  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Salmon
  • Milk 
  • Leafy green vegetables

Potassium

Potassium helps improve the density of bone. It also helps maintain proper blood Ph so that calcium is not stripped from your teeth.

Foods that are high in potassium are bananas, tomatoes, lima beans, potatoes, avocados, and prunes. 

Vitamin D

Similar to potassium, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, rather than strip it away. Vitamin D and calcium intake often go hand in hand when it comes to bone and body health. 

Vitamin D can be acquired from the sun, fatty fish, portobello mushrooms, and fortified milk and orange juice. You can learn more about Vitamin D here.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is fascinating because it prevents the breakdown of bone. Those who have an adequate supply of vitamin K in their diets have stronger bones. 

Vitamin K also helps our body produce osteocalcin, which is a protein that supports bone strength. 

Foods that are rich in vitamin K include leafy green vegetables and brussel sprouts. 

Vitamin A

While vitamin A doesn’t directly help your teeth, it helps prevent a dry mouth, which is great for good mouth hygiene. This vitamin helps keep mucous membranes healthy. If you want to have a moist mouth, you can eat foods, such as:

  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Orange colored foods like pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes
  • Fish
  • Egg yolks
  • Liver

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps maintain your gum health. This is important in combating gingivitis. Again, leafy green vegetables are a good source of vitamin C. 

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a great mineral to support strong bones and health. It can be found in  a wide variety of foods such as:

  • Seafood
  • Soybeans
  • Lentils
  • Beef
  • Pork 
  • Cheese

Foods to Avoid for Mouth Health

Some foods should be avoided to maintain a healthy mouth, as well. While many foods are good for your teeth and gums, others can have negative effects. 

Food that takes a long time to chew can damage your teeth. Also, foods that have a lot of sugar and are held in your mouth, like a cough drop or a piece of hard candy, can also be harmful to your teeth. 

Acidic and high carbohydrate foods can be bad for your teeth too. They can wear down the enamel on your teeth and can create cavities over time. 

Good mouth health does not have to be complicated. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, eating a diet rich with green, leafy vegetables, carrots, eggs, and beans can have long-lasting positive effects on your overall teeth and bone health.

5 Important Benefits of Having an Annual General Checkup

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Image result for checkup stock photo

Guest Post

There are a lot of reasons why people schedule a doctor’s appointment. Some visit their doctors at regular intervals to monitor a chronic condition. Most of the time, people only schedule a checkup during the peak of an illness. Although there are no rules to doctors’ checkups, it is advisable that everyone schedules a general consultation with their doctors every year—and for a lot of good reasons. 

  1. To Prevent Diseases Before They Start 

Regular consultations with your doctor generally provide primary prevention, which is aimed at completely preventing the disease, especially among at-risk individuals. During a general checkup, doctors usually complete your clinical history, which includes your vaccination records, previous blood-pressure measurements, and other baseline readings such as oxygen saturation using Sp02 sensors.

Your past medical history, as well as your family’s history of diseases, are all relevant information that needs to be disclosed to your clinician in order to provide holistic care. 

The same goes for a regular dental checkup. You may think that you have perfectly healthy teeth, but you could be at risk for certain dental health risks. Getting your pearly whites checked from time to time should keep you well-informed on how to protect your teeth from harmful diseases. 

Aside from a physical examination, another essential component of primary prevention is also getting your immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases like tetanus and measles. By checking in with your doctor annually, you are more likely to receive these valuable preventive measures and protect yourself from illnesses. 

  1. To Detect Diseases Early On 

Early detection of a disease can significantly affect its treatment, slowing down its progress and stopping it as soon as possible. Annual general checkups aim to do just that by providing regular health checks and screening tests to detect the presence of a disease in its earliest stage. 

If you are at risk for certain diseases, your doctor may likely require you to undergo health screening tests, such as a mammogram for breast cancer or a cholesterol test for heart disease. If you are at risk for certain diseases or have a family history of them, it’s best to check with your doctor from time to time to closely monitor your health. 

  1. To Promote Good Overall Health 

Annual health checks go beyond medical prescriptions and routine screening procedures. Looking at the big picture, regular doctor’s consultations promote good overall health during or even before the occurrence of a health problem. They ease one’s suffering from a current condition or prevent it from happening altogether. 

During your doctor’s appointment, your clinician may tap into other counselling topics to promote holistic healthcare, which include smoking cessation, prenatal advice, safe sex practices, and health tips on maintaining an active lifestyle. 

  1. To Keep Track of Your Medical Records 

You might not remember the last time you had a tetanus shot, but your doctor would. Your doctor’s office keeps your entire medical history record, which includes every visit, test, and immunization you’ve had at their clinic or facility. 

Your medical records are more important than you think. They help your physician, as well as other members of your medical team, to understand your current condition and diagnosis on a much deeper level. With your entire medical record in their hands, this enables them to provide you with the most accurate and prompt treatment and care. 

  1. To Build and Maintain Rapport with Your Doctor

Unlike specialists, who you only see from time to time in case of a specific illness, your primary care clinicians will likely to know you better. Having looked out for you for a long period of time—may it be in your best or worst health status—your doctor is the best person to detect any physical or psychological change that could hint to a developing disease or deteriorating health. 

Since you have been with your doctor long enough to build rapport with each other, you are more open and honest in disclosing pertinent health information that could help manage your condition. After all, it is easier to communicate with someone that you already know and trust. 

The more you visit your doctor on a regular basis, even if it is just once per year, the more he or she develops a good sense of your general health. This does not only personalize your healthcare but also makes it more accurate and effective. 

Nobody’s health is perfect, and this rings truer every single day that adds up to our age. Don’t miss out on your doctor’s appointments. At the end of the day, it always pays to stay on top of your health.

Health and Hygiene During Travel

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Guest Post By Bea Hajde from givemeabag.com

Out of all the things I can’t really avoid, I’d say sleeping, eating and travel are my favorites. I especially enjoy long flights that give me ample time to read a book or reflect on my life choices.

Unfortunately, mass transport isn’t the safest place to be as a human body. There are so many germs and bacteria in places like an airplane’s cabin, that proper hygiene has to be treated as a priority if you want to avoid a nasty stomach virus, or the flu.

Since I won’t be giving up travel for a while, I’ve collected a few tips to stay safe by maintaining appropriate hygiene during a long trip. Let me share these with you.

Care for the Environment

Before we talk about protecting your body, let’s talk about protecting your travel environment.

Want to hear something scary? The filthiest places on an airplane are not the toilet seats or the cabin floor, but actually the food trays in front of you. We’re talking 10 times more germs on trays than, say, the flush button on the toilet.

This is most likely because cleaning crews are extra thorough with the restrooms (for obvious reasons), while they often don’t have time to clean every tray properly.

So your first line of defense is to never, ever, eat straight from the tray surface, and make sure to clean it with a disinfectant wipe or sanitizer just in case. If you want to be extra thorough, you should might as well wipe the seat belt buckles too – another potent source of bacteria literally at your fingertips.

Hygiene and Health

Now let’s talk about personal travel hygiene. I don’t really trust the water stored in airplane tanks, so I tried to look for solutions that require little to no water.

The easiest way to approach this task is to think about important areas on your body that need regular cleaning. These would be your hands, your face and mouth, and certain places like your armpits and the area around your privates.

Your Hands

Most tips in this article will work towards staying fresh during your trip, and some body parts can even be neglected when you feel like not spending precious energy on cleaning them.

This is absolutely not the case when it comes to your hands, as they are the most common surfaces to take up and transport bacteria around.

The easiest and most efficient way to keep your hands clean is to have a bottle of hand sanitizer “on hand” at all times.

Clean your hands before having a meal, after using the restroom, or touching any oft-used surface on your chosen transport. Your immune system will thank you.

Your Face and Mouth

One of the simple things you can do to freshen up during a long trip is to clean your face and mouth.

There are several types of wipes, creams or other products that you can use to clean your face without even a drop of water. They’ll most often have travel-sized versions as well, so you can easily put them in your carry-on.

For the most compact oral hygiene experience, use Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse to keep your mouth fresh and healthy. You can use the product by brushing your teeth if you want to be extra thorough, or simply as a mouthwash.

Your Body

First and foremost, your clothing can actually impact your hygiene and overall travel comfort. Having a change of fresh tops or shirts is a great quick fix if your clothes get dirty or damp from sweat. If you’re like my husband and sweat easily, consider buying a few “dry-fit” T-shirts or tops.

Now actually getting to your body parts, the answer is wipes… wipes everywhere. More specifically, all-natural, unscented wipes for your most intimate regions, and any kind of non-toxic wipes for the rest.

Go on an internet forum talking about the simplest way to freshen up in icky situations, and both men and women will swear by baby wipes due to their gentleness and effectiveness.

You can get wipes designed for specific parts of your body, but if you want to have an all-in-one product, unscented baby wipes are the way to go. Make sure they are environmentally responsible, free from alcohol, perfume scents, or any chemicals that are known to cause irritation.

Conclusion

And that’s pretty much it. Let’s do a quick recap.

There are really three things you need to pack for travel hygiene: a hand sanitizer, a travel-sized  bottle of Organic Brushing Rinse , and a pack of unscented, all-natural baby wipes.

With only these three products, you can cover the essential needs of your body, protect yourself and your environment from most of the nasty bacteria, and have some peace of mind to enjoy your long trip, wherever it may lead you.

How to Make Yourself Feel Happy and Healthy this Summer

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Guest Post

Summer is a time to spend outdoors, in the sunlight and living your best life. Coming from the raininess of spring though, it can be hard to get into the summer-time mood. When you’re feeling in a slump, there’s no better time to amp up your self-care routine. Here are some sure-fire ways to kick those blues aside and start feeling the summer sun!

Find Fun Activities

Summer gives you plenty of choices when it comes to things to do. Whether you’re a mini-golf fanatic or lounging by the pool is more you’re cup of tea, there’s no better time of year to get out and do something fun. Gather a group of your favorite people together once a week and let each person take a turn deciding what they want to do. Who knows, you might find something new you love. 

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Regardless of the season, this is an important thing to always keep in mind. Sleep is essential to staying healthy and feeling happy; all you need to do is create the right environment and use the right tools to help you get your best sleep possible. If you’re having trouble sleeping and you find yourself tossing and turning, it’s time to replace your mattress. During summer months, if you tend to get too warm when sleeping, it’s a good idea to invest in cooling sheets and pillows as well to bring your comfort level to a maximum.

Go Outside

Those grey months where the sun rarely shines make you feel “blah” and gloomy for a reason. Exposure to sunlight is your body’s best way of produce vitamin d, which has been linked to improvement in your mood. So take advantage of those sunny days and head outside. Whether you go for a walk, participate in a sport or lay out to tan, enjoy soaking up those rays. Just be sure to apply (and re-apply) sunscreen!

Maintain Your Smile

Let’s face it, when we look good, we feel good too. One trait that people care about is their smile, and consequently their teeth. Taking care of those pearly whites will not only make you feel better about yourself, but in turn it will make you appear more confident to others. Make your teeth truly shine with a three-step cleaning system. Then for your lips, be sure to regularly apply chapstick, with some SPF, so your lips don’t get dried out or burnt while you’re enjoying the season.  

Take a Trip

Summer means there’s great weather all over the place, so take advantage of it and head out of town. Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway with your significant other or headed on a week-long family vacation, nothing will make you happier than experiencing new sights and sounds with the people you’re closest to. Plus, taking the mental step away from work and your everyday stressors will help you relax and recoup. 

The practices  you start this season, can be evolved when the weather eventually turns colder. Make sure to take advantage of the summer months and weather to make the happiest and healthiest version of yourself possible!

3 Things That Will Decay Your Teeth Faster

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Written by Chris Scalise

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Some oral problems are genetic, such as an overbite or a case of dry mouth. For the most part, however, you’re in charge of your teeth. Decay occurs when you don’t take care of them. Maybe you’re eating the wrong foods, or slacking off on your oral care routine. But you can always fix the problem and change up your habits to prevent future damage.

Poor Nutritional Choices

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What you eat and drink has a profound effect on your teeth. That’s why it’s critical to start early and teach children about healthy nutrition. After all, kids (and adults!) tend to love all of the beverages and treats that are bad for their teeth. Sugary foods are the worst.

Sugar has a party with oral bacteria, which creates acid that does significant damage to tooth enamel. However, you have to realize that candy isn’t the only sugar-spun culprit. Fruit has sugar, too, and dried fruit has even more. Yogurt, pudding, cake, cookies—all of those sweet treats can lead to decay unless they’re eaten in moderation. Sugary drinks are no better. You know that soda can lead to cavities and decay, but were you aware that some fruit juices can do the same thing?

Go easy on starchy foods, too. Bread, chips, cookies, crackers, and similar foods are high in starch. In your mouth, the starch breaks down into simple sugars. At that point, sugar once again works with bacteria to create acid.

Acidic foods are problematic, as well. Citrus fruits have acid that can eat away at the enamel of the teeth. Even bread and fish contain acid. Soda and fruit juice form a double threat here. Energy drinks are especially dangerous on the acid and sugar front. It’s not necessary to cut out all of these foods, but always eat in moderation, with proper oral hygiene after.

Even a quick rinse is helpful until you can get to your toothbrush. Look for healthy snacking alternatives, as well. Stick with vegetables that can help to clean the teeth as you chew, such as raw broccoli and celery.

Lax Oral Hygiene Habits


Tooth decay doesn’t just happen. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, then your smile will suffer the consequences.

Both adults and children should brush their teeth at least twice a day, and floss once. Younger children have baby teeth that will eventually be replaced, but the point is to instill healthy habits. That involves leading by example. Teach your child how to brush correctly.

You need the right tools for the job. Choose an age-appropriate toothbrush, a healthy toothpaste, and floss. You may also consider a water-pik for deep cleaning. Floss sticks are convenient, too. Find what works for you because as long as it cleans your teeth, it’s a fine choice.

Everyone needs to visit the dentist regularly. Usually, once every six months is sufficient. Some children may need to go more frequently than twice a year, however. Anyone with cavities, a crooked bite, or gum issues will have to go more often.

Grinding the Teeth


Most people who grind their teeth don’t even realize it. They wake up with a sore mouth, an aching jaw, or a headache, but they typically attribute the problems to stress, sleeping wrong, or something else. Teeth grinding usually happens while you’re sound asleep, although it can crop up during tense situations, as well.

Grinding causes decay because it erodes the outer layer of the enamel on your teeth. It literally grinds it away, and you probably aren’t even aware of it. Fortunately, your dentist should pick up on the habit, which is relatively easy to fix. All you need is a bite guard, which can work for children as well as adults.

Are you guilty of these things that cause tooth decay? See your dentist, have a family meeting, and make a plan to fix it! Be true to your teeth and they won’t ever be false to you.